Native Artist Talk & Studio Tour: Karen Ann Hoffman

2026 Eric and Barbara Dobkin Native Artist Fellow, Indian Arts Research Center at the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe, NM

Images: 1) Flame Urn" 2019. Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork. Photo courtesy of the artist. 2) Karen Hoffman at SAR.

Eric and Barbara Dobkin Native Artist Fellow

Karen Ann Hoffman (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin) is an established Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork artist based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She began her journey with beadwork in adulthood, weaving her blossoming artistic practice with her academic pursuits earning a Masters of Arts from The University of Wisconsin in Human Development with an emphasis on Adult Education. Now, after having trained with premier Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork artists Samuel Thomas and Lorna Hill for over two decades, Hoffman is ready to switch gears from student to culture bearer.

Hoffman uses glass beads and velvet to craft what she refers to as "Legacy Pieces" which she describes as having an animacy unto themselves informed and powered by the past, present, and future of Haudenosaunee people.

In addition to her own artistic practice, Hoffman uses her platform and position on various Wisconsin and National arts boards to advocate for Native arts and other Native artists. Her work can be found in collections across the country.

Over the course of her fellowship, Hoffman explored thematic connections across time, geography, and culture culminating in the creation of a large, beaded velvet urn inspired by pieces from the IARC collection.

This event will be held in person at SAR and livestreamed on SAR’s YouTube channel.