This October we're honored to be presenting another comedy by Janey Hirsh. Called High Stakes, this one-act play takes a serious look at the repercussions of casinos in tribal community life.
Special Event:
Good Karma Art Sale & Pomo Project Benefit March 15 & 16, Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm
Paintings by Sandy Eastoak, photographs by Christine Cobaugh, pottery by Larry Robinson.
Bargains ~ Treasures~ Surprises
10% to 100% of price (depending on piece) goes to fund 2013 events. Many original paintings at half price or less; cards, poetry books; handmade stoneware; refreshments. 540 DuFranc, Sebastopol, 707 824-81819.
History of Pomo Honoring Month
In 2010, the Sebastopol City Council resolved that each October will be Pomo Honoring Month, to celebrate the continued presence and enduring culture of the Pomo people.
October 2010, our First Annual Pomo Honoring Month, had 24 events, including five art shows, educational programs, booths at Farmers Market and business fairs, dance performances, an interview on KOWS, storytelling, a documentary film, and three talks.
October 2011 was our Second Annual Pomo Honoring Month. We had multiple performances of an original play, two art shows, a special Dine Out Sebastopol, an interview on KOWS, a dance performance, a traditional singer at Farmers Market, & a showing of a Pomo history documentary with a discussion led by the filmmaker.
October 2012, our Third Annual Pomo Honoring Month, included a talk about Native Permaculture, an art show, a film, a dance performance, and approval by Sebastopol City Council to begin a project to put educational signage in two city parks.
Each year's events reflect the talents and interests of volunteers, and the availability of special guests. You can enjoy these opportunities in October, and you can get involved now to help create a successful celebration.
Mission Statement:
The Pomo Project emphasizes awareness of Pomo history and building bridges for future generations. Pomo wisdom traditions hold value for resolving contemporary challenges. We support Pomo people having an active voice in public policy, including development, education, culture, and vision. Not affiliated with any specific tribal group, we value collaboration with all Pomo people toward reconciliation and understanding.October 2013 is our Fourth Annual Pomo Honoring Month
Our core group meets monthly in the winter, biweekly in the spring, and weekly from midsummer until October. The challenges of bridging the rifts left by traumatic history turn out to be quite complex, and we are continually evolving our ideas about how best to serve our intention.
We invite input from our community, and especially input from local Pomo people, about appropriate and effective events, displays, dialogues, and other processes.
Please contact us to get on our mailing list, attend meetings, suggest ideas, sponsor events, and help organize and carry out this year's offerings.
We welcome your help in celebrating the continued presence and enduring culture of the Pomo people. We need artists, educators, Farmers Market coordinators, business liaison people, and extra hands.
2011 Featured Event: Weya
Janey Hirsh's original play, Weya, weaves the adventures of the "Hardly Strictly Pomo Rock Band" into episodes of history. This political musical comedy can be seen on YouTube.
The Pomo Project
This project was initiated by Armando Williams in October, 2009, when he visited Sebastopol Gallery and was moved by the Native content in Sandy Eastoak’s featured work. Other Sebastopol Gallery artists soon joined in. Gallery members voted to set aside their fall, 2010, rotation to show work from the Pomo Project. Armando would help the artists learn about Pomo culture and medicine ways, introduce them to Pomo elders and ceremony, and trust them to create work reflecting--and honoring--the Pomo way of life.
As the artists talked about the project, people in the community quickly became enthusiastic about the need to understand Pomo history and culture, and to involve Pomo people in decision making processes as we work toward sustainability, justice, and harmony. Teresa Ramondo of the Chamber of Commerce encouraged involving downtown businesses in events and festivities. Many people expressed a desire for education and reconciliation. As our ideas became bigger than our ability to organize, we recognized the need for an annual celebration, and are grateful that the Sebastopol City Council agreed. We’re planting the seeds, and look forward to seeing what others grow in years to come.
Info: sandoak@pomo-honor.org.
See also www.pomo-honor.blogspot.com.
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