This week’s artist is Mike Morris Sr. Mike was born and raised in Augusta, Montana, and has lived in the area his whole life. He is well known for his beading work, which he has been doing for 12 years now.
This all started when he was battling cancer and was told he should do something with his hands. Curiosity got the best of him when he was told he was signed up for a beading class. From the moment he started the class, he was hooked. He tutored under Jackie Larson Bread, a Native American beadwork artist from the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana. “She’s been my main inspiration for quite a while,” explained Mike. “Plus reading, I’ve got every book that you could ever get on beading techniques.”
Mike often receives shells and sea glass from his son in California and makes jewelry with them. He also uses porcupine quills in some of his pieces.
“Five years ago, I entered some stuff in the State Fair,” Mike explained. “There were 12 categories and I won eleven first places. The next year, I got Best of Show and Superintendent award. Last year I got Best of Show for the whole craft fair. It’s been quite an experience.”
Plenty of Mike’s beadwork can be found on hats, shoes, and jewelry at Latigo & Lace in Augusta. While you are there, peruse the many other artists and enjoy some of the best coffee in town.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
