Folk Art in the Parks

Six Oregon artists will deliver special presentations about the history and cultural significance of their crafts and traditions at state parks across Oregon during the month of June. “Folk Art in the Parks” is sponsored by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) along with the University of Oregon’s Oregon Folklife Network (OFN), the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Each artist will appear with a folklorist from the OFN, the state’s designated folk and traditional arts program, in collaboration with a local arts organization. The featured event and presenter for Wallowa Lake State Park is:  “Powwow dance and regalia.” Julie Johnson will demonstrate traditional dancing and beadwork featured at intertribal powwows. Johnson, who lives and works on the Burns Pauite Reservation, is an enrolled member of the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe. She makes Native American dance outfits for her family and friends who wear their regalia for powwows, dances and other special occasions. Johnson, who also is an accomplished dancer, performed in the opening ceremony of the Salt Lake City Olympics. This event will also include a display of her handiwork. Presented in collaboration with the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.
6-8 p.m., Saturday, June 21, Wallowa Lake State Park.