Beading with Mahari Chabwera

Create a small beaded painting while learning about Mahari Chabwera's beading technique used in her beaded tapestry paintings. Basic sewing skills are helpful but not required.

Mahari Chabwera is an independent artist making tapestry paintings at the intersection of mysticism and self-mythologization. She utilizes beads, oil paint, cowrie shells, tempered glass and fabric as painting elements to explore the nature of being, and the function of the self. 

Chabwera graduated with her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from VCU in 2017. In 2019 she was awarded the VMFA’s Professional Fellowship and in 2020 she received the Visual Arts Center Emerging Artist Award. 2021 - 2023 Chabwera facilitated Studio House, a work space for artists in East Baltimore that provided housing and professional development opportunities. In support of the project, Chabwera was awarded The Grit Fund from the Peale Museum, and a Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant. Chabwera’s work has been acquired by the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and commissioned by UVA.

1708 Gallery's pilot Artist Residency Program was established in 2024 in the second floor apartment of its building in the heart of Richmond, Virginia’s downtown arts district. This vibrant community features art galleries and organizations, museums, theaters, restaurants, and shops. The residency provides the space and support for artists to create for 8 weeks while providing opportunities for public engagement and access to a vibrant art scene.

Host or Publisher 1708 Gallery Inc.