Museum of Arts and Design

Beadwork has been a part of Ken Williams Jr.’s lifeline since before he was born. Williams (@kennwilliamsjr ), who is of Northern Arapaho and Seneca heritage, learned the craft of beadwork from a long line of beadwork artists on his mother's Arapaho side. The artist combines contemporary influences with traditional techniques and experiences to create his unique pieces. “I consider myself a contemporary bead worker with traditional based knowledge and upbringings. My work is whimsical, colorful, playful yet can be serious, which mirrors my identity as a gay man. I am content with my identity and show this through the various pieces I create.” - Ken Williams Jr. See this work and more now on view in Out of the Jewelry Box. ___________________________________ #KenWilliamsJr Cheese Burger Thoughts, 2023 Beads #pridemonth #outthejewelryboxmad #queerartjewelry