Oregon Folklife Residency – Mildred Quaempts “Itisyawak”

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC), with thanks to the James and Marion Miller Foundation, will host an “Oregon Culture Keeper Residency,” a 7-month partnership with the Oregon Folklife Network. In August, will host Oregon Cultural Keeper Mildred Quaempts, a Master in Umatilla Dentalium piecework for a Folklife Residency August 13th - 15th.

Mildred Quaempts (Yakama), and descendant of Cayuse a master in dentalium piecework, is renowned for her dentalium piece work. Quaempts, a 2012 Master Artist with the Oregon Folklife Network Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, began to help make shell dresses at age 9 under the guide of her grandmother, will come to NHOTIC in August to demonstrate the techniques she has learned and will highlight her craft tradition.

Mildred will be demonstrating in the Wagon Box Theater inside the Interpretive Center for three full days from 9am to 5pm starting on Thursday August 13th for three days.