Indigenous Arts: Beadwork for Youth

Indigenous arts comprise a wide variety of art forms from varied original peoples from around the world. Mt. Pleasant is the home to the modern-day Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabek people. This tie to the tribe affords our region a rich history of cultural traditions, as well as a variety of art forms. Art Reach presents a series of classes with the hope of widening our worldview and offering an avenue for sharing this cultural tradition. Anishinaabe artist and instructor Chyann Haas will explore the art of beadwork in a kid-friendly format. After a brief history lesson covering the beadwork tradition of the Anishinaabe people, students will be able to select their chosen pattern. Utilizing pony beads, students will learn the process to sew beads onto a foundation fabric, creating artful beadwork designs. Basic sewing technique will be taught, but students should be comfortable with needles. All supplies are provided. This two-week course will be held from 1-2:30 pm on Friday, July 16 & 23 in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant. Recommended age: 8-12 Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes.