Martha Berry (artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martha Berry
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| Born |
Oklahoma, United States
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| Nationality | Cherokee |
| Education | Family, self-taught |
| Known for | Beadwork |
| Style | Southeastern Woodland beadwork |
| Movement | Traditional Southeastern beadwork |
| Awards | Cherokee National Treasure, 2013; Cherokee Nation Tradition Bearer Award, 2015; Cherokee Nation "Honored Elder," 2023; Delegate to the Cherokee Nation Constitution Convention, 1999; 2001 Cherokee Nation Presenter, John F. Kennedy School of Governance, Tribes Moving Forward Conference. |
Martha Berry is a talented Cherokee artist. She is famous for her amazing beadwork. She helped bring back old Cherokee and Southeastern beadwork styles. These styles were popular before the Cherokee people were forced to move from their lands.
Martha Berry has received many important awards. She is a Cherokee National Treasure. Her beautiful artwork is shown in museums all over the United States.
About Martha Berry
Martha Berry was born in 1948 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a member of the Cherokee Nation. When she was five years old, her grandmother and mother taught her how to sew. By age nine, she was making her own clothes!
When Martha was 20, she became a professional seamstress. She then learned how to create detailed beadwork art. She taught herself this special art. She studied old photos of Cherokee items. She also looked at real Cherokee beaded pieces at the Smithsonian Institution.
Her Amazing Artwork
Martha Berry makes many beaded items. These include bandolier bags, moccasins, belts, and purses. She uses designs that came from ancient pottery. These designs later became part of 18th and 19th century Southeastern beadwork.
Martha found a special way of stitching that was only used on Southeastern sashes. She is known for bringing back the art of Cherokee beadwork. This art had almost disappeared. Her art shows feelings like change and growth in life.
Martha once said, "I want to make beautiful things." She also wants to teach more people how to do traditional Cherokee beadwork. She hopes to help more teachers share this art.
Special Projects
Martha Berry has worked with the Smithsonian Institution. She visited their collections to study old Southeastern beadwork. This research helped her create her own unique art.
In 2008, Martha helped create an art show. It was called Beadwork Storytellers: A Visual Language. This show was at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma. It featured beadwork that had not been seen in the United States for almost 200 years! Martha also wrote the book for the show.
Her Life and Contributions
Martha Berry lives in Rowlett, Texas. She is an active member of several Cherokee groups.
In 1999, Martha was a delegate for the Cherokee Nation Constitution Convention. This meeting was in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her role helped the Cherokee Nation become stronger. It also helped them act as a powerful government in Oklahoma.
