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Sun City resident bridges cultures through art

Posted 1/16/25

Sun City resident Dr. Lydia Woods, a geo-artist and drum maker, is showcasing her artistic creations at the African-American Arts exhibit at West Valley Arts HQ Gallery.

Running through Feb. 13, …

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NEIGHBORS

Sun City resident bridges cultures through art

Posted

Sun City resident Dr. Lydia Woods, a geo-artist and drum maker, is showcasing her artistic creations at the African-American Arts exhibit at West Valley Arts HQ Gallery.

Running through Feb. 13, the exhibit highlights her Native American drums adorned with her signature geo-art. Using acrylic water-based paints, Woods combines her Native American Cherokee and African heritage into intricate designs that embody the spiritual and cultural essence of her identity.

Woods, age 65, discovered a late talent and passion for making and painting Native American style drums. She believes her gift comes directly from her Native ancestors. She recently received her Native name, “Yielded to the Spirit.” She offers monthly and private workshops in Native American Style drum making and painting, making African Rain sticks and African Shakeres, and Native American style turtle and rawhide rattles.

As part of the exhibit’s programming, Woods will host an African Djembe drum circle workshop 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the West Valley Arts HQ Gallery, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza. This hands-on experience invites participants to feel the rhythm and energy of African drumming while surrounded by the artwork of local African-American artists featured in the “Imprint: African-Americans in the Arts” exhibit. No prior experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Tickets are $15 and registration is available at westvalleyarts.org.

The West Valley Arts HQ Gallery is hosting the exhibit as part of its annual “Imprint” series. This program celebrates cultural diversity in the arts by offering exhibits, workshops, lectures and events that spotlight artists of color in and around the Valley.

Woods’ work reflects her dedication to cultural preservation and education. Her painted drums are not only functional musical instruments but also pieces of art that tell stories of resilience, harmony and unity between African and Native American cultures. Each drum she creates carries deep spiritual meaning, enriched by the geo-art she paints on them.

In addition to her art, Woods is the founder and CEO of Drum Arizona, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides drumming experiences and handmade/hand painted Native American drums to children who have experienced trauma. Her organization recently hit a milestone at the end of 22024 by giving away1,000 drums to children and adults who have experienced trauma.

Sun City, arts, drums

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