The Red Earth Art Center presents an adult beadwork class led by noted Kiowa beadwork artist Richard Aitson on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10-3 pm at the Red Earth Administrative Office. The class is open to adults with an intermediate level of beadwork skills who are interested in learning techniques from one of America’s premier beadwork artists.
Aitson is noted for his intricate designs and is recognized nationally for his fully beaded, functional cradleboards. He also makes miniature cradleboards with extremely minute beads. He creates beaded dance regalia for the Native community and describes his art as “contemporary-traditional”. His beadwork art is highly sought after by fine art collectors and can be found in museum collections throughout the country.
Aitson continues to exhibit and participate in art shows throughout the US. He received the Grand Prize for Best of Show at the 1997 Red Earth Festival and the Southwest Museum’s Jackie Autry Purchase Prize in 2005.
A class fee of $95 includes lunch and some materials. Participants will create a beaded medallion. A complete list of supplies students will need for the class is found on the Red Earth website. The class will be held at the Red Earth Administrative Office at 100 N. Broadway Suite 2750 in downtown Oklahoma City’s BancFirst Tower. Curbside parking is free on weekends. To register visit the Red Earth website or call (405) 427-5228. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is Nov. 20.
Red Earth, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to promote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, a museum and fine art markets. The organization is an Allied Arts member agency and AdventureRoad Travel Partner. Red Earth is funded in part by the Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, James H & Madalynne Norick Foundation and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.
Red Earth, Inc. produces the annual Red Earth Festival, and is recognized as the region’s premier organization for advancing the understanding and continuation of Native American traditional and contemporary culture and arts.
The Red Earth Art Center hosts a diverse and changing schedule of art and historical exhibitions at locations throughout Oklahoma until its new home opens in the BancFirst Tower in 2021. The organization is custodian to a permanent collection of more than 1,000 items of fine art, pottery, basketry, textiles and beadwork.
