Carrying Our Past, Beading Our Future

Carrying Our Past, Beading Our Future

Carrying Our Past, Beading Our Future Beading demonstration & talk by Abenaki artist Kimberly-Ann Lussier Saturday, November 1 11am–12pm FREE event sponsored by the Brewster Lecture Series

Learn about the cultural and historic significant of beadwork at this talk and demonstration.

Portsmouth South End photograph by Ken Goldman

Artist Statement:

Through each bead, I stitch resistance and remembrance. My work honors the ancestors who walked before me, carrying their strength into the present. Beading is my voice-unyielding, radiant, and alive-proclaiming that Indigenous presence will never be erased.

About the Artist:

 
Kimberly-Ann, 33, is an enrolled member of the Missisquoi band of Abenaki of northern Vermont and is an experienced bead worker. Born and raised in southern New Hampshire, Kimberly-Ann has been involved in her culture all her life. She began beading at the age of 12 when she was taught by a family member and continues to learn and incorporate new techniques in her work today. She has made pieces for many friends, family members, and customers; she has also made pieces featured in Peacock’s series Rutherford Falls. When not beading she can be found singing at powwows and spending time with her friends, family, and dog SadieMae.

See more work and shop!

This program is generously sponsored as a part of our  William and Arlene Brewster Lecture Series.

Indigenous Life in New England

Indigenous Life in New England

Indigenous Life in New England with Jennifer Lee. Saturday, September 28, 11am–3 pm. Wigwam on the lawn of the John Paul Jones House

Learn about indigenous life by building a traditional wigwam

Jennifer Lee inside a wigwam.
About the Presenter:
Jennifer Lee has been enjoying making bark baskets for 40 years. Her interest began with the study of her Native American ancestors of the Northeast Woodlands. She teaches basket classes and educational programs extensively. The bark roots and branches are wild harvested by her family in the Northern
Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She’s received awards at the Mohegan Wigwam Festival, Saratoga Native American Festival, Kearsage Indian Museum, Deerfield Craft Show, and North Carolina Basketmakers Association.
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Jennifer Lee is enrolled with the Metis Nation of North America and the Northern Narragansetts. She grew up without knowledge of her Indian Ancestry. She has spent her adult life learning the true history and culture of the Northeast Woodland Indigenous Peoples. She shares what she’s learning at schools,
historic sites, and community events. Often, classes are held in her conical wigwam. She lives in the Northern Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. She spends her time with her Grandkids, gardening, berry picking, maintaining the houses she’s built, making baskets, teaching basketry, and attending as
many powwows as possible. She is grateful to the Creator for being able to follow her heart.