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American Indian Center offers free beading classes
By Staff Report
 Media Credit: Jessica Tonsfeldt/Staff Photographer Colorful beads are spread across the table as necklace makers plan their designs.
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American Indian Center is offering a necklace beading class, free of charge.
The class, for necklace beading and choker beading, came into being with fund from Cultural Diversity of SCSU administrative offices. More than 10 students showed up for the classes which were offered the past four from Wednesdays 6 till 8 p.m.
Jo Marie Anton, a local American Indian woman, teaches the class. The group meets at the American Indian Center.
"The choker and necklace beading classes were offered to raise awareness on American Indian arts," said Tom Andrus, student services and outreach coordinator at the American Indian Center.
The necklace beading class was originally only offered from Jan. 23 until Feb. 13, but a good turn out of students from diverse backgrounds prompted the coordinators to add two more dates: Feb. 20 and Feb. 27.
Besides necklaces, students are also taught about traditional dyes, herbs and the traditions incorporated with the beads.
"Chokers and necklace are originally used as armor to stop the enemy's arrow from getting into the neck. Now, we use them as jewelry," Andrus said.
Andrus thinks it will be a good way for the students to have fun besides knowing the traditions and arts of American Indians. It also serves as a channel to know and realize the hidden creativity and artistic ability of the students participating in it.
The beading sessions aren't the American Indian Center's only program for this semester. The American Indian Center will also take students on a trip to Pipestone. The center covers the student's cost of transportation and admittance into Pipestone National Monument.
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