ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥

Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin) has worked as an art educator in both public and private schools for over 30 years. As an artist who enjoys teaching about art, Melanie strives to educate students about appreciating art through the lens of the art maker. Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions throughout the US, and she has won awards at prestigious art markets, including the Eiteljorg Museum and the Heard Museum. Melanie is the Executive Director of (LEAF), a Native-led non-profit arts organization dedicated to preserving the arts and culture of Native people in the Western Great Lakes region through providing quality cultural arts education programming. In 2026, Melanie was inducted as a Wisconsin Academy Fellow presented by the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters

You lab fee includes all materials and tools necessary:

• Porcupine pelt
• Brain tanned deerskin
• Needles, thread, beads, awl, beeswax and select beads of limited variety.
  • Prepare to bring specialty beads you may wish to work with.

All items are optional

• Padded cushion for your seat
• Back support device
• Clamp-on light
• Clip-on fan for comfort
• Reading glasses, if necessary
• Refillable water bottle
• Extra beads you would like to work with (we will have a limited variety)

Your workshop starts at 9am. each day. Lunch is served from 12pm to 1pm. Workshops resume at 1pm and wrap up at 4pm. Dinner is served from 5pm to 7pm. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs. Please see your schedule for event listings.

NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4pm.

Engagement, enthusiasm and stamina are necessary for this workshop. Students work independently with guidance from their instructor(s) while sitting for extended periods and performing repetitive movements for up to 3 hours at a time during a 6 hour day. Participants must have finger, hand, and arm dexterity and are encouraged to work consistently throughout the workshop. This is a serious consideration for those who have arthritis, chronic neck, shoulder or back pain.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service.

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:

1. Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers
   For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Program and the Academy.
2. Southern California professors, and graduate students
   For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.

Click for more information about adult scholarships.