Drum making at the People's Center
TOM CAMEL of Ronan uses rawhide lacing to attach a tanned hide to a cedar hoop to frame a drum. This skill takes manual dexterity, which Camel exhbited during the activity.
CHERYL COLLINS of Polson sizes her tanned hide around the edge of her cedar hoop. Sometimes the hide had to be stretched a little to cover the entire frame. In the background, Charlene Barber of Ronan stretches her hide. (Joe Sova photos/Lake County Leader)
PEOPLE’S CENTER Education Instructor Jordan Stasso, right, has a laugh with Tom Camel while they stretch rawhide laces used to attach a tanned hide to a cedar hoop. The activity took place March 27 at the People’s Center in Pablo.
OZZIE OLD PERSON (4) helps his dad and mom Ozzie Sr. and Mariah make a drum by stretching the rawhide laces used to attach a tanned hide to the cedar drum frame. The family resides in Pablo.
DRUM MAKING can be a family activity, such as when Amy Williams and her daughter Arlonna Christopher of Polson worked together preparing their tanned hide to be attached to the cedar drum frame.
Poeple’s Center in Pablo held its first drum making class in about three years on Wednesday, March 27, and the popular activity wound up being a full class as 20 hand drums were constructed. It was one in a series of “traditional arts” classes at the center through their Cultural Education Program, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month.
According to Program Director Marie Torosian, a large drum and drumstick making group class was scheduled for Wednesday, April 10. The drums made were to remain at the People’s Center. Participants were to keep the drumsticks they made.
Next on the traditional arts schedule is a shawl making class, set for April 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own material. Sewing machines will be available for use. Instruction will be provided for a nominal $15 per person fee. Participants will need material, ribbon, thread, appliques, heat and bond, and anything else you want to adorn your shawl. You can purchase rolls of fringe in the People’s Center gift shop.
Torosian indicated that a basket making class, using cedar bark, would be held in June.
Every Friday, traditional arts and crafts activties are held at the People’s Center — such as sewing and beading. Bring your projects or start a new one. Activity hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All classes and activities are open to everyone. A light meal is provided. Go online to www.peoplescenter.org for class information.
If you are interested in attending or instructing a class, or want a certain class to be offered, contact People’s Center Education Instructor Jordan Stasso at 406-675-0160.