Katrina Mitten facts for kids

Katrina Mitten (born 1962) is a talented Native American artist from Huntington, Indiana. She is a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Katrina is especially known for her amazing beadwork, which is a type of art where tiny beads are sewn onto fabric to create beautiful designs. Her unique style has won many awards and has been shown in big museums.

About Katrina Mitten

Katrina Mitten comes from one of the few Miami families who were allowed to stay in their homeland. This was after the Indian Removal Act was put in place by Andrew Jackson. This act forced many Native people to move far away from their homes. Families like Katrina's, who were not moved, were encouraged to live like Western settlers. But instead, they worked hard to keep their culture alive and pass it down.

When Katrina was twelve, her grandmother Josephine taught her how to do beadwork. Josephine had a big influence on Katrina's art. For example, Katrina made a handbag like one from the 1950s. She says it represents her family's history. Katrina even taught her own granddaughter, Saiyer Miller, using the same methods her grandmother taught her.

Katrina also learned more about her tribe by visiting museums. She studied old family treasures to understand her heritage. She is also active in powwow events, which are gatherings where Native American people celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and art.

Katrina's Art and Inspiration

Katrina creates many kinds of art. Some are useful items, like The Cradle Board. She also makes necklaces, bracelets, and beaded handbags. Her art is inspired by different things. She uses geometric patterns often seen in ribbonwork. She also uses floral designs found in the beadwork of Great Lakes tribal groups.

Katrina loves to tell stories through her art. She weaves in personal and family stories into each piece. Her art is a way for her to share these important tales.

In 2016, Katrina worked with other Native American artists, Katy Strass and Angela Ellsworth. Together, they painted different states on a fiberglass statue of a bison.

Two of her special artworks are now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. These pieces are called MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and Ten Original Clans of the Myaamia. They were added as part of the Renwick Gallery's 50th Anniversary celebration.

Selected Artworks

• Cradle Board
• "I have been waiting for you" outfit
• 1950's Handbag
• 1940s-styled bag

Art Exhibitions

Katrina Mitten's art has been shown in several places:

• Native Art Market at the National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C. (2014)
• Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive (2018)
• Santa Fe Indian Market

Art Collections

You can find Katrina Mitten's artwork in the permanent collections of these museums:

• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
• Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
• Smithsonian American Art Museum