Press Release
Fla. Museum presents adult palm weaving class, demonstration
For Immediate Release April 8, 2005
Contact:
Paul Ramey, Dir. of Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Kristin Ede
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Florida Museum of Natural History will offer a palm weaving class and demonstration for adults from 1 - 3:30 p.m. on April 20. Nancy Gildersleeve, a Gainesville artist who specializes in basket weaving, will lead the class.
For centuries, useful and decorative objects, such as rope, mats, baskets, roofs, toys and ornaments, have been crafted from palm fronds and fiber. Participants will see examples of these palm crafts and learn to make their own. Guests also will take a docent-led tour of the Florida Museum's Southwest Florida People and Environments exhibition hall to see how the Calusa Indians used the Sabal palmetto, Florida's state tree.
Registration is $5 and pre-registration is recommended. For more information call (352) 846-2000, ext. 277 or visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/classes/adlt_palm.htm.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including ticket prices, directions and parking information, call (352) 846-2000, or visit the museum online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.