Medium: Beading
Raised in Washington state, Alutiiq artist Karla Nolen has been beadding headdresses since 2019. She is self- taught. Beading comes naturally to Karla and she has explored headdress-making with some support from resources provided by the Alutiiq Museum. Karla explains.
“Years ago I saw a picture of an Alutiiq woman who had the most beautiful regalia I had ever seen. I said someday I would make one of those beautiful headdresses.”
“I find art very rewarding spiritually it also keeps me in touch with my people and ancestors. Each one I make has a story of sorts a deep meaning not just a design. It tells of the life of others or something that I feel. I love to watch people try them on because they are very powerful. They are amazed at the balance and harmony. This makes it enjoyable to me.”
Karla sells her work at powwows and some of her pieces are displayed at the Sacred Circle Gallery in Seattle.
Artist Gallery
Contact Information
E-mail:
Karla Nolen
Enjoy More Art
The Alutiiq Museum Store works with many of the artists in this gallery. Visit the store to see more examples of their work.