BEADING PROJECT
A Collaborative Beading Project Led by District 1 Citizens
In collaboration with District 1 citizens Laura Hewuse and Jennifer Dye, we are proud to launch a District 1-wide beading project that will bring together artists, learners, and community members to create a stunning beaded panel designed by Laura Hewuse. Once completed, this collective work will be gifted to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center for public display and celebration.
This project continues the work of the Zoom Loom Beading Group, which meets every other week on Zoom - an effort originally founded by former District 1 Legislator Alan Melot and coordinated by Laura Hewuse. Over time, this group has become a space where beaders gather to share techniques, friendship, and laughter.
Laura is leading this new project to foster collaboration and camaraderie among beaders, especially those living in District 1, while also showcasing the incredible beading talent that exists within the Citizen Potawatomi Nation community.
Each participant will bead a small section of the larger image, which will later be joined together to form one unified piece. As we move into the winter months, this project offers a meaningful opportunity for connection, creativity, and community - a time to laugh, learn from one another, and stay engaged with fellow Potawatomi no matter where you live.
This project also marks the beginning of several new remote opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn that I am working to make available for District 1 citizens in the coming year.
Project Details
🪶 Design Size: 229 bead columns × 206 bead rows
📏 Panel Limit: Up to 25–30 beads wide and 13" long
💻 How It Works:
We’ll meet via Zoom to coordinate color selections, techniques, and assembly plans. Everyone is welcome to join Zoom sessions — whether you’re actively beading or simply want to observe and learn.
👥 Participants:
Up to 15 active beaders will be selected, with preference given to District 1 citizens.
📅 Completion Goal:
Beadwork sections are to be completed by May 1, 2026.
🎁 Presentation:
The finished piece will be presented as a collective gift to the CPN Cultural Heritage Center and displayed during the 2026 Family Reunion Festival.
Participate or Join the Conversation
If you’d like to participate as one of the 15 active beaders, please complete the interest form below by October 31, 2025.
Even if you’re not selected as a panel participant, all District 1 citizens are warmly invited to join the Zoom Loom Beading Group, which continues to meet every other week via Zoom. These sessions are open to anyone who wishes to build community, share stories, and learn new beading techniques alongside fellow Citizen Potawatomi.
