Virtual Native American Artist Series – Calvin Hunt

Calvin Hunt is a Kwagu’l (Kwakwaka’wakw) artist living and working in his traditional homelands of Tsakis (Fort Rupert, British Columbia). His reputation for authenticity and artistic excellence spans the globe. Working mainly in totem poles, he also has a wide range of works of art that reflect the power of contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw art, ceremony and […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series – Dawn Spears

Dawn Spears (Narragansett/Choctaw) is a contemporary artist who specializes in unique, free-hand original abstract designs. Dawn also serves as Executive Director of the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance (NIAA) and has worked with numerous museums, cultural organizations, and tribal initiatives throughout the region. As a featured artist in our Virtual Holiday Market, join Dawn, along with […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series: Sarah Sockbeson

Sarah Sockbeson (Penobscot) is a basketmaker who has demonstrated and exhibited her work at various shows, museums and markets throughout the country. Sarah apprenticed with renowned basket maker Jennifer Neptune, who taught her the traditional way to gather, prepare, and weave ash splints into baskets. For each of her unique pieces, Sarah combines traditional materials […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series: Vera Longtoe Sheehan

Vera Longtoe Sheehan (Elnu Abenaki) is an artist, educator, culture keeper and activist who has exhibited, lectured, and taught at museums and cultural institutions throughout the world, including at the Institute for American Indian Studies. She is the Director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, founder of the Abenaki Arts and Education Center, and member […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series: Jeanne Morningstar Kent

Jeanne Kent was named Spozowialakws (Morningstar) by an Abenaki Elder many years ago.  It means: "One who leads others out of the darkness into the light...a teacher." She is an Enrolled Member of the  Nulhegan Band, Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont.,and also descended from Nipissing, Montagnais, and Algonquin People from the Quebec area of Canada.  Her father […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series: Annawon Weeden

Annawon Weeden is an actor, activist, dancer and artist with Mashpee Wampanoag, Narragansett and Pequot heritage. Growing up on the Narragansett reservation in south coastal RI, Annawon has been instructed on the traditional dances and customs of New England Natives throughout his entire life. By visiting many other tribes throughout the U.S., Annawon has developed a comprehensive understanding of the vast diversity […]

Virtual Native American Artist Series: Brenda Hill

Brenda Hill (Tuscarora/Choctaw) is an indigenous artist who specializes in pottery and special order clay items. For several decades, she has exhibited and taught the history of Haudenosaunee pottery at various museums, cultural institutions and community centers throughout North America. Brenda crafts all of her whiteware pottery by hand, using the traditional coil method. She […]

Sunday Fun Day Craft Workshops: Snow Snakes

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

 This traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) winter game involves a stick that is carved and decorated to resemble a snake. Competitors throw the stick along a snow trench and try to see how far they can throw it. Join IAIS Educator Susan Scherf for an hour of whittling good fun. Pre-registration is required. Please email [email protected] or […]

Sunday Fun Day Craft Workshops: Beading

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

For thousands of years, many Native peoples decorated clothing and items with materials found in nature, such as shell, stones, seeds and porcupine quills. In more recent centuries, multi-colored glass beads have become a favorite alternative. This week’s workshop will focus on beading basics. Join IAIS Educator Susan Scherf for an introduction into beading techniques […]

As They Speak: Native Voices in Today’s Literature – Virtual Book Club

Online Event

Looking to expand your reading list and discuss a variety of issues and topics important to Native people? If so, please join our new digital book club, As They Speak: Native Voices in Today’s Literature. Based on a variety of topics and featuring a range of genres, all of the books we will be reading […]