This class is full. Call Watermark to get on the waiting list.

Intercultural Creative Circles – Felting Techniques
Wednesday, November 20, 11-3pm
No fee, materials included
Registration required. Please call Watermark at 218-444-7570 to hold your space.

Sharon Nordrum is a member of Red Lake Nation and a contemporary artist who works between various art media. The use of patterns, symbols and colors found in her work add a distinct Ojibwe voice to the region. She will be introducing participants to the art of dry felting, where they will learn how to use dry felting tools to create small needle felt wall hanging framed in an embroidery hoop.

“I have always been drawn to art and creating. During high school, my art teacher told me I would never make it in the art world, and I should give up that dream. I still painted and worked with wood carving, but I only shared with my mom, dad and sister.

“Fast forward to 2012 I lost my job when Pamida closed their doors. I really did not want to find another position in the retail world. As I pondered my future, I thought about what I had seen while my years working in retail and the one thing that stood out was the lack or actually the non-existence of the Ojibwe language in our area. I spoke with an elder and asked if it was alright for me to make welcome sign and garden signs in our language and sell them. He told me it was a fine idea and wished me luck on my new endeavor.  Boozhoo, Aaniin and Biindigen gave me my start. I have since moved to telling our stories and my dreams on canvas.

“The people I have met along this path have opened so many doors to other artistic mediums and styles. I was introduced to needle felting in 2016. I fell in love with the feel of the fibers in my hand and the idea that I could incorporate my painting style into felting.

“I have been commissioned to paint pieces for Bemidji State University, Cass Lake Bena High School, Leech Lake Head Start, White Earth Tribal College, Red Lake Tribal College and Leech Lake Tribal College. I have both a felted piece and a painted mural at Sprout Growers and Makers Market in Little Falls.

“I am now working on more mixed media art with incorporating bark, parfleche, sweet grass, fibers and paintings into one piece of art. To me art is about exploring, growing and invoking feelings in those that see your creations.

 “I cannot wait to see what the future brings for expanding my art.” -Sharon Nordrum

For more information regarding special events, classes and exhibits visit watermarkartcenter.org or call 218-444-7570. Watermark galleries are accessible and open to the public Monday – Saturday from 10 to 5pm. Watermark is located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N. in Bemidji, Minnesota.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.