John Ninnemann to give talk on "Ancient Skywatchers of the Southwest" on Thursday, June 21st

As a perfect companion to celebrating the summer solstice, John Ninnemann takes us on an evening tour of the Ancestral Puebloan skywatching sites featured in his current photography exhibit at the Center, Ancient Skywatchers of the Southwest. In his lecture on Thursday, June 21st Ninnemann will explain the tradition of the skywatcher in historic Pueblos and how it helps to understand the significance of astronomy in ancient Soutwestern cultures. Reception begins at 5:30PM with the talk starting at 6:00PM in the Center's Lyceum.

Summer Solstice Window Viewing Wednesday, June 20

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College celebrates the Summer Solstice on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Doors will open at 5:45AM.

At the dawn of the summer solstice, a spiral of sunlight makes its way across the gallery walls making for a dazzling display. In our annual celebration of summer, the Center of Southwest Studies will provide a light breakfast and drumming from Ignacio musicians. Admission and parking are free. This event is open to the public.

Situated in the upper northeast corner of the exhibit gallery, the Solstice Window is recessed into the wall. Created by Denver artist Scott Parsons as a part of Colorado’s Art in Public Places Program, the window was integrated into the building’s architecture. Parsons designed the window in tribute to the solstice markers of the Ancestral Puebloans of Southwest Colorado. The spiral cast by the Solstice Window is visible for several weeks before and after the summer solstice, but it is sharpest on solstice morning. Moving with the motion of the earth and sun, the spiral makes its journey across the gallery wall, fading as the sun rises higher in the sky.