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Seven Generations is a first-of-its-kind, permanent exhibit of Wabanaki beadwork, showcasing cultural knowledge and tradition through visual art from indigenous artists active in the community. Beading is an important part of Wabanaki culture, and now the beautiful works of art that are created in many indigenous households across Wabanaki territory will have a home at the Museum of Beadwork. Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness has partnered with the Museum of Beadwork to create this landmark exhibit and opportunity for indigenous artists. 

This is an exhibit about many things: reckoning with our history, honoring those who came before us, and celebrating a truly unique art form practiced for countless generations.

It is also about healing.      

Arts and culture are crucial components to healing. This exhibit presents an opportunity for healing not only for the artists, but all Wabanaki people who experience it. This partnership between WPHW and the Museum of Beadwork is particularly committed to showcasing a generationally diverse group of artists and motivating the bead artists of tomorrow. 

Representation for indigenous artists in museum spaces is vanishingly rare in the United States, even though the majority of indigenous people are artists themselves. With this endeavor, WPHW and the Museum of Beadwork are addressing the lack of visibility of indigenous art and artists in museum spaces and creating new healing opportunities for Wabanaki people.

 

We were delighted to have received a Community Arts Grant from the Maine Arts Commission for $7,000, most of which will go directly to the artists. We need additional support for the full realization of the exhibit. You can make an enormous difference by helping us reach our goal of an additional $5,000, which is needed to build the custom display and for other expenses. 

Donations can be made here or please feel free to reach out to us directly at Director@museumofbeadwork.org. 


Each year, a group of Artists will be selected by a jury of Wabanaki peers to exhibit a small collection of their beadwork. These are the artists for the inaugural year of 2025/2026.
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Nancy LaCoote, Passamaquoddy Tribal member raised within Penobscot territory. A traditional beadwork artist for the past 8 years, Nancy learned how to bead while pregnant with her son and living outside of Maine. Learning traditional arts helped to bridge a connection back to her home that was missing. Nancy has since moved back to her tribal communities and has mentored 5 people in the art of beading. She has led numerous beading workshops and classes for youth in Wabanaki territories.
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Caroline Sullivan is a Passamaquoddy beadwork artist who began her journey in this medium three years ago. Born and raised in San Francisco, far from her traditional homelands in Maine, Caroline turned to beadwork as a way to reconnect with her culture. Over time, this practice has become much more than a personal journey. It has grown into an expression of cultural resilience, healing, and visibility. Her work reflects her own path while also offering a message to other Indigenous youth: no matter where you are physically, emotionally, or spiritually, there is always space for you. 
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Keyana Pardilla, Artist and Manager of Community and Land Wellness at WPHW. Keyana is a multimedia artist. She uses birch bark, hide, shells, porcupine quills, paint and modern glass see beads in her work. Her current practice investigates art as a tool to fracture the colonial paradigm within research and education. 
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