Albuquerque, NM —The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will open its newest exhibition, Native Americans and Ballooning, on April 20 just prior to the 25th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow held in Albuquerque.

The exhibition honors the intimate relationship between Native Americans, nature and the sky, while expanding our knowledge of the many cultural, artistic and historic connections between Native Americans, balloons and ballooning.

The contributions of Native American members of the World War I US Balloon Corps and Native balloonists and crew members will be featured in the exhibit. Information on Native American participants in a variety of balloon-based scientific and astronomical programs in the U.S. will also be highlighted.

Included in the exhibition are artifacts from North and South American Native groups. They include paintings, beadwork, jewelry, folkloric paper balloons, and sand paintings with balloon themes. Also featured will be ballooning events in “Indian Country,” the commercial balloons of tribal enterprises such as casinos, and Native images incorporated in balloon envelope designs.

The exhibition also includes several new acquisitions to the Museum’s permanent collection. One such piece is a traditional Navajo hand-woven plaque entitled, “Navajo Balloons Over Monument Valley” by Mary Holiday Black of Utah, 1995 National Endowment for the Arts “National Heritage Award” recipient. This prestigious national honor is awarded to recognize outstanding American folk artists for their contributions to our national cultural mosaic. Mary Black and her family will be present for demonstrations during the course of the exhibition, dates to be announced.

Also on display are three ceramic pots from traditional Santo Domingo Pueblo artist Robert Tenorio. His “Balloon Fiesta Over Sandia Pueblo” pot is a traditional dough bowl style and includes various traditional and special shape balloons flying over the Pueblo of Sandia Resort and Casino.

A series of special programs will be offered during this new exhibition. Dates and details of programs will be announced.
 
The Balloon Museum is located at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE just south of Balloon Fiesta® Park (North of Alameda) and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round. Admission is $4.00 for adults ($3.00 for NM residents with valid ID), $2.00 for seniors 65+, $1.00 for children ages 4-12, and children 3 and under FREE. Admission is free on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and all day on the first Friday of every month. The Museum is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours of operation and admission prices are subject to change without notice.

For more information, call 505-768-6020  visit www.cabq.gov/balloon or call 311.  For accessibility, call NM Voice Relay 1-800-659-8331 or 711.