Visit the El Paso Museum of Archaeology

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology always has worthwhile exhibits, events and lectures. It's well worth the visit at any time. You can even keep up with events at the archaeological museum by joining their email list.

Curator of Education, Marilyn Guida, tells us about what's happening this week at the museum:

Dear Friends of Archaeology,

This week at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology we have a Zip Tour of the Traditions and Symbols exhibit at 2 pm on Sun. Nov. 28 (tomorrow), an Adult Tour of the museum on Wed. Dec. 1 at 10 am, and a Family Workshop on Sat. Dec. 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Please see details below and share this message with your friends and family.

Zip Tour, Sunday, November 28, 2010, 2:00 pm, Free Admission

Curator of Education Marilyn Guida presents this brief tour of the Traditions and Symbols exhibit in which ten members of the Juntos Art Association of El Paso explore contemporary, historic, and prehistoric Mexican, Mexican-American, and indigenous Native American cultural traditions and symbols.

Adult Tour, Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 10:00 am, Free Admission

Docent Mike Iglar presents this free one-hour tour of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert Gardens which will introduce adults to the people of El Paso’s ancient past from the Paleoindians who lived here 14,000 years ago to the Mescalero Apache people of today. Visitors will also see prehistoric artifacts from several regions of México. To enjoy the gardens, wear suitable clothing, shoes, and sun protection. Reservations are not necessary but contact the museum if you plan to attend, 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.

Family Workshop: Holiday Designs in Metal Embossing/Repujado with Maria Almeida Natividad

For Adults and Children Ages 6 and Up

Seating for Maximum of 30 Participants

Saturday, December 4, 2010, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Admission: $2.00 for museum members; $5.00 for non- members

ADVANCE PAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Information and registration: 915-755-4332 or guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.

El Paso artist Maria Almeida Natividad leads adults and children in creating holiday-themed art using the ancient art of embossing or pressing shapes into metal to create a design in this workshop. Aluminum foil metal and other materials will be supplied. Traditional holiday designs such as Christmas trees, candy canes, stars, and ojos de Dios/eyes of God will be provided. Adults and children may select a design or create their own, then add an antique look with paints and/or markers. The metal embossing technique, called repujado in Spanish, arrived in Mexico during Spanish colonization.

Museum Location: 4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso 79924

You may also want to consider joining the El Paso Archaeological Society.