Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle

Tue Apr 28 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:00 pm UTC-04:00

20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | Asheville

The NC Arboretum Adult Education Programs
Publisher/HostThe NC Arboretum Adult Education Programs
Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle
Advertisement
Learn about how one of the oldest Cherokee stories inspired Artist Karen Sixkiller.
About this Event

Artist Talk with Karen Sixkiller: Cherokee Water Beetle Brings Sacred Earth to North Carolina

with Karen Sixkiller

Tuesday, April 28 | 5:30 - 7 pm

Learn about how one of the oldest Cherokee stories inspired Artist Karen Sixkiller to create the new 'Sacred Earth' sculptural installation at The North Carolina Arboretum. Sixkiller explores the aspects of magical realism and symbolism that combine her larger-than-life water beetle with the faceted geometric "mud" he perches on. Follow the technical journey of Karen Sixkiller's simple clay maquette through the process of becoming a large bronze piece of public art.

Karen Sixkiller is a contemporary sculptor residing on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. Sixkiller creates sculptures using metal, ceramic, glass beads, leather/suede and fabric. As a Cherokee Nation citizen much of her work is informed by Native American understandings or stories. Cherokee Nation has purchased many of Karen Sixkiller’s ceramic and mixed media sculptural pieces for display in official buildings. She has permanent public art installations in Tahlequah OK, Olympia and Port Angeles WA, and now Asheville NC; as well as several temporary installations in Coeur d’Alene ID, Olympia WA and Lake Oswego OR. Her work has been featured at multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous art shows.

  • Members: Remember to enter your promo code upon checkout to receive your 10% member discount! Email [email protected] with questions.
  • See a full listing of Adult Education Programs at the North Carolina Arboretum here! Questions? Check our FAQs.
  • We are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive learning community. If the cost of a class is a barrier for you, please complete this scholarship form and we will see what kind of assistance we can provide.
  • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
  • Join our Adult Education Student Hub on Discord!
  • Interested in supporting the NC Arboretum more directly? Donate to the ONE Fund here.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, United States

Tickets

USD 12.28 to USD 22.57

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Asheville

AWS Solution Architect Training | 4-Day Bootcamp in Aspen, CO
Tue, 28 Apr at 09:00 am AWS Solution Architect Training | 4-Day Bootcamp in Aspen, CO

16 Biltmore Ave

Spring Mind-Body Wellness Retreat
Tue, 28 Apr at 10:00 am Spring Mind-Body Wellness Retreat

The North Carolina Arboretum

Business Camp with Bill DeVore
Tue, 28 Apr at 10:00 am Business Camp with Bill DeVore

48 Grove St

SPIRITED IMPROV 2-HOUR COMMUNITY PLAYSHOP
Tue, 28 Apr at 12:00 pm SPIRITED IMPROV 2-HOUR COMMUNITY PLAYSHOP

Homewood

SAM \/ Fast Stats & Matrix\u2122 Stats with Amy Davis
Tue, 28 Apr at 01:00 pm SAM / Fast Stats & Matrix™ Stats with Amy Davis

48 Grove St

Library Preview: Newsies Jr.
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm Library Preview: Newsies Jr.

35 E Walnut St, Asheville, NC, United States, North Carolina 28801

Taylor's Wave Townhall
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm Taylor's Wave Townhall

French Broad River Academy

Premium Dungeons and Dragons
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm Premium Dungeons and Dragons

Well Played Board Game Café

Game Night
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm Game Night

Energetic Experiences

FreeBody Therapeutics: Hips and Hamstrings at West Asheville Yoga
Tue, 28 Apr at 07:00 pm FreeBody Therapeutics: Hips and Hamstrings at West Asheville Yoga

602 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC, United States, North Carolina 28806

Boogarins
Tue, 28 Apr at 07:00 pm Boogarins

Grey Eagle Music Hall

Asheville is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Asheville Events