Third Puerto Rican Artisan Fair to be held in New York

New York, New York (UCTP Taino News) - The 3rd Annual “Comite Noviembre Artisan Fair and Exhibition" will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2008 in New York City from 11am – 6pm at 405 West 59th St. In keeping with its mission to promote Puerto Rican culture and art as well as to commemorate its 21st anniversary, the Comité has invited Puerto Rican artisans from Puerto Rico and the United States to participate in this event being held at the Church of ST. Paul the Apostle.

Of particular note is the participation of the artist company “Taino Spirit” featuring Aguilar Marrero and Reina Sipainaru Miranda. The works of the duo have been receiving increased attention with their exhibitions and displays being featured at the United Nations, the American Museum of Natural History, and other prestigious venues. Taino Spirit was recently acknowledged by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion for their dedication to promoting Taino and Caribbean cultural awareness. Artist Aguilar Marrero received an additional distinction with one of his works being selected for the Comite Noviembre’s featured art poster for this year’s event. Marrero will be signing copies of these limited edition Comite Noviembre posters for visitors.

The Comite Noviembre seeks to create a “festive atmosphere” similar to the “fiesta patronales” that takes place in each town of Puerto Rico. The plan is to transform the event venue into a typical Puerto Rican plaza with artists, sculptors, vejigante mask makers etc. promoting and selling their wares while typical Puerto Rican food is sold from kiosks and musical acts entertain throughout the day. Workshops for children are planned such as mask making, the history of the three kings’ celebration, and other activities.

UCTPTN 11.18.2008

Indigenous Peoples Day, Saturday, August 9

The American Museum of Natural History
presents

Indigenous Peoples Day
Saturday, August 9
12 noon-5:00 p.m.
Kaufmann Theater, first floor
Free with Museum admission

In recognition of the United Nations' International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, this afternoon features a special concert performance with Halau I Ka Wekiu from Hawai'i as well as an indigenous Caribbean cultural presentation by members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society.

"Yarning Up", a short film series focusing on Northern Australian Aboriginal stories, will also be featured.

An Indigenous Artisan Showcase will take place in the Museum's Grand Gallery.

This program is cosponsored with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the Tribal Link Foundation and the United Confederation of Taino People.

1:00 p.m. - Halau I Ka Wekiu
Hawaiian Hula School Performance

2:00 p.m. - "Yarning Up: 4 Short Stories from the Top End"
Australian Aboriginal Short Films
Screening with introduction and Q&A by Producer Penny Smallacombe

3:00 p.m. - Halau I Ka Wekiu
Hawaiian Hula School Performance

4:30 p.m. - Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society

12noon – 5:30pm: An Indigenous Artisan Showcase, Grand Gallery, First
Floor
Several indigenous artists including Jude Norris (Cree), Barbara James Snyder (Washoe/Paiute) and Taino Spirit will display their works throughout the day.

Global Weekends are made possible, in part, by the City of New York, the New York City Council, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Additional support has been provided by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., the Tolan Family, and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt.

Public programs are made possible, in part, by the Rita and Frits Markus Fund for Public Understanding of Science.

Archive: Cacibajagua at the American Museum of Natural History, 1996

Cacibajagua at the American Museum of Natural History,
April 28, 1996

(click on poster to enlarge)

Archive: In Memory of Anacaona: Taíno Indian Stories and Songs

Date: 31 January, 2004 • Location: American Museum of Natural History, NY

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Haitian independence, in this program children will hear Taíno Indian songs and stories presented by Sylvia Karayaturey Rosario and Roger Atihuibancex Hernandez, members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society. The Taíno are the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean islands. The name Haiti comes from the Taíno language and means "land of high mountains." For info contact AMNH at 212-769-5315.

Archive: Cacibajagua at the American Museum of Natural History in 1993

Taino dancer at the American Museum of Natural History in 1993

(click on photo to enlarge)