May brings lots of great family fun at the Eiteljorg Museum!

May offers great family fun opportunities at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. On May 1, the month starts with the Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest. On Mother’s Day May 9 bring mom in for a uniue brunch experience. Then, on May 15, the museum will host the Leon Jett Celebration for Families followed by, on May 22, the opening day of the museum’s next special exhibition, Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts.

Yo-yo contest to attract more than 50 competitors

The museum will host the Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest, welcoming more than 50 competitors showcasing their talents in five different class divisions. Registration is 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m. and will run through 4 p.m.

The Indiana State Yo-Yo Contest has long been respected as one of the best state contests in the U.S., with top-notch talent in attendance. According to event organizer [insert Takeshi’s name], yo-yos are more popular now than ever, with sales up 1000% from this time last year. Interest in this age-old toy has increased worldwide and some of the finest competitors in the United States will gather in Indianapolis to test their skill, swap tricks, and pick up the latest gear from sponsors and vendors.

The public is invited to watch yo-yo competitors in action and experience demonstrations, free beginner’s workshops and opportunities to learn about the past and future of yo-yoing from members of the National Yo-Yo League. Museum admission includes admission to view the contest.

Bring mom in for a unique cultural experience on Mother’s Day

The Eiteljorg Museum will be hosting its annual Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9, featuring a delicious buffet from Kahn’s Catering featuring grilled, Atlantic salmon with fresh tomato concasse and pesto cream; roasted, rosemary-rubbed pork loin with garlic mushroom demi-glace. There are two seatings available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $39 for adult members; $49 for adult non-members; $19 all children 4-12; and children 3 and under free. The fee includes the buffet, a champagne toast, taxes, gratuity, museum admission and parking. Cash bar will be available. Call Autumn Souert at (317) 275-1310 to make your reservation.

Museum celebrates life of longtime programs manager

On May 15, the Eiteljorg Museum will host the Leon Jett Celebration for Families. Guests will hear the story of The Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash) and will receive seeds to plant their own gardens at home. Visitors will also enjoy special performances and family activities celebrating the life of former public programs manager, Leon Jett.

The day features performances by Freetown Village Children’s Ensemble, Kumbaa Youth Theater and others. Guests can also learn about Native cultures through cultural representatives and enjoy pony rides and other family-friendly activities.

This event is co-hosted by the Friends of Leon. Guests are asked to bring a canned food donation for Gleaners Food Bank.

Exhibition opens featuring nearly 800 recently-donated cultural objects

On Saturday, May 22, the exhibit Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts will open. The museum will celebrate the opening of the exhibit with activities surrounding the subject of collecting. There will be experts on hand to discuss the collection of jewelry, pottery and other items..

The museum is encouraging guests to show off their personal collections at the museum on this day. Buttons…trading cards…fine art—interested parties should visit www.eiteljorg.org for details.

Visit www.eiteljorg.org for more information on any of these events.