Step into a world where tiny beads tell powerful stories. The Eiteljorg Museum’s newest exhibition, Radical Stitch, is not just an art show—it’s an unforgettable experience of culture, creativity, memory, resistance, and love, all threaded together with beadwork.
Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just discovering the magic of beads for the first time, Radical Stitch offers something for everyone—from families and students to scholars and creatives.
For generations, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists have used beads to celebrate identity, honor ancestors, and reconnect with their roots. Beadwork has moved from shells and seeds to modern materials like pixels and Swarovski crystals—yet its spiritual and cultural essence remains. Radical Stitch captures this transformation, showcasing beadwork as a medium that bridges ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation.
Organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan, and curated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Michelle LaVallee, and Cathy Mattes, the exhibition features over 100 works from acclaimed Native and Indigenous artists across Turtle Island (North America). From delicate deer hide adorned with size 21 microbeads to powerful political statements stitched with purpose, each piece carries the weight of history and the spark of future visions.
Teri Greeves (Kiowa) challenges the boundaries of “Native art” in NDN Art, merging Pop Art influences with cultural critique.
Samuel Thomas (Cayuga / Six Nations) honors his mother in Wiping Away the Tears, a series that revives the ancient mourning ceremony through intricate beadwork.
Katherine Boyer (Métis) explores queerness, identity, and connection to the prairie sky in The Sky Vest, using beadwork as a language of belonging.
Nico Williams (Anishinaabe) and Audie Murray bring contemporary perspectives to traditional techniques, blending urban culture with deep-rooted practices.
Nico Williams (Anishinaabe) and Audie Murray bring contemporary perspectives to traditional techniques, blending urban culture with deep-rooted practices.
From political protest pieces to intimate tributes and dazzling abstract designs, the diversity of the artwork is breathtaking.
Radical Stitch isn’t just something to see, it’s something to feel, learn from, and engage with. The opening weekend was filled with dynamic programming that connected audiences with artists and curators in meaningful dialogue.
Radical Stitch is filled with opportunities to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages:
Opening Weekend Highlights
Radical Stitch is on view through August 3, 2025, and is included with general admission to the museum. Members enjoy free daily admission.
🕒 Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Location:
Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis
Find details on map, hours, and parking https://eiteljorg.org/exhibitions/radical-stitch/.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or someone curious about Indigenous culture, Radical Stitch offers a rare and profound opportunity to engage with beadwork not just as craft, but as living, breathing art. It’s a celebration of resilience, beauty, and the stories stitched into every bead.
Come see how the smallest details can carry the biggest truths.
Editor - PR
