Exhibit: March 6 – extended to July 31, 2020.
Opening Reception: March 6, 5 – 7pm
Artist Talk: 6pm March 6, 2020

KAXE Radio  interview Thomas Stillday with Katie Carter >>

2021 Participant in “Art in This Present Moment” (video interview & gallery) >>

“Wezhichigewaad” an Ojibwe word, means “makers” in English (pronounced “way-zhih-chih-gay-wahd”).

Sunshine Beaded-bag on Leather by Thomas Stillday

““We are so honored to exhibit works by Thomas Stillday- Mashkawigaabaw. He is a master beading artist, involved with his art practice for thirty-eight years, dedicating himself to technical development and conceptual individuality in his work. He comes from a family of “Makers” and his art honors the traditional designs and knowledge that have been gifted to him by his elders. However, as a true artist, he has been pushing the designs into new compositions and colors that keep the visual language fresh and contemporary. His understanding is rooted in a very rich cultural history. His commitment to ‘making’ is important to the collective voice and continuing history of the Ojibwe cultural arts.” – Karen Goulet, Program Director of the Miikanan Gallery

Thomas Stillday (Red Lake Nation)
2017 Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellow

Tom Stillday

“I am an experienced bead work artist who has been creating works of art for thirty eight years. I have substantial technical skills and advanced conceptual and design abilities. I am very detailed on the designs I have created. I have taken the traditional beading techniques, designs and concepts I was given by my grandmother, mother, and father and developed my distinct and personal style of work.   I have my own way of using the newer beads with the older beads of the past while still creating beautiful Ojibwe beadwork. The way I use stitching techniques and my choice of colors distinguishes my beadwork style. I made work using the lazy stitch style for about seventeen years, then mixed lazy stitch with applique flatwork, and now do mainly appliqué flatwork beadwork in my unique Ojibwe designs.” – Thomas Stillday