Eva McAdams
Eva B. St. Clair Washakie McAdams was a Shoshone regalia maker and beadwork artist. Born on Wyoming's Wind River Reservation, McAdams was named a Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1996.
Biography
Early life
Eva B. St. Clair Washakie was born in Fort Washakie, on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming on June 18, 1927. She was the second oldest of eight children, and a great-granddaughter of Chief Washakie, a Shoshone leader. As a child, she learned the tradition of Shoshone needlework and beading on buckskin from her mother, grandmother Mary Washakie and aunt. Buckskin sewing was historically regarded as a survival skill amongst the Shoshone, and today has grown into a ceremonial role.Beading and needlework
In 1945, Eva married her husband Alfred "Dutch" McAdams. The couple operated a ranch in Wind River, and Eva practiced her needlework in her free time. To support her family, McAdams worked several jobs, such as operating a native crafts store and for the Bureau of Indian Affairs while raising eight children. McAdam's reputation began to grow for her traditional designs on buckskin, used for Shoshone ceremony. McAdams became particularly known for her Shoshone Rose and floral motifs, which she claimed were inspired by advertisements.McAdams said, "Sacajawea and the Shoshones considered the rose the world's most beautiful flower. That's why they selected it for beading. It represents goodness and love".
Recognition and legacy
In 1990, she received the Wyoming Governor's Art Award, and was the first Native artist to be honored with the award. In 1996, she was awarded a National [Heritage Fellowship] by the National Endowment for the Arts. McAdams taught her traditional needlework to her children and grandchildren.McAdams died in Fort Washakie on January 29, 2010. Today, her granddaughter Joanne Brings Thunder continues her grandmother's needlework and beading traditions.