Beading Circle with John Paul Amaral

Join local artist John Paul Amaral for a beading circle and conversation on its significance in Native American Indigenous cultures. John Paul will introduce students to methods of beadwork to create a traditional hairpipe choker necklace. While creating their own treasures, the beading circle will host a conversation about the significance of beadwork in American Indigenous cultures, how the art expanded over time, and its place in living history.

Take home your hairpipe choker necklace with either the NUMU theme or bring your own glass beads to strand and personalize.

Cost: $75 NUMU Members | $90 General (Tax or additional service fees may apply.)

Membership starts at $40.

Pre-registration is required.

Skill Level: Beginner-friendly and great for returning beaders

Ages: 18+

Materials provided:

• Workshop kit containing glass pony beads, fire-polished beads, hairpipe beads, spacer beads, sinew, suede endings, and a beading pattern
• Waxed thread
• Scissors
• Mats
• Sealing glue

Students are invited to bring (not required):

• 40ct. 9mm glass bony beads of one color, minimum
• 22ct. 4mm - 8mm round glass, metal, or common or semi-precious stone beads of one color or type

About John Paul Amaral

Continuing his late grandmother Pablita (Paulette) Marshall’s legacy in American Indigenous art traditions, John Paul Amaral carries on the practice of creating Living Art, each made with the spark of purpose and duty. Gemstones and jewelry had always fascinated him, and creating jewelry allowed him to delve into his first love. After beading a tapestry for one of his aunts in 2023, she challenged him further to submit to museums. He then used tapestries to explore the impacts of colonization and rebellions. He made his museum debut in the summer of 2024 with the Museum of Beadwork’s Emerging Beader Program and genARTS Silicon Valley’s 4th annual experimental exhibition, Boundaries. Currently, his works are on display at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.

John Paul leads community beading circles for people to share and learn about their cultures and traditions. You can view more of his work on his Instagram .

Exhibitions, programs, and operations are made possible by NUMU’s Board of Directors & Circle Members, the Michael & Alyce Parsons Art Endowment, Peggy & Phil Koen, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Borgenicht Foundation, the Flick Family, Jan Schwartz & Bob Baden, Ranae DeSantis, The Poncetta Charitable Fund, the Town of Los Gatos, and SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara.

NUMU's mission is to make programming accessible to all. Donations directly support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Please contribute whatever you are able.

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