Museum Events

The Mathers Museum hosts a number of events that are free, fun, and educational.

IU Samulnori Percussion Ensemble
Friday, October 10, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
Traditional Korean music will be performed by IU's Samulnori Percussion Ensemble in this free public concert, sponsored by the East Asian Studies Center.


Family Craft Day at Fiesta del Otoño/Fall Festival (Bryan Park)
Saturday, October 11, 12 to 4 p.m.
Mathers Museum staff and volunteers will be presenting crafts at the city’s third annual Fiesta del Otoño/Fall Festival, the closing celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Presented in conjunction with the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department. Free and open to the public.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, October 12, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu. Additional workshops will be presented October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16.


Beading Bee
Thursday, October 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced beadworker, join us to learn and work on American Indian-style beading projects in a friendly, community setting! Beaders are encouraged to share techniques, materials, and conversation. Please rsvp by e-mail nagsa@indiana.edu The bee is free and open to the public and co-sponsored by the Native American Graduate Student Association, the American Indian Student Association, the Native American Community Center of Bloomington, and the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center. An additional bee will be held November 20.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, October 19, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu. Additional workshops will be presented October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16.


Diwali Celebration
Thursday, October 23, 5 to 6 p.m. at Mathers Museum/6 to 8 p.m. at Asian Culture Center
Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most popular Indian festivals. Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. It’s also a time for family and friends, so come celebrate this joyous occasion with stories, crafts, and hands-on activities. Presented in partnership with Asian Cultures Around Campus. Free and open to the public.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu. Additional workshops will be presented November 2, November 9, and November 16.


Halloween Family Fun Fest
Friday, October 31, 4 to 6 p.m.
It's always a "treat"! Crafts, games, and hands-on activities will again highlight the Mathers Museum’s annual Halloween Family Fun Fest. Free and open to the public.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, November 2, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop will be co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu. Additional workshops will be presented November 9 and November 16.


Turkish Calligraphy and Marbling Workshop
Wednesday, November 5, 3 to 6 p.m.
Dr. Mehmet Refii Kileci, a renowned master of Turkish calligraphy and marbling, will demonstrate these arts during this free, public event. The workshop will be sponsored by the Ottoman and Modern Turkish Studies Chair, the Bloomington Area Arts Council, the Department of Central Eurasian Studies,and Anatolia Restaurant.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, November 9, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu. An additional workshop will be presented November 16.


Artistic Traditions Around the World
Friday, November 14, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Arts and crafts are an important way in which the whole world expresses itself through its people. Come and learn about some of these interesting traditions through the artistic richness that international students bring to campus. This free public program is presented in collaboration with the Leo R. Dowling International Center.


Family Craft Day: Holiday Gifts from Asia
Saturday, November 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Create holiday gifts for your family and friends this season. Explore your creativity and imagination while making ornaments, handmade greeting cards, jewelry, decorative boxes, and a variety of beautiful things. Presented in partnership with Asian Cultures Around Campus. Free and open to the public.


Garba Dance Workshop
Sunday, November 16, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
This free workshop for children ages 7 to 12 introduces Garba, one of the most colorful circle-dances from the state of Gujarat in India. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. To participate in this workshop please e-mail bupadhya@indiana.edu.


Shipwreck! Captain Kidd
Monday, November 17, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Indiana University archaeologists Charles Beeker and Geoffrey Conrad will discuss their ongoing research of the 1699 shipwreck of Captain Kidd's Quedagh Merchant, off the coast of the Dominican Republic. The event will be free and open to the public.


Beading Bee
Thursday, November 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced beadworker, join us to learn and work on American Indian-style beading projects in a friendly, community setting! Beaders are encouraged to share techniques, materials, and conversation. Please rsvp by e-mail nagsa@indiana.edu The bee is free and open to the public and co-sponsored by the Native American Graduate Student Association, the American Indian Student Association, the Native American Community Center of Bloomington, and the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center.


Family Craft Day: Musical Instruments from Africa
Saturday, December 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Anthony Artis returns to the Mathers Museum to lead a special workshop in drum making for the whole family! Free and open to the public.