Artist-In-Residence Instructs Center School Students on Traditional Native Art

Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry teaches children at the Center School on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13 and 14, 2025, as an artist-in-residence showing the elementary school students how to make weavings using small looms and corn husks. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Center School Principal Linda Ashley are pleased to announce the successful run of an artist-in-residence program that brought renowned Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry to the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55’s Center School on Jan. 13 and 14.

Students in grades 1 through 3 at Center School participated in an immersive experience led by Elizabeth James-Perry, who taught them about the traditional artwork of the Eastern Woodlands and Algonquian peoples. The two-day residency offered students a unique hands-on experience, engaging them in a process combining personal creativity with cultural education and providing them with a deeper appreciation of Native American art, heritage, and history.

Under James-Perry’s guidance, the students made weavings with small looms and corn husks, which were dyed in different colors using all-natural, local plant materials.

“I enjoy teaching corn husk weaving to cultivate proficiency in the arts and inspire appreciation for the environment and natural materials,” James-Perry said. “This was an excellent opportunity to share with the students at Center School, and it was wonderful to see how they embraced the experience. Their enthusiasm and creativity remind us of the importance of preserving and teaching these traditions to future generations.”

James-Perry’s art is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage as an Aquinnah Wampanoag woman and her connection to the tribe’s homeland on Martha’s Vineyard/Noepe. “Noepe” — the name given to the island by the Wampanoag people, the Indigenous tribe of Martha’s Vineyard — means “land amid the streams.”

Known for her mastery of woven wampum, twined basketry, quillwork, and sashes, James-Perry was a 2023 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow. She continues to be celebrated as one of New England’s most accomplished living Native American artists. Her artwork has been commissioned at institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and the Allard Pierson Museum.

“We were delighted for this opportunity to host Elizabeth James-Perry and to share her exceptional artistry and cultural knowledge with our students,” said Principal Linda Ashley. “Our students were immersed in their weaving art projects this week with our visiting artist. Their creativity and inspiration were amazing. We thank Ms. James-Perry for sharing her expertise and heritage with Center School. And thank you to Mrs. Greta Anderson and all the parent volunteers for their support.”

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson praised the art program’s impact on students by providing them with an engaging cultural experience. Superintendent Nelson said he looks forward to similar events being held at the Center School in the future.

“This experience exemplifies the importance of integrating art and cultural heritage into our curriculum,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We are proud to provide opportunities that inspire and educate our students in meaningful ways.”

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Students in grades 1 through 3 at the Center School in Mattapoisett make weavings using small looms and corn husks that they dyed various colors using natural plant materials, under the direction of Artist-In-Residence Elizabeth James-Perry on Jan. 13 and 14. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry teaches a group of students at the Center School on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13 and 14, as an artist-in-residence. The students learned how to make them using small looms, with corn husks that they dyed with local plant materials. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

During a two-day residency program, Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry provides students at the Center School with a unique hands-on experience, engaging them in a process that combines personal creativity with cultural education. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

A student weaves husks during an artist-in-residence program that brought renowned Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry to Center School on Jan. 13 and 14. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

Students at the Center School showcase their finished weavings, made using small looms and corn husks that were dyed different colors using local plant materials. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)