Picturing America

To help teach American history and culture, the Massillon Public Library is offering “Picturing America,” a series of six free programs incorporating activities, fun and some of the country’s great works of art.  On Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. the library will present "Sans Arc Lakota" Ledger Book by Black Hawk. Artist and educator Kathy Jevec will lead the program. Children in grades K-6 are invited to come mimic the ledger style art by making an accordion book in colored pencil, recalling an event from the four seasons.

Black Hawk’s ledger book provides invaluable visual testimony to the nation’s Native American heritage. His drawings reveal intriguing details of the Lakota people — from manner of dress to social customs. He captured a way of life fast disappearing as settlers moved West in increasing numbers and tribes were moved to reservations. A spiritual leader of a tribe of Lakota Indians (also known as the Sioux), Black Hawk (c. 1832-1890) was asked in 1880 to record the natural world and culture of his people. His drawings — for which he received 50 cents apiece from the Indian trader at the Cheyenne Agency in Dakota — followed a long tradition of Plains Indian art that documented history as a memory aid for oral renditions of tribal history. Scholars believe that Black Hawk died at Wounded Knee.

Registration is required, and may be done by visiting the Children’s Department, or by phoning (330) 832-5037.

The public is invited to view several large, high-quality laminated reproductions of great American art now hanging in the Children’s Department of the Massillon Public Library  located at 208 Lincoln Way East. The Second Street entrance is handicapped accessible.