October 2011 is our Second Annual Pomo Honoring Month in Sebastopol CA.
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.
WEYA: October 1st premiere kicks off Second Annual Pomo Honoring Month
The Pomo Project and American Dream Players are excited to present an original political musical comedy by local playwright and director Janey Hirsh. WEYA (Healing Energy) will premier this October in Sebastopol.
Performances are Saturdays, October 1 & 8 at 1pm, and Sundays, October 2 & 9 at 1pm & 3pm, in the Equestrian Glade at Ragle Ranch Park.
For more details on this and other events, click here.
We welcome your help in celebrating the continued presence and enduring culture of the Pomo people. We need artists, education and Farmers Market coordinators, business liaison people, and extra hands to create shows and events. Please contact us at sandoak@pomo-honor.org. You can attend core meetings, suggest your ideas, or get involved in carrying a large or small piece of the project.
October 2010 was our First Annual Pomo Honoring Month. We had 24 events, including art shows, educational programs, booths at Farmers Market and business fairs, dance performances, storytelling, and film.
The Pomo Project
Sebastopol's Pomo Honoring Month grew out of a painting project initiated by Armando Williams in October, 2009, when he visited Sebastopol Gallery and was moved by the Native American content in Sandy Eastoak’s featured work. Other Sebastopol Gallery artists soon joined in. Gallery members voted to devote their fall, 2010, rotation to work from the Pomo Project. Armando is teaching the artists about Pomo culture and medicine ways, introducing them to Pomo elders and ceremony to deepen their experience, and trusting 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.
Our ideas are bigger than our ability to organize, so we’re grateful that Pomo Honoring Month is going to be annual. 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.sebastopol-gallery.com and www.pomo-honor.blogspot.com.
