THIRD THURSDAY EVENING LECTURE SERIES
Time:        7 pm
Price:        Free to members, $5/students, $8/non-members
Location: Classroom A

FADING IMAGES with Steven Freers
   Steven Freers will focus on digital photography of rock art. Learn how this new technology has given researchers a tool that provides more detailed information than conventional photography and field site recordings, adding to our knowledge of the cultures that created the rock art. Steven's presentation will include rock art images that have not been published or previously viewed by the general public, and he will cover how important it is to protect and preserve these sites.
   Steven Freers is a researcher and advocate for the preservation and recordation of Native American Rock Art sites. He currently teaches high school Honors and General Chemistry in Lake Elsinore, California. He co-authored the book, Fading Images: Indian Photographs of Western Riverside County, which will be available for purchase.
DATE: September 18

PLANT PORTRAITS: A GALLERY TALK
   Margaret Dykens is Curator of the special exhibition, and Director of the Research Library, San Diego Natural History Museum. Ms. Dykens will present an overview of the artist's life and the uniqueness of his watercolors. The book, Plant Portraits will be available for purchase and signing.
   Ms. Dykens received her MILS from the University of Michigan in 1993 and a Master's degree in Biology from the college of William and Mary in 1980. Her research involved a floristic study in the coastal plain of Virginia. She also has over 15 years of experience as a scientific illustrator, and has been Director of the SDNHM Research Library since 1997.
DATE:  October 16

FORMATIONS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY with Steve Lech
   A 45 minute lecture on the formations and history of Riverside County by local historian Steven Lech, followed by the opportunity to purchase and have signed his book, Along the Old Roads.
   Steve Lech is a local history enthusias with over 15 years of research into Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. He has published numerous books and journals on the topic, holds a collection of over 1500 local area historic post cards, and is President of the Riverside Historical society.
DATE:  November 13

CONTESTED LANDSCAPES: GRIZZLY BEARS AND HUMANS IN CALIFORNIA, 12,000 B.C. - A.D. 1924, with Dr. Michael Moratto
   Moratto will present a talk on the direct competition between humans and bears for habitat and food resources throughout California's history. He will also touch on the interrelationship between grizzly bears, short-faced bears during the Ice Age, and American black bears.
   Having recently retired from a university teaching career, Dr. Moratto is a Senior Archaeologists/Environmental Scientist with Applied EarthWorks, Inc.
DATE: December 11

Call for more information, 951-791-0033.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP with Jim Watters, Sr.
25 participants maximum, ages 13 & up
   A talk by noted local photographer, Jim Watters, Sr., focussing on techniques and tricks to creating beautiful digital photographs; participants are encouraged to bring their own photographs on digital media to participate in the seminar.
   Jim Watters Sr. has provided many of the photographs used by the Western Center for brochures and ads. He is a lifelong photographer with extensive knowledge in the fundamentals of photography as well as digital imaging techniques, and has been featured in numerous publications, gallery showings and photography competitions.

September 20, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FEES: Free to members, $8 non-members

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP with Douglas McCulloh
25 participants maximum, ages 13 & up
Bring your digital camera
   This workshop combines lecture with discussion on how to build a diverse and beautiful body of photographic work; it will include a hands-on photography walk-through of the Western Center, Participants should bring a camera to shoot artifacts, architecture and landscape photos.
   Douglas McCulloh greats conceptually-based photographic work that has been exhibited widely throughout the world. He is an honors graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and holds an M.F.A. in photography and digital media from Claremont Gruaduate University. He is also a three-time recipient of funding from the California Council for the humanities.

November 8, 2008, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FEES: Free for members, $8 non-members

BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP with Justin Farmer
20 participants maximum (appropriate for ages 15 & up)
   A 2-day workshop led by noted basketweaver, Justin Farmer, will provide participants instruction in weaving a basket using southern California Native American methods. Students will be introduced to the plant materials used, how to harvest them, and the proper preparation of the plants for use in the weving process. In addition, each student will have hands-on instruction in learning the weaving techniques used in creating a "Mission" style basket. Workshop fee includes all materials, a 93 page instruction handbook by Mr. Farmer, and lunches.

October 25 and 26, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FEES: $150 members, $175 non-members