Contemporary Mi’kmaw Porcupine Quill, Leather and Beaded Choker with Marlene Joudry

OCTOBER 1, 2022, 10 am – 5 pm
(1 hour lunch)

OCTOBER 2, 2022, 10am – 1pm

For beginners to quillwork

Course Fee: $220
Materials Fee: $ 35 (non-refundable, payable to instructor on 1st day of class)
Class Capacity: 13

MORE ABOUT QUILLWORK

Mi’kmaq quillwork in its traditional and contemporary forms has a rich and complex history, with beautiful geometric patterns and designs. Contemporary quillwork combines traditional with modern materials, such as glass or plastic beads and leather.

By the mid 1700’s, the designs became an important commodity mainly in the European souvenir market. The naturally black and white quills were hand-collected by the artist, cleaned, dyed with homemade or commercial colours, and then arranged in holes in birch bark. The artist then sewed the quills into varying patterns and forms with their European clientele in mind. Each handmade item is unique, and the practice is alive today in artists like Marlene Joudry and the traditional Elders who educated her.

Marlene Joudry is a quillwork artist with decades of experience and expertise in her field. In addition to chokers, Joudry makes earrings, baskets, medicine pouches, and more.

LOCATION

The location of this course is at the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark – Parrsboro office. At noon on the first day, there will be an hour for participants to have lunch in town.