A man leans over a table assisting a woman seated with craft supplies. The woman holds up a beaded piece while the man helps adjust a strip of patterned material. Various beads, tools, and containers are scattered across the workspace.

A close-up of beadwork depicting bright orange and yellow sunflowers with brown beaded centers. Sequins and small beads create detailed textures and shading.

A woman with gray hair, wearing a white embroidered blouse and a magnifying visor, stitches intricate beadwork onto a white canvas. Bright yellow and orange feathers are visible on the table.

A person wearing a black T-shirt that reads “UNRELIABLE NARRATOR” hand-sews beads and colorful rhinestones onto a textured orange-and-pink fabric. The table is covered with the embellished garment, which is decorated with pearls and multicolored gems. A smartphone sits nearby.

A close-up of ornate beadwork in vibrant green, blue, purple, and gold. Rows of sequins, small beads, and large jewel-like stones form decorative patterns with rich texture.

Beading with the Big Chief

Donate to Support our Creative Aging Program

As a part of our Creative Aging classes, Beading with the Big Chief allows students aged 55+ to explore the history, traditions, and technique of Black Masking Indians while creating their own hand-sewn beaded designs. Following the class, the students’ art is displayed at The Cabildo. Taught by Big Chief Darryl Montana and Big Queen Dianne Honoré of the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe, these eight-week classes focus on storytelling and tradition sharing through artmaking and have fostered friendships that have lasted long after the sessions end.

Beading with the Big Chief is offered on a sliding scale, donate-what-you-can model, to help offset the costs associated with these educational programs. You do not need to donate to participate, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

A rounded rectangular gold button with the word “DONATE” in bold white letters on the left and a white circle containing a gold heart icon on the right.

All donations are managed by the Louisiana Museum Foundation (LMF), a nonprofit that supports, administers funding, and raises awareness for the state-owned and operated Louisiana State Museum System. LMF’s mission is to preserve, present and promote Louisiana’s history and culture through the provision of services in support of the collections, exhibitions and educational programming of the Louisiana State Museum. Established in 1981, we are a nonprofit organization that fundraises on behalf of the LSM through grants, community and individual donations, corporate sponsorship and fundraising events.