And the Bead Goes On: An Open Beading Circle Workshop

Jennifer Ben (Diné) is from Shiprock, NM, and is a multidimensional artist with a passion for classical cello performance. Jennifer’s classical training has inspired her to explore composition, sound production, and engineering. In addition to beadwork, her other passion is the land; she explores innovative and creative ways to express her love for nature and its naturally occurring resonance. This passion for the land has led Ben to work in the agricultural sector, allowing her to utilize beadwork to tell stories about the land and its plants while promoting traditional farming methodologies and Indigenous food sovereignty. Jennifer has worked extensively as an artist-in-residence, demonstrator, and educator at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and has participated in the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market. Her work is a beaded confluence of her lived experiences and passions, and is grounded in Diné philosophies.

Your lab fee includes beads, beading thread, needles, beading mat, personal tools, leather backing, pelon material, paper, pencil, and marking pens.

Please bring 2-3 sketches/design concepts (approximately 3×3 inches in size)

Optional:

• additional beads to incorporate into project
• lamp for extra lighting
• reading glasses or lamp with magnification

Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs.

NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. 

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers

For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.

2) Southern California professors, and graduate students
For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.