Iroquois Raised Beadwork with Brittany Kiertzner

Discover the rich tradition of Iroquois nation raised beadwork tracing back to the 19th century. Delve into the intricate artistry often seen on fancy pincushions where glass glass beads adorn velvet, a hallmark of Mohawk Iroquois craftsmanship in the Montreal area. Since the late 19th to early 20th century, raised beadwork has been known to reach heights of up to two inches. This process involves placing glass seed beads that over paper patterns, which are then attached to sumptuous fabrics like wool or velvet, to create the stunning raised effect.

In this workshop, participants will create and embellish pin cushions filled with fragrant sweet grass and pine sawdust. Inspired by the legacy of Iroquois beadworkers who once sold these creations at renowned tourist destinations, such as Saratoga Springs and Niagara Falls, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to create keepsakes that echo the ingenuity and aesthetic of this Indigenous tradition.

Workshop fee: $125.

Brittany Kiertzner is a mixed media and textile artist working in Southern California. Kiertzner studied fine art at California State University Fullerton and is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. She explores critical materials that reframe her personal history into a contemporary context. Through a dynamic interplay of woven and stitched threads, her work is influenced by traditional Mohawk Iroquois splint basket making, embroidery and raised beadwork. She investigates themes of regeneration, authenticity and subversion of materials through synthesizing the past. Kiertzner has shown her mixed media and textile-based work extensively in solo and juried exhibitions in California since 2007. She maintains a studio in Claremont, California.