Native trails

Enjoy Native American arts in an outdoor setting at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts when NATIVE TRAILS kicks off on Jan 20, 2011

The Heard Museum in Phoenix is the place to be through Sun, Jan 2 — as they present the final days of this year’s “Holidays at the Heard” — featuring traditional and contemporary performance art and artist demonstrations, which are free with general museum admission.

One of many American Indian works on exhibit through Sunday at the Mesa Arts Center

Those who appreciate American Indian art will also want to see the “Transcending Traditions: Contemporary American Indian Artwork” exhibit at the Mesa Arts Center through Sun, Jan 2 only.

The exhibit features works in “a wide range of mediums” by more than 25 “established and emerging American Indian artists from across North America who integrate a contemporary flare to traditional indigenous art forms.”

Later in January 2011, you can enjoy the first of several “Native Trails” events at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The first event in the series takes place Thurs, Jan 20, at noon. More are scheduled through Sat, Apr 2.

These “Native Trails” events take place on the Center’s outdoor fountain stage. Take along a lawn chair or blanket so you’ll be more comfy enjoying the music, art, dance and traditional food (including Indian fry bread).

Sounds like a lovely lunchtime break from the office, a fun way to entertain visiting family or friends, or an easy playdate with fellow parents and their little ones.

Experience hoop dancing at the Heard Museum the first weekend of Feb 2011

There’s plenty more to experience at the Heard Museum — including the “World Championship Hoop Dance Contest” Sat, Feb 5, and Sun, Feb 6. It features “more than 70 of the top Native hoop dancers from the United States and Canada.”

The “53rd Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market” takes place Sat, March 5, and Sun, March 6. Think music, dance, artist demonstrations and the artwork of “more than 700 top American Indian artists.”

Other upcoming Heard Museum events include an “American Indian Art & Artifacts Appraisal Day” (Sat, March 19), “A Gathering of Carvers: Katsina Doll Marketplace” (Sat, Apr 2) and an “American Indian Student Art Show & Sale” (Apr 2-6).

The exhibit of American Indian dolls at the Heard Museum North ends on Sunday

One final exhibit of note, which you can see only through Sun, Jan 2, at the Heard Museum North Scottsdale — “More Than Child’s Play: American Indian Dolls.”

It features dolls, diverse in both materials and forms, which “reflect the vibrancy and range of Native life ways.”

— Lynn

Note: Always check with event venues before attending to confirm details (dates, times, locations, costs, etc.) — especially when bad weather might strike.

Coming up: Sneak peek at 2011 film festivals