By Elias Moore-Barbosa
Information Technology Academy (ITA) would like to highlight one of our very own ITA Alumnus, Paige Morningstar Skenandore.
“Shekoli! Katsitsya’?tahts niyukyats. On^yote?a.ka.ni?i okhale? wakenyaht^niwaki?talo.t^.”
My name is Paige Morningstar Skenandore, and my Oneida name roughly translates to, “she extends out a flower.” I am an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and I am turtle clan. I graduated from Information Technology Academy in 2018, and I received my Bachelor degree at UW-Madison in 2022. After graduation, I started a small indigenous art business, Moody NDN. My business strives to promote healing and community through bead and quillwork. I am also a teaching artist and have been facilitating bead and quillwork workshops throughout Wisconsin over the last several years. I am passionate about teaching indigenous art appreciation to indigenous and non-indigenous people.”
Throughout the month, Paige will be facilitating two workshops at libraries across Madison. Add these to your calendars to learn more about the art of beading and quillwork.
Beaded Keychains Workshop
Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Goodman South Madison Library
Learn the basics of making Indigenous beadwork, and create a beaded keychain! Indigenous beadwork is an expression of identity, creativity, and healing. Workshop attendees will learn how to make a wrap-stitch beaded keychain, and learn the importance of Indigenous beadwork history. This workshop will include size 11 seed beads and threading a needle. All supplies provided.
Registration is required. Registration opens two weeks before the program (11/4/23)
Quillwork
Saturday, Dec 2, 2023 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM | Hawthorne Library
Learn how porcupine quills are utilized in Indigenous artwork. Quillwork has been practiced for hundreds of years prior to European arrival. Quillwork, like beadwork, is an expression of identity, creativity, and healing in indigenous communities. Class participants will hear a story about the porcupine quills, learn techniques to wrap the quills, and design one keychain.
Registration is required. Registration opens two weeks before the program (11/18/23)