Example of Joseph Garcia's beadwork. Photo: Diego Ballesteros
Joseph Garcia
Native Beadwork
Joseph Garcia is a descendant of the Mohave tribe in Arizona. He is a well-known beader throughout the Indian country, having eight years of professional experience, although he has been beading for over 25 years. As a child, he began beading as a way to express and stay connected to his native traditions. He grew a deep love for beading and now also specializes in peyote and flat stitching. One of his favorite things about beading is to envision the idea of what he is going to make prior to seeing the finished project. He revels in seeing people grow through practice, and gain the confidence to complete their own visions within just a few sessions. For Joseph, this is the most amazing feeling one can get.
As a Teaching Artist, Joseph offers courses in Native Beadwork in Valley State Prison and Avenal State Prison. He is also a bead supplies vendor for 34 prisons, and has deep experience with incarcerated communities. Joseph has been working with individuals and groups in the Tule River Alcoholism Program (TRAP), which is an in-house residential men’s treatment facility. The programs offered at TRAP respond to the Native American community’s need for a Native American treatment program recognizing their unique cultural experiences. He believes that not only is an arts program beneficial in healing, but spirituality is also an important aspect of recovery.
