Strings on a Stick: Exploring Local History Through the Evolution of Finger Weaving In-Person
Learn about the rich history of indigenous weaving in our area! From ancient times, people worldwide have needed to create clothing, containers - and yes, art! - in order to survive. In this interactive talk, local artist and historian Beth Weldon explores the creation of woven materials in our area before Columbus, through the early colonial times when European materials reached Native weavers by Native trade routes, to the transfiguring artistic collaborations between the colonial French and Iroquois in our area. Learn how weavers used beaded patterns and special colors to record events, offer blessings, and tell stories of every day life, travel, and war. While you learn, try out a real historical beading technique by stringing beads on strings using needles made of beeswax.
Free. Registration requested but not required. This event is targeted to adults and will take place in the Blasco Library's Idea Lab.
Prior to this event, you can join also Beth Weldon for Stories in the Beads, an interactive demonstration of indigenous weaving techniques used in our area. This portion of the event will take place near the Idea Lab's front doors and is geared toward both children and adults. Free. For more information, visit the link below:
https://events.erielibrary.org/event/17139815
Beth Weldon is a local artist, weaver, and a volunteer at the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society. She uses her recreations of early woven art of the Iroquois and Eastern Woodlands peoples to explore how weavers used beaded patterns and special colors to record events, offer blessings, and tell stories of every day life, travel, and war.
- Date:
- Thursday, July 23, 2026
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 2:15pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- BLA Idea Lab
- Branch :
- Idea Lab
- Audience:
- Adults Seniors
- Categories:
- Arts & Crafts Class or Workshop Idea Lab Lecture
- Attachments: