I was raised on the Cattaraugus Territory and always encouraged artistically by my family. It was when i started to work with watercolor that I began developing my relationship to color and texture. I have carried over this sensibility to Iroquois Raised Beadwork and receive great satisfaction from creating useful and often wearable pieces of one of a kind art work.

Cheryl Tome

Nation/Clan: Seneca/Deer Clan
Media: Beadwork, painting, stained glass

Artist Statement:

I design and craft contemporary and traditional Native American
jewelry using precious and semi-precious stone, bone and other materials. I also design beadwork on everything from earrings to clothing trim and create stained glass.

Marilyn Stevens

Nation/Clan: Seneca/Wolf Clan
Media: Beadwork, fabric

Artist Resume:

Seneca Nation Fall Festival, Irving, NY
Jung Center, Buffalo, NY
Fenimore Museum, Cooperstown, NY
William Seneca Building Art Show, Irving, NY

Artist Statement:

I am a self taught beadworker. I create native beadwork including clothing, picture frames and purses. I prefer to use the raised beadwork technique. Flowers and birds are my favorite subjects.

Melissa Smith

Nation/Clan: Tonawanda Seneca/Snipe
Media: Bead work

Artist Resume:

Self taught bead worker
Corn husk doll on exhibit at Victor Town Hall
Corn husk doll on exhibit at Towanda Indian Community House
Exhibiting at NYS Fair Indian Village for at least 5 years.
Won 1st, 2nd prize at NYS Fair Indian Village for large dance fan, and small dance fan
Won 2nd prize at NYS Fair Indian Village for medium dance fan
Won 2nd prize at NYS Fair Indian Village for female corn husk doll

Artist Statement:

I have been a beader most of my life. My art is most important to me because it gives me a connection to my grandmother, my mother, and my creator. My grandmother wasn’t with me very long, but she was a very great bead worker.

My art gives me a connection to our time-honored ways. I love creating things because when I’m making it I have a “good mind.” If I have any negative thoughts about people, or events that have happened, that has to be laid aside in order for my beadwork to come out correctly.

My art gives me enjoyment in many ways. The first is in the creation of it. It also gives me satisfaction when someone whom I have never met before, likes something of mine. It makes me happy to know my work will live on, out in the world somewhere.

Karen Shenandoah

Nation/Clan: Onondaga/Eel
Media: Bead work

Artist Resume:

2/2012-Present: Featured artist at Oneida Sky Gallery, Oneida, NY
6/2012-Present: Rockwell Museum of Western Art, Corning, NY
Ongoing – Various fairs and festivals

Artist Statement:

I do beadwork as a creative outlet and find it relaxing and therapeutic. I am drawn to things with a tradtional beauty and create classic and feminine designs. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment and pride I get when finishing a piece. I am always open to trying new and different techniques, continually learning and growing as an artist.