Eva McAdams

Eva B. St. Clair Washakie McAdams (June 18, 1927 – January 29, 2010) 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.

Beading and needlework

In 1945, Eva married her husband Alfred "Dutch" McAdams. 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. McAdams taught her traditional needlework to her children and grandchildren.

McAdams died in Fort Washakie on January 29, 2010.