The inaugural Medieval Times Faire, hosted by The University of New Mexico’s Institute for Medieval Studies (IMS), is set for Friday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on UNM’s Smith Plaza. The faire will feature 17 stations of medieval studies magic including a wide variety of medieval-themed arts and crafts, music, demonstrations, performances and even a bake sale.
In addition to IMS, a number of organizations will be participating in the faire events including The ABQ Jackals, a partner of Armored Combat Worldwide, a sports league that organizes competitive matches between medieval armored combat teams, referred to as "chapters," an Arita Porcelain Discussion featuring UNM Professor of Practice in Art Education Kathryne Cyman, the Museum Studies GLAM Club, the New Mexico Shakespeare Festival Education Outreach Program and IMS Graduate Students discussing medieval scripts and bookmaking practices.
Several demonstrations and performances are also planned as part of the event. For details on each, see the schedule below.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Ancestral Apothecary, featuring Atava, a well-loved herbalist, teacher and author
- Medieval to Modern Weaving Discussion & Demonstration – Patty Savignac, weaving instructor, sculpture, Material Studies, Department of Art, College of Fine Arts
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Cantores Festivi, Early Modern Music Performance, Marry Musicians Making Medieval Music, featuring Gwen Easterday, Lauri Rigler and Kathy Wimmer
1 – 1:30 p.m.
- Swords Labs, Cutting Demonstration with Joshua Gilbrech, HEMA Alliance Certified Instructor, Instructor at Arms in Classical Italian Fencing. Also featuring sword experts Ayden Kakaras and Riggon Robinson
2 – 3 p.m.
- Quodlibet-ABQ, Early Modern a Cappella Performance, choir director Julie Smith and vocalists Doug Bond, Michelle Frenchette, Anita Lewis, Vanessa Pezutti, Anita Reiser, Dennis Vik, Dana Workman and Oliver Workman
Also, the New Mexico Shakespeare Festival Wandering Minstrels, featuring Aleah Montano, Levi Gore and Shannon Hayes, will be wandering around and playing music amidst the crowd.
Lastly, several arts and crafts activities and family-friendly medieval games will also be held on Smith Plaza from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. or while supplies last. A few of the activities will include the Robin Hood Hat Station, Dragon Temporary Tattoos, Dragon-Finger Puppet and a variety of games.
To RSVP for the event, visit:
RSVP – English
https://forms.gle/gY9gMWESjF3416hd8
RSVP – Spanish
https://forms.gle/H5kZTf8aNnNA1gUg8
For more information, visit UNM’s Institute for Medieval Studies.