Group of people gathers in circle on the grass outside.

Artist Elizabeth James-Perry with a group

Cornhusk Weaving: A Native American Art and Lifeways Practice

September 13, 2025 at 1:30 - 4 pm

Reading Library

Free (open registration starts September 6th)

Start in the Reading Library for a tour of Entwined Memory: Indigenous Stories of Creation, Place, and Continuity led by Eleanor Owl Stolzoff. Then join Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry in the Art Studio. Learn how corn husk is woven, braided and knotted to create colorful and textured small wall hangings. Participants will create their own corn husk weavings with instruction and guidance from Elizabeth. Recommended for adults and children 8 and up with their caregivers. Registration required (open registration starts September 6th).

Corn husk is a local sustainable plant material long harvested by Wampanoag and dried from the garden. Its strength and texture make it suitable for weaving anything from mats, to baskets and shoes. The artist brings the husks dyed in a variety of appealing natural dye shades, and small wooden looms; participants can keep their looms.

Examples of Cornhusk Weavings

Who You'll Meet

Elizabeth James-Perry

Elizabeth James-Perry, an enrolled member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, is a lifelong traditional artist, scientist, and illustrator who engages with Northeastern Woodlands Native cultural expressions in myriad forms, from wampum shell-carving and twined basketry to restorative Native garden design and installation.

Artist Website

Eleanor Owl Stolzoff

Eleanor Owl Stolzoff (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) is the 2025 Special Project Trinkett Clark intern. A student at Amherst College, she majors in American Studies and Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought, in addition to obtaining the 5 College NAIS Certificate. Eleanor is enthusiastic about increasing positive and collaborative Indigenous representation in the museum field.

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