The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at The University of New Mexico is throwing open its doors during the traditional UNM Hanging of the Greens Friday, Dec. 1, and serving up refreshments, music, a sale in the shop, and a special holiday photo booth where visitors can pose for a free photo as a memento of the evening.
This family-friendly event is free and open to all from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration for the Hanging of the Greens open house is not required but is encouraged.
Additionally, a special holiday ornament workshop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Maxwell Museum's Hibben Center for Archeology Research. Guests are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit and unleash their creativity as they craft beautiful ornaments made of local red willow under the tutelage of talented artist and basket maker Jilli M. Oyenque. All materials will be provided. Registration is encouraged.
For more than 20 years, Oyenque has been making red willow baskets in her Okhay Owingeh Pueblo (Santa Juan) community tradition. Basket-making is a practice that had almost been lost, and today, she is one of the few people currently weaving—taking found items in nature and creating with them, as she says, “from heart to hands.”
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced craft enthusiast, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels. Learn techniques and tips from Oyenque as she guides everyone through the process. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to create memorable holiday decorations that will impress friends and family.
Oyenque’s special visit and hands-on workshop is in celebration of the two temporary exhibits currently on display at the Maxwell Museum, Conversing with the Land: Native North American Baskets of the Maxwell Museum Collection and We Were Basket Makers Before We Were Pueblo People.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the UNM Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies.