New Beadwork Exhibit

On February 21, the Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire's Carson Park will open a new exhibit called Always Beading. The exhibit invites visitors to explore what inspires bead artists in the Chippewa Valley, and features both historical and contemporary Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe beadwork.

Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe people have lived in the Chippewa Valley for hundreds of years. They've been creating beautifully beaded bags, moccasins, mittens, necklaces, and other items for almost as long. Visitors to Always Beading will see more than 35 beaded objects, the oldest dating back as far as 1855. Contemporary artists Brandy Lonetree, Hazel Hindsley, and Elena Greendeer also contributed pieces to the exhibit.

Visitors will get to try several fun activities, too, from designing a bead pattern to going on a scavenger hunt for beadwork in CVM's new major exhibit Changing Currents. Another activity will let people put together enlarged photos of beadwork, showing the intricate work beading entails and highlighting the differences between loomed pieces and applique.

The opening event on Saturday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature beadwork demonstrations by featured artists, as well as hands-on projects for visitors of all ages. The event will be held in conjunction with the museum's annual Fiber Arts Festival. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 5-17. Museum members and children under 5 are free.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works.