September 18, 2011 1-4:00 PM Opening of "Imagine Africa" Project at Penn Museum

ImagineAfricaLogo_webGallery Project Opening
Imagine Africa!
Penn Museum launches its year-long community engagement project, inviting visitors to join a dialog about Africa, the second largest continent on earth, home to more than a billion people-with a lively afternoon celebration designed to engage and delight the entire family. Traditional storytelling, electrifying African dance, music performances, and workshops, children's activities, gallery tours, and more enliven the Museum. Free with Museum admission.


Opening Celebration

1:00 - 1:30 pm: Women's Sekere Ensemble

1:00 - 4:00 pm
WDAS, a sponsor of Imagine Africa, joins the afternoon, at a table featuring station information and special give aways.Hear the sounds of West African music featuring the rhythms of the sekere, a traditional Nigerian percussion instrument, from this well-known musical group.

1:30 - 2:30 pm: Lecture on African Fabric
Rashida Watson, owner of www.silktent.com, offers a show-and-tell talk on African Fabric. See and touch elaborately decorated cloth pieces from West Africa and the Republic of Congo.

1:30 - 3:30 pm: Nigerian and Ghanaian Pottery Demonstration
Renowned ceramic artist Winnie Owens-Hart shares the history, traditions, and craft of Nigerian and Ghanaian pottery. See and learn about the various stages of pot creation.

1:30 - 2:15 pm: Interactive Instrument Gallery Tour
Join Mawusi Simmons, Penn Museum docent, on an interactive tour of the African Gallery's musical instruments.

2:00 - 3:15 pm: Storytelling with Sarai Abdul-Malikr
Listen and take part in intricately woven stories of African folkore, rich with song, movement, and rhythm.

3:00 - 3:30 pm: Women's Sekere Ensemble
Hear the sounds of West African music and the rhythms of the sekere, a traditional Nigerian percussion instrument, from this well-known musical group.

3:30 - 4:00 pm: African Rhythms Performance
UPENN's African Rhythms Dance Troupe will move you with the bold and beautiful dances of Africa.

All Afternoon: Make-Your-Own Drums & Masks
Get crafty and enjoy hands-on activities fun for all ages.
Come early, come hungry, and enjoy a taste of Africa in the Pepper Mill Café!

Prices range from $3-$7.

Moroccan Spiced Lentil Soup
Groundnut Stew served with Roasted Chicken & Fufu (Boiled Yam)
Couscous with Tomatoes, Red Pepper, Carrots, & Onions
Black Eyed Pea Fritters, Hot Pepper Sauce
Vegetable Stew with Garlic, Yams, Raisins, Cinnamon, Chickpeas, Spinach, & Onions
African-style Fruit Salad with Banana, Mango, Papaya, Avocado, Pineapple, Shredded Coconut, and Chopped Peanuts
Selection of Teas, including Rooibos