NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH MUSEUM
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Indigenous artisan and educator Naomi Smith will lead a beading workshop at Guelph Civic Museum Sunday, April 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participants will create a Woodlands-style Strawberry Emery (pin cushion) during this one-day workshop. Using silk and velvet with seed and antique bead embellishments, Smith will teach raised and embossed beading techniques and share traditional First Nations stories.
Smith is actively involved in sharing teaching with others about the ways of the First Nations people of the Woodlands and Northeastern region from a historical and contemporary perspective, often through the story of beads. Her work embraces ancestral designs in the form of bags, adornment and traditional accessories. Smith’s work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally. Her exhibition, “Indianized,” is on display at Guelph Civic Museum until May 19.
“Honouring our traditions is my voice within and beyond my culture and community,” said Smith, “Traditionally there is no word for “art” in Native languages yet artistry and visual expression are critical in defining who we are as First Nations people. It is this path I wish to exemplify through my teachings and my work.”
The workshop fee is $60 +HST, plus a supplies fee. Register in advance here.
Guelph Civic Museum is located at 52 Norfolk St.
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