Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I create beaded memorial pieces for those that have lost loved ones. I have done this through beaded hairsticks that have significant meaning in the pattern or colors that I choose that were a favorite color of the persons loved one. The materials that I use for the memorial beadwork are real genuine leather of deer or elk hide and beads that are of the highest quality, such as 24kt gold or sterling silver Charlotte cut beads.

Where do you find inspiration?

Every pattern and color scheme comes from the individual if it is a memorial piece. I am learning how to process grief in a creative way, through my beadwork that is gifted away. Experiencing grief at a young age has shown me how it can break you or inspire you. I have chosen to honor my late mother and sister through my work in substance abuse and suicide prevention. It helps me to keep their memory alive and create safe spaces to honor loved ones. Grief also needs an outlet, beading is mine.

What would you do with $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would allow me to teach others through beadwork how to heal from their trauma and loss. My hope is to bring beading workshops to sober living homes locally and travel back to my homelands to lead and facilitate grief workshops. I would like to teach the skills of beading and being in the present moment to connect each person back to themselves and give families coping skills to process loss and grief in a creative and healthy way.