Western States Update

Alaska

The Ulu Factory has opened a new location at Ship Creek in Anchorage.Visitors gain insights into the use and function of this traditional native knife from viewing stations overlooking the manufacturing area, and demonstrations are given on the contemporary use of this unique device. The factory showroom features various ulu sizes and designs and other “Made in Alaska” products. The company works closely with the Alaska Native Heritage Center and offers native dance performances at its showroom during the summer months. Also during the summer, free transportation is available via Lolly the Trolley from Fifth and Sixth Avenues to Ship Creek..

Arizona

Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art in Phoenix is celebrating its 75th anniversary with new exhibits at the main museum and at its satellite locations. It also offers several special events for the occasion. At the main museum is a new signature exhibition, “Home: Native Peoples in the Southwest,” opening May 22. The exhibit features over 2,000 of the most important and historic objects from its permanent collection plus many new and recent acquisitions. The display covers the life and art of southwestern Native Americans. The display is divided into five distinct regional sections: the Pueblos, Colorado Plateau, Colorado River, Central Mountains and the Sonoran Desert. In addition to artifacts, there are videos, interactive computer displays and replicated housing structures. Also new is “Breaking the Surface: Carved Pottery Techniques and Designs,” through Oct. 3. This show features the works of potters and the various techniques used in carving, etching and engraving over the past 80 years. At the museum’s Crossroads Gallery is “Virgil Ortiz: La Renaissance Indigène,” through June 5.

California

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has numerous special exhibitions scheduled for 2005. It will be displayed through April 3. “The Posters of Robert Rauschenberg,” March 10-June 19, features more than 100 posters which illustrate the technical and artistic innovations of the artist. Many posters are familiar and were used in advertising and propaganda, while others are fine art works popular during Rauschenberg’s lifetime. “Images of Fashion from the Court of Louis XIV,” March 12-June 26, displays rare bound books, costume accessories and textiles from LACMA’s permanent collection. Featured in this exhibition is LACMA’s recent acquisition of 190 colored engraved fashion plates dating from 1678-1693 that were used to promote France’s luxury goods and culture. They are considered among the first used to show fashion designs found at the French court. For a detailed exhibit schedule and descriptions of featured shows, visit the museum’s Web site.

Nevada

Cirque du Soleil has added another spectacular show to its Las Vegas roster. KÁ , the new production playing at the MGM Grand, combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics. A cast of 72 artists tell a story of separated twins who embark on fairytale journeys through various landscapes and themes which eventually linked their destinies. The show is inspired by the ancient Egyptian belief in the “ka,” an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body that incarnates from one life to the next. KÁ is performed nightly Friday through Tuesday

Oregon

The Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase, March 12-13, is held at the Old Colony Museum in Aurora. This event combines the talents of Northwest spinners and old time fiddlers in a weekend of demonstrations, entertainment and family fun. See the processing of wool from the time it’s sheared to the making of garments and enjoy the music popular during the times of early Oregon settlers.

South Dakota

Xanterra Parks & Resorts has announced many enhancements to its food service and visitor facilities at the Mount Rushmore National Monument. In time for the 2005 season, the cafeteria-style food service area will be transformed to a food-court style facility featuring different food stations for various items and meal courses. This design change offers visitors quicker and more convenient access to menu options.

Utah

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers travelers a unique ranch-resort experience for groups when visiting the scenic Four Corners region, just outside the eastern entrance to Zion National Park. Guests are Accommodated at log-cabin suites that sleep up to six persons. The cabins vary in size and design with each having a bedroom, bath, living room and private porch. Recreation options are abundant and include swimming, hiking trails, horseback riding, ATV tours, wagon rides, tennis and sand volleyball