Biida’adoo – Walking Her Path
Cindy Hamilton
EXHIBIT: March 13 – May 15, 2026
RECEPTION: Saturday, March 28 from 2 – 4pm
Artist Statement
Every stitch, every bead, and every brushstroke tells the story of a profound journey of ancestral discovery turned into creative exploration and expression for Ojibwe artist Cindy Hamilton.
Known as “The Moccasin Lady,” Hamilton is recognized for her beautiful craftsmanship of traditional leatherwork—like moccasins, mukluks, and mitts—incorporating Metis embroidery and Ojibwe florals into many of her designs in honor of her heritage and to preserve these Indigenous cultural practices.
But, she wasn’t always a culture bearer—or an artist. Hamilton fully awakened to her Indigenous roots in her adult years after seeing a photograph of her great-grandmother adorned in split-toe moccasins, ushering in a new mission to research, self-teach, and pass on the art of moccasin making and other Native artisanship.
A life of ever-evolving, creative expression followed this transformational journey of ancestral homecoming. Hamilton began exploring different art forms, finding passion, curiosity, and natural talent in portraiture—painting a diverse array of subjects, from animals to warriors to celebrities.
Biida’adoo – “Walking Her Path” is an opportunity to celebrate the power of Indigenous art and to experience the diverse ways in which culture, history, and individual expression intertwine, inviting viewers to appreciate the artist’s unique vision and voice.