The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro recently named Choctaw artist Sally Wells as the museum’s 2023 artist in residence. Wells is widely known for her traditional beadwork and dressmaking and has dedicated her life and art to promoting and preserving Choctaw culture. Her work has been displayed at the Tennessee Arts Commission gallery.
“We’re thrilled to host such an icon of Native American culture, art and heritage at the museum,” said President and CEO of the Discovery Center Tara MacDougall. “Creativity plays an essential role for young people to find inspiration in learning, and the opportunity to be guided in hands-on activities by such an important artist is an invaluable experience.”
Wells was the first master artist chosen to teach in the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, created to support traditional artists and preserve rare and endangered art forms. Using seed and bugle beads, Wells creates intricate Choctaw collar necklaces, earrings, bracelets and hanging necklaces.
Meet the artist at the Discovery Center on Sundays March 12 and 19 and April 16 and 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when Wells will lead workshops and activities at the museum.
Adjacent to the protected Murfree Spring wetlands, a natural habitat for a variety of fish, amphibians and birds, the Discovery Center is located at 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro. For more information, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.
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