The Mid-America All-Indian Center, located at 650 N. Seneca, hosts a variety of classes and events each month that give people from around the area the opportunity to learn more about American Indian culture. The following activities are scheduled for February:
                         
Beginning Shawl-Making Class
1-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1
Do you have an interest in sewing and creating accessories that tell a story? Be sure to join local American Indian artist Sandra Hulsey for this upcoming class that focuses on the art of shawl making and its place in American Indian history and traditions. Typically, the shawls worn by American Indian dancers in the powwow arena are made out of light fabric and adorned with fringe, paint, and beading in a way that has meaning to the individual dancers. This class will give students the chance to personalize their own shawls. Registration is $10 for Indian Center members and $20 for the general public. Materials are not provided. To enroll, contact Education Coordinator Crystal Flannery-Bachicha at (316) 350-3345 or e-mail cbachicha@wichita.gov.  
 
Valentine’s Day Benefit Powwow
1-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8
Admission is free to this fifth-annual event that is open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help fund the upcoming American Indian Festival July 12-13 at Century II Expo Hall. The Valentine’s Day Benefit Powwow will feature dancing by American Indians as well as audience participation and couples dances for the general public. There will also be arts and crafts vendors and Indian tacos for sale between 11 a.m.-7 p.m. A special $1 Museum admission special will be offered that day to give more people a chance to view exhibits on display, which include a permanent exhibition of the largest collection of original artwork created by Blackbear Bosin, the creator of the Keeper of the Plains and one of the Indian Center’s founders. Go to TheIndianCenter.org and click on “Powwows” for the complete event schedule.