Performance Artist James Luna Observes Columbus Day

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Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Oct 06, 2010, 06:13 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian:

WHO: Celebrated for his installation and performance work, James Luna (Puyukitchum [Luiseno]) creates art that confronts and challenges stereotypes about Native Americans, museums, art, and life through the use of irony, humor, grief, and a strong sense of storytelling.

WHAT: In observance of Columbus Day, Luna invites the public to "Take a Picture with a Real Indian." In this restaging of his acclaimed performance work, he will invite passersby at Washington D.C.'s Union Station Columbus Plaza to have photographs taken with him that they can take away. His guises will include traditional Luiseno clothing, a stereotypical representation of a Plains Indian warrior's dress, and everyday "street" clothes. The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 11th

4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

WHERE: The Christopher Columbus statue at Union Station's Columbus Plaza,

Delaware & Massachusetts Avenues, Washington DC

WHY: This performance is presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in conjunction with its major new exhibition, Vantage Point: The Contemporary Native Art Collection, featuring 25 artists and monthly artist-led programs for all ages through Aug. 2011.

For more information, visit: http://www.AmericanIndian.si.edu

SOURCE Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian