skip to Main Content

Put a Bead on It: The Beaded Medallion

In this five day workshop, you will study the beadwork designs and techniques of Jennifer Ben, master Diné (Navajo) beadwork artist. Using quality materials such as Swarovski crystals and European glass cut beads, you will receive detailed hands-on instruction and demonstrations learning how to bead a circular medallion and embellish the medallion with ornamentation techniques such as beaded fringing. You will leave at the end of the workshop with a beaded expression of your personal style. 

Also known as rosettes, medallions are circular medallions created originally utilizing quillwork. Traditionally, rosettes and medallions embellished traditional clothing. Today this form of personal expression has evolved into a popular trend among all tribes who use beads and beadwork to express oneself. Students will have the opportunity to explore designs ranging from floral designs to pop art motifs and learn how to turn these beaded medallions into wearable art. 

To finish your piece, you are encouraged to continue beading in the evenings. With time permitting, Jennifer will instruct you on creating beading projects that you can take home to turn into earrings and other accessories. There will be ongoing informal critiques throughout the workshop to support completion and success for all students. This workshop is ideal for one who enjoys beading and laughter! 

  • Sketches/design concepts, approximate sizing: 3×3 inches.
  • seat cushion  
  • clip on lamp for extra lighting 
  • Imagination! (not optional!)

Jennifer Ben (Diné) is from Shiprock, NM, and is a student at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College studying music theory and cello performance. Jennifer has worked extensively as an artist in residence and demonstrator at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona and has participated in the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market. Her work reflects her various passions, such as music, food sovereignty, traditional farming methodologies, and Diné philosophy, and she takes inspiration from master artists worldwide.

Native American & Inland Empire Teacher Scholarships 

We recently made some changes to our scholarship application process.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

  1. Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers
  2. Inland Empire Teachers, Professors, and Graduate Students

Scholarships include tuition, lab fee, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. We believe in allowing everyone a chance to experience the transformative power of art at Idyllwild Arts. In order to reach as many as possible with this opportunity we are happy to extend each applicant one scholarship. These scholarships are designed to provide access to arts based educational opportunities that will advance your personal and professional development as well as the Indigenous community(ies) you come from. You are responsible for paying the $50 application fee and transportation to and from campus. A short essay (200 to 750 words) expressing how this opportunity will benefit you and your community is required, we want to hear from you! We also ask that you provide screenshots of your last two W2s so that the scholarship committee can identify financial need and assess the scholarship amount to be offered. We are pleased to offer scholarships in two categories.

  • Full Scholarship: students receive meals, housing, and tuition and lab fee (room and board if applicable).
  • Half Scholarship: students receive approximately half off their tuition (room and board if applicable)

For more detailed information and a Scholarship FAQ please read Adult Scholarships FAQs.

Scholarship Details: 

  1. Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers
    For adults 19 and older with current tribal affiliation, the scholarship brings community leaders, artists, members, and teachers to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipients themselves and those in their schools or tribal communities. Applicants who demonstrate financial need may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.
  2. Inland Empire Teachers, Professors, and Graduate Students
    For teachers and graduate students from the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and the adjacent areas), this scholarship brings teachers and graduate students to Idyllwild Arts to attend Native American Arts workshops. The Native American Arts Workshops benefit both recipients and their students and communities, providing culturally appropriate instruction and professional development to teachers and graduate students. Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.

Age: 19 years and above

Dates: June 19-23, 2023
One-week session

Tuition, room, and board: $1,719

Day student tuition: $840

Lab Fee: $80, includes beads, beading thread, needles, beading mat, personal tools, leather backing and Pelon material, paper, pencil, marking pens.

Skill Level: All levels

Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Faculty: Jennifer Ben

Back To Top