For Immediate Release
June 11, 2008

Extension offers one-day art workshops to teach gourd craftsmanship and Native American basketry

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – UCR Extension offers several one-day workshops this summer that allow students to tap into their creative side. Learn how to weave baskets and create musical instruments and jewelry out of gourds.

The first class is Workshop on Southern California Indian Basketry, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Sherman Indian High School, 9010 Magnolia Ave. Instructor Lorene Sisquoc, curator of the Sherman Indian Museum, has taught basket making throughout Southern California for years. She will show students how to create a round reed creek-side basket. The fee for this workshop is $95. A $12 materials fee is payable at the first class meeting.

Aspiring jewelry designers can learn how to craft beautiful, natural jewelry using gourds in the all-day workshop, Gourd Jewelry, with instructor and artist Susan Van Campen. This course is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 at UCR Extension Center, 1200 University Ave., Riverside. Students learn about the methods and techniques of using gourds to create three styles of gourd necklaces. Class discussions include the history and background of gourd jewelry. The fee for the class is $95 (includes parking). A $7 materials fee is payable at the first class meeting.

Instructor Van Campen will also teach the third all-day workshop, Gourd Musical Instruments, offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 at UCR Extension Center, 1200 University Ave., Riverside. In this class, students will learn how different cultures use gourds as musical instruments. Students will have the opportunity to create a playable drum made of a gourd and goatskin. The fee for this workshop is $95 (includes parking). A materials fee of $15 is payable at the first class meeting.

To browse classes or register online, visit www.extension.ucr.edu or call (951) 827-4105 or toll-free at (800) 442-4990. To receive a free UCR Extension catalog, which includes a complete listing of all our current courses and certificate programs, call (951) 827-3806.

UCR Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California, Riverside. Extension offers more than 3,800 courses and 90 certificate programs in a variety of academic programs, including agriculture and landscape, arts and humanities, business and management, education, forensic investigations and public safety, teacher’s credentialing, English, environmental management, geospatial analysis and technology, health services and behavioral sciences, information technology, languages, law and public policy, Native American studies, natural sciences, and yoga.