By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

NEOSHO, Mo. — Spots are filling fast for Friday’s symposium on American Indian culture.

Response has been “excellent” for the upcoming Thomas Hart Benton Symposium, said Steve Roark, president of the Newton County Tourism Council. This marks the third year for the symposium, and Friday’s events include opening ceremonies conducted by different tribes in traditional dress, an American Indian choir, traditional dancing, educational programs and more.

Organizers hope to have 1,000 students from high schools in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, Roark said. As of Friday, he estimated that 750 students were signed up. School districts have until Tuesday to register. Roark also said there is limited seating for the general public.

The symposium will begin at 9:15 a.m. Friday at Neosho’s Civic Center, formerly the Municipal Auditorium.

Although named for artist Thomas Hart Benton, Roark said the symposium “is an intellectual umbrella that allows us to explore various cultural and artistic topics.”

After opening ceremonies, Chief Glenna J. Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe and her granddaughter will give a Chautauqua program on Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who was a guide and central figure in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Later, the symposium will preview part of a documentary on renowned Oklahoma muralist Charles Banks Wilson. Wilson also is scheduled to appear and participate in a question-and-answer session.

Other features of the program include a tour of some of the murals in Neosho, lunch with American Indian-themed food, and an essay contest with $1,000 in prize money.

The program will be capped by a traditional American Indian dance with instruments and an explanation of the meaning and significance of each dance.

Friday’s program is being organized by the Newton County Tourism Council and sponsored by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe and Bob and Mona Hart of Stella.