In 2001 Sam Thomas conducted a highly successful series of traditional Iroquois beadwork workshops at many locations in Ontario. Each participant learned several beadwork techniques and made a piece of beadwork to keep. Each participant also worked on a beaded element which became part of one of two beaded outfits in the traditional Iroquois style. These outfits are scheduled to be on display in various locations this year and next. This spring they were on display in Buffalo and St. Catherines, Ont. and are currently on display in St. Catherines. Next year they will be in Toronto, London, and Paris. See photos of the two outfits; one picture taken soon after completion and at St. Catherines, Ontario.
This year, with a grant from the WK Kellogg Foundation, a similar project will take place at several locations in the United States. See the schedule as it is finalized on another page.
Each workshop will consist of two days of learning beadwork techniques and learning about the history of Iroquois beadwork and the philosophy behind it. On the first day each participant will make a purse, barrette, or eyeglass holder of glass beads on velvet as a learning exercise. On the second day each participant will apply the techniques they have learned to make a piece that will become part of a traditional Iroquois beaded outfit. It is planned that the beaded outfits will travel just as last year's outfits are.
To sign up for a workshop, contact the workshop location of your choice.
