KAPA‘A — Gates to the 2011 Kaua‘i Powwow are set to open at 4 p.m., Friday, at the Kapa‘a Beach Park.
The free event continues from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday. The theme this year is “Walk in Balance.”
Attendees can enjoy Native American drumming, dancing, traditional foods, storytelling, keiki crafts, a silent auction, and authentic arts and crafts from vendors who visit the island for the event.
New to this year’s powwow, David Craig, an enrolled Chippewa (Ojibwa), will be leading a drum-making workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, at the Kapa‘a Beach Park.
“David is a distinguished Indian artist coming from Washington state to our Kaua‘i Powwow to help us earn a few dollars,” said Kani Blackwell of the Kaua‘i Powwow Council. “His work is amazing.”
Craig is a watercolor artist who utilizes mixed media, sculpting, drum-making, acrylics, leatherwork, charcoals, restoration and custom frame building, states a Kaua‘i Powwow Council news release.
He travels throughout the western United States, enjoying tribal gatherings, powwows, art shows, horseback riding, hiking, camping, and fishing with his family.
During his workshop, participants will be guided by the artist in creating their own 14-inch elk hide hand drum for adults, and a 10-inch deer hide for keiki 10 years and older.
There is a cost of $85 for the workshop which includes a pine wood round, elk skin head with rawhide lacing, and a beater.
Mandatory registration is required to ensure space for the workshop and interested people can contact Blackwell at drb.onkauai@gmail.com for more information.
As participants’ drums take shape, Craig will share his Chippewa teachings of the drum, its history, uses and care.
He is hoping the completed drums will dry quickly in the Kaua‘i sun so participants will be able to play their own drum during the Intercultural Drumming Festival which starts at 6 p.m., Friday.
In addition to the workshop, the Kaua‘i Powwow Council will host a school outreach program from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, at Kukui Grove Center.
Gates close Friday at 9 p.m.
Visit www.kauaipowwow.com for more information.
