The Vernon Public Art Gallery, in conjunction with the Sookinchoot Youth Centre exhibition, Tribes of Dawn, is hosting two drumming workshops on Saturday, Dec. 1.
The workshops, conducted by guest instructors Daniel Stark and Robin “Redhawk” Genthon, celebrate the achievements of the young artists exploring historical and contemporary First Nations art.
Stark has been tapping and thrumming on everything since he can remember. His arsenal includes tablas from India, djembes and duns from Senegal, talking drums from Mali, clay udus, and shamanic water drums.
“I love rhythm and playing for dancers,” he said. “In Vernon throughout the ‘90s, a number of friends and I began jamming away, experimenting with many different ways of making the sounds we loved, and I made drums of many sorts.”
For his workshop, which takes place at the VPAG Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Stark will bring a number of his drums to show and play and will help participants make their own simple hoop drums from recycled materials in the manner and style of the northern Inuit.
A Manitoba Metis with a musical background and a passion for drumming and singing, Genthon will conduct a drumming circle at the gallery from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Genthon will share songs and stories in a fun and interactive manner, where participants will experience the physical, emotional and mental benefits and sense of well being that comes as a direct result of participating in a drumming circle.
Pre-registration for the workshops is required and cost is $10 for VPAG members, $15 for non-members. Both are suitable for all ages. Call 250-545-3173 to register.
