-
Over two days, participants will move through the story of making a rawhide rattle as a way of continuing cultural arts practices rooted in relationship to land and materials.
The work begins by soaking and preparing the hide, learning how water softens what was once strong and living, just as time and care prepare people to learn. The hide is then cut, shaped, and gathered by hand, filled with stones or seeds chosen from the place we are working, so the rattle carries the voice of that land. As the hide dries, it is tied with sinew and shaped into form, while stories are shared about how rattles have long been used for prayer, song, and keeping rhythm in ceremony and daily life.
This guide does not replace a teacher; it follows the way cultural knowledge has always been carried—through doing, listening, and feeling—so that each rattle becomes both an instrument and a reminder of the time, place, and people who brought it into being. The rattle is more than an object—it carries voice, memory, and responsibility, helping keep cultural knowledge alive through making and use.
This workshop involves working directly with raw animal hide and natural materials. Participants should be prepared for strong sensory experiences, including natural smells, textures, and the physical process of shaping and drying animal hide.
These sensations are part of working with the natural world and are approached with respect and care; participants are encouraged to come with an open heart, patience, and willingness to move through discomfort as part of the learning.
-
10:00 am - 12:00 pm ~ Morning Session
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ~ Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ~ Afternoon Session
Lunch will be provided at noon on both days, and you can choose to stay and enjoy with the group, or take some time for yourself.
-
Our workshop takes place at Midpines Park & Community Hall, a welcoming public space just outside Mariposa. The Hall offers heating, cooling, and restrooms, while the surrounding park features shaded picnic tables, outdoor art installations, and a seasonal creekbed perfect for inspiration and reflection.
The park is easily accessible via the YARTS bus, which stops directly on-site — a great option for sustainable travel. Parking is available, however it is limited, so we encourage you to take advantage of the bus.
-
IMPORTANT NOTE: this workshop uses raw animal materials. Please be aware that clothing worn during the workshop may get wet or marked.
We ask that every participant comes ready to ask questions, listen carefully, and treat the materials thoughtfully—understanding that the hide was once part of a living being and deserves respect in how it is handled and transformed.
This is hands-on work requiring focus and presence. Working with animal hide is labor intensive, and can be challenging with arthritis. If you have questions or concerns about this, please email us.
Please bring the following for a comfortable experience:
Blanket, towel, or camp chair; something to sit on outdoors.
Sun protection, layers, insect repellant if you need. We will spend as much time outdoors as possible, so prepare yourself for maximum comfort and variable weather.
Refillable water bottle and thermos or insulated mug for tea
If you are able to bring your own plate and utensils for lunch, this will be a great help for staff and will cut down on waste.
*This workshop involves working directly with raw animal hide and natural materials. Please be prepared for strong sensory experiences, including powerful smells, textures, and the physical process of shaping and drying hide. These sensations are part of working with the natural world and are approached with respect and care; participants are encouraged to come with an open heart, patience, and willingness to move through discomfort as part of the learning.
-
Registration for this workshop includes the following:
Detailed, professional instruction, fresh ideas rooted in cultural arts continuance practices, and personalized guidance throughout the process.
All necessary activity supplies.
A make-your-own sandwich bar lunch will be provided. We source organic ingredients whenever possible and will include gluten free options.
Tea, coffee and snacks
-
In order to ensure we have enough supplies and lunch for everyone, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
If you are a tribal member you can reach out to Clay directly to join rather than registering online.
-
This workshop will run rain or shine. We will have an indoor space in case of inclement weather.
-
No prior experience is necessary! This offering is open to all who are excited to learn and explore a new skill in a community setting.
-
How much does it cost?
This workshop is free, thanks to a generous grant from California State Parks, the California Arts Council, and Parks California.
If you’d like to support future programs like this, donations to Balanced Rock will help us continue offering accessible, subsidized experiences for years to come.
Meet Your Facilitator
CLAY MUWIN RIVER
Clay Muwin River is Co-Director of Programs and a Lead Teaching Artist at the Mariposa Arts Council, offering a powerful blend of cultural insight, educational leadership, and deeply relational facilitation. Their work spans classrooms, community programs, and public spaces—supporting youth, adults, and diverse communities through art and dialogue.
Clay works in close relationships with culture keepers, Elders, artists, and tribal partners to support resilience, wellness, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and informed by decades of lived experience, they bring particular depth to curriculum development, cultural arts revitalization, and values-based learning. A cultural arts activist and accomplished muralist, poet, and storyteller, Clay weaves creativity with care and accountability.
During the Art, Nature, & Wellness Program’s immersive cohort in March 2026, they are facilitating a two-day journey using an Indigenous Theoretical Framework (GONA) to create a healing, culturally grounded, community-driven retreat in nature where participants begin with a personal or communal question—approached “much like ceremony”—through mindfulness, collective learning, art, land connection, and community building.