Maria Martinez: The Shaping of a Legacy

Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology offers a special program at its next Saturday’s at the Museum activity, an event offered in Spanish.

The guest speaker for the July 23 event is Hector Mendolia, a member of Utah State University’s Extension program and a longtime advocate of Logan’s Latino community. In special presentations, offered in Spanish at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the life and art of noted potter Maria Martinez will be celebrated.

“Art, and artistic expression, are often celebrated as the genius of one individual,” a museum event organizer said. “But what of the art that is a product of a community as a whole rather than just an individual? On July 23, we invite museum patrons to come and discover the life of Maria Martinez, a Pueblo woman who dedicated her craft and her life to helping those around her.”

Food will be available throughout the day, as will craft activities for children. Games will be played after each presentation, with a $10 gift certificate for Angie’s restaurant as the grand prize.

Museum patrons should note that Champ Drive, the usual access route to the museum from 400 North (U.S. Highway 89), is closed due to construction during this event and through most of the summer. Free parking is still available on the south end of the building, and a temporary road has been made between the student center and the LDS Institute.

Community members, as well as Utah State students, can visit the museum during its operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.          

Funding for the Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online.

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

For more information about this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website.

The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Related links:

• USU Anthropology Program
• USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: Museum of Anthropology

Contact: USU Museum of Anthropology, (435) 797-7545, anthro.museum@usu.edu