Ute Culture & Beading Workshop with Rebecca Hammond

Create your own work of beaded art—and learn how history has shaped Ute artistic expression

For centuries, the Ute Indians of the American West used stone, clay, and a wide variety of plant and animal materials to create objects that were both practical and beautiful. With the arrival of Europeans, however, came exciting new media, including tiny glass seed beads, which offered a colorful new way to render traditional designs that formerly had been produced by quillwork, painting, or incising.

August 5–11, 2012

$1,995 (member*)
$2,120 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: June 5, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

This hands-on workshop led by Ute Mountain Ute tribal member Rebecca Hammond combines intensive instruction in beadwork techniques with group discussions of Ute history and culture. Working closely with Becky and others, you will assemble your own loom, learn two different beading techniques, and gain a personal appreciation for how design visually conveys both tribal and personal artistic identities.

This workshop is appropriate for individuals of all skill levels.

Master the techniques used in Ute Indian beadwork—and create at least two works of your own beaded art

Learn about Ute history in southwestern Colorado and how contact with other cultures—including Plains Indian, Pueblo, and Euro-American—has influenced Ute beadwork materials and designs

Visit a local trading post to discover both historic and contemporary examples of Ute beadwork

Enjoy a special, behind-the-scenes guided tour of the brand new Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in Ignacio, Colorado

Scholar

Rebecca (Becky) Hammond is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, an educator at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and a member of Crow Canyon’s Native American Advisory Group. Raised in Towaoc, Colorado, Becky was taught traditional beading techniques by her grandmother, and she draws on both traditional Ute and ancestral Pueblo designs to create her own personal, contemporary style. Becky holds an associate's degree in fine arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Depending on group size, one or more Ute guest scholars will assist at intervals throughout the week.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Sunday, August 5
Arrive in Cortez, Colorado, for dinner and an evening program that introduces us to Ute history, culture, and traditions (D)

Monday, August 6
Trading post field trip; loom assembly (B, L, D)

Tuesday, August 7
Begin loom beading; discussions of Ute history and history of beads (B, L, D)

Wednesday, August 8
Learn the peyote stitch and continue working on projects; American Indian flute performance this evening (B, L, D)

Thursday, August 9
Behind-the-scenes tour of Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum; continue working on projects (B, L, D)

Friday, August 10
Finish projects (you are welcome to take your loom and tools home with you to start a new work of art!) (B, L, D)

Saturday, August 11
Departure from Cortez (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Cancellation

The following penalty schedule applies: On or before June 5, 2012: $200 handling fee; after June 5, 2012: forfeiture of all payments. For complete cancellation and refund policy, see General Information and Policies.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50