Who: The Irving Art Center, in Partnership with the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C. is hosting the special exhibition, Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed, a full schedule of free events is also offered. The series of films, lectures, hands-on art sessions, tours and gallery talks are designed to complement the remarkable collection of ancient gold and silver artifacts excavated from Peru’s legendary royal tombs included in the exhibition

What: Free Peruvian Gold Exhibition Tours
Docent led tours of the Peruvian Gold Exhibition are scheduled every Thursday and Saturday, free with the purchase of an exhibit ticket. First come, first served, space is limited.
When: 12/4, 12/6, 12/11, 12/13, 12/18, 12/20, 12/27, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:00 p.m.


What: LECTURE: Art and Architecture of Pre-Columbian Americas
Dr. Adam Herring, Professor of Art History from SMU, is a specialist in the art of the pre-Columbian Americas, with current research addressing Inca architecture and spatial practice.
When: 12/6 at 2 p.m. in the meeting room

What: Family Funday: Golden Ear Spools and Ornaments
Families are invited to visit the creation station and make their own ear spools and ornaments inspired by those in the Peruvian Gold exhibition. All supplies provided.
When: 12/6 beginning at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the meeting rooms
Cost: Free - ticket required for entry into the Peruvian Gold exhibition.

What: Tango From Heaven
Starring harpist and dancer Anna Maria Mendieta, this exciting multi-media concert leads the audience through the tight turns and dips of the Tango by way of the smoky cafes of Argentina and Spain. With live music, dance and film clips, Mendieta and her troupe of musicians and dancers capture the finesse and fire of the tango in an exciting new way. Presented as part of the Silver and Gold Holiday Open House activities celebrating of the Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed exhibition.
When: 12/12 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Seating is first come, first served in Carpenter Hall

What: Silver and Gold: Annual Holiday Open House
The Irving Arts Center shines with holiday spirit in celebration of the Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed exhibition. Enjoy performances, meet Santa Claus for a photo op and enjoy art work by Irving ISD elementary students. Kids can take a train ride in the Sculpture Garden and make holiday-themed art projects and greeting cards. Complimentary refreshments.
When: 12/13 12 noon - 4 p.m.

What: LECTURE: Ancient Peruvian Clay Techniques
Professor Nicholas Wood, MFA, Associate Professor of Art and Art History at University of Texas at Arlington, is a multi-media artist working with clay. His informal talk will address the sophisticated techniques used by the Ancient Peruvian cultures in the creation of their clay objects.
When: 12/18 7 p.m. in the meeting rooms

What: Family Funday – Making Crowns and Jewelry
Families are invited to create their own crowns inspired by those in the Peruvian Gold exhibition. All supplies provided.
When: 12/20 2-4 p.m. in the meeting rooms
Cost: Free - ticket required for entry into the Peruvian Gold exhibition.

What: FILM SCREENING: The Road to El Dorado
DreamWorks SKG's 2000 feature-length animated film blends comedy and drama in an unusual historical adventure. Two genial swindlers working as stable hands stow away with Cortez, the legendary Spanish conquistador, as he searches for El Dorado, the lost City of Gold.
When: 12/21 89 minutes, rated PG. 2 p.m. in Dupree Theater



About Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed
Peruvian Gold: Ancient Treasures Unearthed showcases extraordinary objects from Peru’s pre-Inca heritage, including gold ceremonial and funerary masks, textiles, ceremonial ornaments, ceramics and jewelry. In addition to providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with stunning examples of ancient craftsmanship, the exhibit also explains how the artifacts reflect the customs, beliefs and ideals of the cultures that produced and utilized them. A map and timeline of Peru’s earliest civilizations serve as the starting point for museum visitors. The exhibition continues with the iconography, craftsmanship and ceremonial heritage of these complex societies.

For additional information about Peruvian Gold special events and tickets, visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

EXHIBIT HOURS: Tues., W, F, Sat 10a-5p; Thurs. 10a-8p; Sun 1-5p; closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

PRICE: Adults $12; Seniors, Students, City of Irving Employees, Art Connection & National Geographic Members, Military, and groups of 10 or more $8; Student groups of 10 or more $5.

About Irving Arts Center
Irving Arts Center is a department of the City of Irving and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. In 2013, the Arts Center hosted 1,715 events, including 186 performances and 24 exhibitions, and welcomed 111,358 visitors from 43 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, call 972-252-7558 or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

Contacts:
Dana Cobb
TrizCom Inc.
972-955-9747
[email protected]

Kass Prince
Irving Arts Center
972-252-4403 or 214-878-5598
[email protected]