Garvies Point Museum Presents Variety of Children's Films in February

During February, the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve will feature films about Native American artists and traditional legends, geology and nature, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. The films and times are as follows:

Native American Artist: Helen Hardin, Santa Clara Painter (29 mins.), Feb. 2-3, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.: This film reviews the abstract geometric work of this painter and printmaker, illustrating Hardin’s struggle to depict aspects of her native heritage. Hardin’s multi-layered paintings, created with a combination of brushes and drafting tools, reveal the crisp precision that characterizes her distinctive style.

The Legend of the Boy and the Eagle (21 mins.), Feb. 7, 3:15 p.m.: This film depicts the Hopi Indian legend of a boy’s love for the tribe’s sacred eagle.

Native American Artist: Charles Loloma, Hopi Jeweler (29 mins.), Feb. 10, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.: One of the first Native American jewelers to use gold instead of silver and diamonds, Loloma’s innovative and internationally acclaimed pieces broke the barriers separating Indian traditionalism and mainstream modern art. Loloma’s clients included celebrities, monarchs, and presidents.

Bat Adventures ( 30 mins.), Feb. 14, 3:15 p.m.: More than a thousand different species of bats live on every continent except Antarctica, and this film reveals the secret lives of these creatures, including how they use their natural sonar to communicate and find food.

Native American Artist: Allan Houser, Apache Sculptor (29 mins.), Feb. 16-17, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.: Houser won international recognition for his depiction in wood, stone and metal of the stoic, powerful figures of his Chiricahua Apache and Navajo families. This film follows Houser from quarry to studio, where he sculpts a face in marble, and to a foundry where he casts a bronze head.

Little Bear: Native American Legend (16 mins.), Feb. 19, 3:15 p.m.: This Native American children’s tale tells the story of a boy, Brave Fox, and his “sister” Little Bear.

Paddle to the Sea (27 mins), Feb. 20, 3:15 p.m.: Based on a children’s classic, “Paddle” is set during the dark of the Canadian winter, in the Nipigon country north of the Great Lakes. There, a young Native American boy carves the figure of an Indian in a canoe and sends it on an exciting waterway journey hundreds of miles from home.

Native American Artist: Ella Mae Blackbear, Cherokee Basket Maker (29 mins.), Feb. 21, 3:15 p.m.: Filmed at the artist’s home in Oklahoma, the documentary follows Ella Mae Blackbear as she gathers native buckrush and plants for dyes, creates a graceful basket, and reminisces about the education in weaving she received from her mother. The history of Cherokee basketry is further documented with examples from Tulsa’s Philbrook Art Center.

Eyewitness: Rock and Mineral (35 mins.), Feb. 22, 3:15 p.m.: Which world-famous rock came from outer space? Why were rubies once known as “bloodstones”? This film answers those questions and others, explaining how rocks keep a constantly changing record of our planet’s fascinating history, and why minerals are at the very core of our civilization.

The Pearl Story (45 mins.), Feb. 23-24, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.: Of all the gemstones in the world, the pearl is the only one requiring no cutting or polishing to reveal its natural beauty. Discover how pearls grow, how they are harvested, and the fascinating stories of the men who have given their fortunes, and lives, in pursuit of the perfect pearl.

The Garvies Point Museum and beautiful adjoining 62-acre preserve are located along Hempstead Harbor at 50 Barry Drive in Glen Cove. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum offers a regular schedule of films and other programming related to Native American life and geology. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fees are $2 for adults and $1 for children 4-14 years of age. For additional information, call 516-571-8010.