Artist Spotlight

Niioieren Perkins is an artist who describes her medium as beadwork designs that “employ raised beadwork techniques which are distinctive for its three-dimensional look…although my artwork is based on traditional techniques, I incorporate unique contemporary styles that I bring to my creations.”

Niioieren’s ability to combine traditional beadwork with more contemporary styles is exceptional as is her uncanny eye for color combinations and both have given her the rare opportunity to have her work displayed in museums and prestigious art galleries around the country. Some of these locations include Kennebunkport, Maine, Bearpaw Gallery in Oneida Wisconsin (Awarded “Best of Show”); Turning Stone Casino in Oneida, New York; Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana; and the Cherokee Art Market in Oklahoma (Awarded “Best of Show”).

Niioieren takes her work seriously as the recognition that she has gained in recent years has grown and with that comes certain responsibilities. She states that “As artists, we have to take responsibility for cultural preservation and to promote and protect Native arts. Our beadwork brings a sense of pride to the community and serves as a catalyst that stimulates community involvement in the arts and pride in the work that was created by our ancestors. Beadwork is valued as a medium through which a living tradition is maintained. Native American people often struggle for a sense of identity and beadwork can be a vehicle for cultural continuity.”

In having her work displayed in museums and galleries across the country, Niioieren is essentially representing the Mohawks of Akwesasne. She depicts not the cycle of stereotypes that revolve around Native people, but the reality of how we not only continue to practice traditional work and how we have adapted to contemporary times in the most unique way.

An integral part of her work is not simply for individual purpose or gain, but for the benefit of her community. For the past few years, Niioieren has been working with at-risk youth in our community. She says that she strives “…to act as a role model and try to inspire them to create something that brings pride to both themselves and their community. It’s too easy for young people to get caught up in the fast pace of life and they often forget or just don’t realize that discipline and hard work are the tools to success. Beading can be therapeutic and it’s the thread that connects us to our ancestors.” She has worked with organizations such as the group homes, Akwesasne Freedom School, and is currently working in conjunction with the Akwesasne Museum to create annual traditional outfits for Midwinter ceremonies.

Much of Niioieren’s work can be found on-line at her website http://www.niioperkins.com. She also has some of her work for sale and does beading classes at her mother’s residence on 971 State Route 37 in Akwesasne.