Discovery Center Names Renowned Choctaw Elder Artist in Residence
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro recently named Choctaw artist Sally Wells as the museum’s 2023 artist in residence, which will begin this February and run through April. Wells is widely known in Tennessee and the Chocktaw community for her traditional beadwork and dressmaking. She has dedicated her life and art to promoting and preserving Choctaw culture. Her work has been displayed at the Tennessee Arts Commission gallery.
“We’re thrilled to host such an icon of Native American culture, art, and heritage at the museum,” said President and CEO of the Discovery Center Tara MacDougall. “Creativity plays an essential role for young people to find inspiration in learning, and the opportunity to be guided in hands-on activities by such an important artist is an invaluable experience.”
Wells was the first master artist chosen to teach in the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, created to support traditional artists and preserve rare and endangered art forms. Using seed and bugle beads, Wells creates intricate Chocktaw collar necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and hanging necklaces. She is also a founding member of the Native American Indian Association and served as the artist in residence at the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga where she worked to help introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans in Tennessee.
Wells’ first workshop as artist in residence will be held on February 12 th from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Discovery Center, and she will continue to lead workshops and activities at the museum on select Sundays up through April 30 th . Sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the artist-in-residence program was established to inspire learning through the arts and focuses on sustainable practices in Middle Tennessee. Previous artists in residence include Hilo Studios owner and ceramist Kelsey Smith and painter, ceramist Abby Hirsch Reish.
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on environmental, cultural, and educational museum located in the heart of Middle Tennessee. More than 120,000 children and families visit annually, exploring exhibits and participating in programs that promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education. The Discovery Center’s mission is to engage curious minds to fuel the future.
Adjacent to the protected Murfree Spring wetlands, a natural habitat for a variety of fish, amphibians, and birds, the Discovery Center is located at 502 SE Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN 37130. For more information, visit www.explorethedc.org or call (615) 890-2300.
