Department of Art
In Honor of reflects the memories and traditions my grandfather passed down to me as a child. Having been sent off to boarding school in his younger years, he was deprived of his Native language and many of his mother's teachings. However, this did not prevent him from regaining what had been ripped away. Because of this setback, he had a great determination within him to pass along his regained knowledge in hopes that it continue to perpetuate through the generations. He passed this enthusiasm on to me, and this continues to push me to the creation of my art to this day.
My work is a heartfelt homage to the timeless traditions and the vibrant culture of indigenous people. Whether designing intricate beadwork, working with precious metals to create jewelry, or making powerful expressions of identity, spirituality, and community through Regalia, each piece carries the imprint of my ancestors' teachings and the unique perspective of my own journey. With each tiny bead carefully stitched into place, I find myself immersed in a meditative dance, connecting with the rhythms of creation and the spirit of my Grandfather. From handcrafted silver pearl necklaces to beaded earrings that dance with every movement, each piece tells a story and carries with it a piece of my soul. With each garment or accessory, I am mindful of my grandfathers' teachings of the cultural significance I have imbued within each of them.
Michelle Bailey is a Choctaw artist currently living in Fairbanks, Alaska. With a passion for Native American beadwork, regalia, clothing, and jewelry, her goal is to find a place where traditional and modern designs can coalesce. Her works include floral and geometric designs inspired by traditional patterns and contemporary color palettes. Having spent the majority of her childhood with her maternal grandparents, who instilled a love and respect for traditional native arts, she believes that art is a medium for storytelling, and each piece she creates tells a unique narrative. The intricate beadwork patterns, striking jewelry designs, and carefully chosen colors all come together to convey a modern twist on the stories of Native history, spirituality, and connection to the natural world, with twenty-five years of traditional learning techniques within her mediums. Michelle received her Associate of Arts degree in 2022 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alaska in 2024.
