Lao Cultural Festival July 18, 2008

SILK MOON LAO FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday through Sunday, July 18-20
Trunk Showing of Lao Textiles: All 3 days, 10-6 p.m.
This will be a stunning array of handwoven silk textiles from OckPopTok, Taykeo Gallery, Phaeng Mai Gallery, Mulberries Cooperative, and others.

Lao Silk Weaving Demonstrations: All 3 days, 12-5 p.m.
Watch Lao weavers work their silk magic on an authentic Lao loom.
See live silk worms munching on mulberry leaves and spinning their cocoons.

"Quiet Moments in Laos” Photo exhibit by Barbara Aman. All 3 days, 10-6 p.m.

Saturday, July 19
Lao Textile Trunk Show: 10-6 p.m. Expands to include Orijyn Lao Jewelry,
Lao Cookbook, and other Lao Handicrafts.

Lao Fashion Show: 3:00 p.m. Lao Fashion show and short talk by
Kongthong Nanthavong-douangsy (see article about Phaeng Mai sisters on
page 5). Fashion show will be narrated by Kongthong and Jo Smith of
OckPopTok

Sunday, July 20
Baci Ceremony: 10 a.m. Traditional Lao Baci (blessings) ceremony will be
performed to bless the Lao artists who have traveled so far to come to
Silk Moon's Lao Festival and to ask for blessings for Silk Moon's continued
success in our new location.

Slow Crafts and Cultures of Laos-Talk and Slide Show by Mary Connors:
3:00 p.m. Lao Textile scholar and author Mary will provide an armchair tour of Laos, touching on history, geography, ethnic groups, spiritual beliefs, and the renaissance of traditional crafts such as textiles, silver, paper, basketry, and other crafts.

Slow Travel in Laos-Talk and Slide Show by Jayne Ogrodnick: 4:30 p.m. On Sabbatical from City College of San Francisco, Jayne recently traveled for 4 months throughout Laos, photographing and documenting traditional arts and crafts. She will share stories, photos, technique details, and examples of rare and endangered textile arts traditions in Laos.

Festival ends around 6 pm Sunday.

Official Website: http://www.silkmoon.org