Nicholas Sironka—born in the heartland of the Maasai region in the town of Narrock, in Kenya’s Rift Valley—is an educated Fulbright Fellow, currently residing in Spokane, WA, where he founded the Kenyan Arts & Culture Center. His Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe is returning to Monterey to perform traditional Maasai songs, dances and storytelling from Kenya, and offer an art and culture workshop at Carmel Visual Arts. They will be sharing the heart and soul of their traditional culture, the songs and rhythms of the Maasai tribe. The dancers will be clad in traditional Maasai red with their beaded jewelry and head wear, singing and chanting in their native tongue.

These events are not to be missed. For those interested in hands-on introduction to Maasai art and culture, Nicholas Sironka, a highly skilled batik artist, will be offering batik workshops at Carmel Visual Arts gallery on Sunday, February 8th. The dancers will be teaching traditional beadwork at the same time. The Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe is being sponsored by the International School to School.

Partnership and arrangements for their stay are being coordinated through Green Heart Works. All proceeds directly benefit the dancers, their families and the School Sponsorship Program for Maasai Girls.

Learn about Maasai Art and Culture Artwork & Music & Singing

Sunday, February 8, 2015: Maasai Art WorkshopsChoice of two workshops • 12-4pm • $120 Materials fee included.

•Batik WorkshopLearn the fundamentals of batik in this hands-on workshop with expert batik artist, Nicholas Sironka from Kenya.

•Traditional Maasai Beadwork WorkshopLearn how to create Maasai beadwork with traditional Maasai craftsmen and women from Kenya.

All at Carmel Visual Arts located at the Barnyard Shopping Center 3728 The Barnyard, Carmel, California 93923

Workshop registration is at http://CarmelVisualArts.com • 831.620.2955

Wednesday, February 4, 2015: Maasai Art & Culture Display Dancing • Singing • Artwork Display • Storytelling • 7-9pm FREE!! Donations accepted