Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

Alicia Chavis started beading as an artistic outlet over 10 years ago. Starting with earrings and moving on to more intricate items, Chavis is both a student and teacher of the craft. Approximately three years ago, Chavis was contacted about teaching a workshop through the museum of the Southeast American Indian. She does not get paid a large amount of money, but Chavis said she does it for different reasons. Money is not her motivator. Chavis said that beading is not an easy art form to pick up, and it requires time and patience. As a teacher, Chavis finds and incorporates new styles into her traditional and contemporary projects. The skill has run its way through the family as Chavis helped her brother, Patrick A. Green, with his regalia. The rest of their family, mother Phyllis C. Green and father Patrick E. Green, helped add to the regalia, as well. Chavis noted the importance of what the regalia represents and family having a part in the process.