Ho-Chunk Style Porcupine Quill Workshop

Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin) has worked as an art educator in both public and private schools for over 30 years. As an artist and educator, Melanie seeks to help students appreciate art by experiencing it through the perspective of the maker. Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions throughout the US, and she has won awards at prestigious art markets, including the Eiteljorg Museum and the Heard Museum. Melanie is the Executive Director of Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF), a Native-led non-profit arts organization dedicated to preserving the arts and culture of Native people in the Western Great Lakes region through providing quality cultural arts education programming. https://littleeaglearts.org/

You lab fee includes all materials and tools necessary:

• Porcupine pelt
• Brain tanned deerskin
• Needles, thread, beads, awl, beeswax and select beads of limited variety.
  • Prepare to bring specialty beads you may wish to work with.

All items are optional

• Extra beads you would like to work with (we will have a limited variety)
• Padded cushion for your seat
• Back support device
• Clamp-on light
• Clip-on fan for comfort
• Reading glasses, if necessary
• Refillable water bottle

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. Please see your schedule for event listings.

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.