Art In This Present Moment
Thomas Stillday, Jr.
Thomas Stillday, Jr. mixes unique stitching techniques with a distinct choice of colors to distinguish his beadwork style.
He has made work using the lazy stitch style of beading mixed with appliqué flatwork. He currently uses appliqué flatwork beadwork to create unique Ojibwe designs on bandolier bags.
About the Artist
Thomas Stillday, Jr. was born to bead. For 40 years he has taken the traditional beading techniques, designs and concepts of his grandmother, mother and father to develop a distinct and personal style of work.
From an early age he traveled to powwows with his family and was always checking out other people’s beadwork. This sparked a burning desire inside him to create and design his own intricate pieces.
Today he travels all over to powwows looking for new ways to improve his work. He is proud to represent his culture, and does so in his beadwork that incorporates distinctive Ojibwe patterns highlighting his tribal affiliation.
Thomas mixes newer beads and unique color choices with beads of the past to create beautiful Ojibwe beadwork. He is currently working to bring back big beaded bags, which is a style that Anishinaabe people were known for. Through beadwork he strives to present his unique style and personal vision, while constantly thinking of colors and designs that recognize the traditional Ojibwe floral patterns.
About the Organization
Manidoo Ogitgaan’s mission is to work with our communities to preserve and revitalize the Spiritual knowledge, language, culture, and ceremonies of the Anishinaabeg to improve their health and the health of their ecological family.
“For the community, I like to show that we still keep our traditions. Right now people are doing fancy beadwork, I would call it, and I'm sticking to the old-style Ojibwe work that Ojibwes were known for.”
Thomas Stillday, Jr.
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the McKnight Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
Inspiring Generosity in the Arts
At a recent Giving+Together event, art leaders addressed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts in our lives.
See the Highlights
Warroad RiverPlace: Where Art Meets Community Engagement
Learn how one arts nonprofit is making art more accessible in Warroad.
Read the story
Chanda Smith Baker Named President & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Meet the Foundation's New President & CEO in this letter to community from Board Chair Dr. Joseph Lee.
Read the news
Celebrating the Strength of Saint Paul’s Neighborhoods
Listen to stories from Saint Paul community leaders representing Rondo, Frogtown, the East Side, the West Side and the Mississippi River.
See the impact
1 Day At A Time: Connecting Unhoused Minnesotans to Housing Resources
Learn how Richard McLemore II is bridging the gap between housing resources and those who need them most.
See the impact
Finding Joy in Remembrance: Honoring George Floyd Five Years Later
Leslie E. Redmond organizes commemorative event for George Floyd and reflects on her work as an activist.
Read the announcement
The Foundation Convenes Minnesota Experts on the Housing Continuum
Housing leaders emphasize the economic and social benefits of addressing the state's growing housing crisis.
See the Highlights
A Decade of Growth and Giving
To celebrate retiring CEO Dr. Eric Jolly’s legacy at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, we have compiled a list of highlights and accomplishments during his tenure.
See the Highlights