Indigenous Peoples' Day 2025 - Quill Wrapping Demo

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Toledo Museum of Art with a special live demonstration by artist Leonard D. Harmon.

Throughout the day, Harmon will showcase the intricate art of quill wrapping—a traditional technique that transforms porcupine quills, moose hair, and other natural materials into striking decorative patterns. Used for centuries to adorn clothing, baskets, and ceremonial objects, quillwork is both a highly skilled craft and a deeply meaningful cultural practice. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch this process up close and learn more about its history and significance.

A citizen of the Lenape Tribe of New Jersey and the Nanticoke Tribe of Delaware, Harmon now resides on the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indian Reservation. The Toledo Museum of Art recently commissioned a piece by him for the Museum’s collection: a quilled 'tall bonnet' inspired by an 18th-century example, which will be on view on this day as well.

Guests are welcome to drop in between 11:00am and 4:00pm (please note the artist will pause midday for a lunch break). The completed work will later be available for purchase in the TMA Store. In addition, families are invited to visit the Family Center for hands-on art activities inspired by Indigenous traditions.

These events are FREE and open to all.
Weather location: Wolfe Gallery.

You may also like the following events from The Toledo Museum of Art:

• This Friday, 10th October, 06:30 pm, A High Altitude Big Bang: The Development of the Tiwanaku State in the Lake Titicaca Basin, Bolivia in Toledo
• Next Friday, 17th October, 05:30 pm, Radiance & Reverie Member Preview in Toledo
• Next Saturday, 18th October, 01:30 pm, Radiance and Reverie: A Conversation with Neil Lane and Robin Wright in Toledo

Also check out other Arts events in Toledo.