Judy Coser

Judy Coser is a Kickapoo and Sac & Fox Native American artist from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Known for her intricate beadwork, dance regalia, and cultural items, Coser's work has been purchased by the Philbrook and Gilcrease museums in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Judy Coser
Born
Judy Deer

1955
Lawton, Oklahoma
NationalityKickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
EducationUniversity of Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, University of New Mexico
Known forNative beadwork, bandolier bags, and other cultural regalia
Spouse(s)George Coser

Early life

Born in 1955 in Lawton, Oklahoma, Judy Deer Coser first became interested in beadwork after seeing her great-grandmother’s regalia, that is, culturally-informed clothing and accessories. Coser's father worked as a leather craftsman, and seeing him work with his hands throughout her childhood inspired Coser to follow in his path. Coser was raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and took her first beading class at a church summer camp in Wyandotte, Oklahoma.[1]

Education

Coser attended a semester at St. Gregory’s University and Oklahoma City University, but eventually graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in political science. While Coser attended the University of Oklahoma, she partially funded her education through beadwork and sewing. Coser later started a master’s program at Northeastern State University and then went to the University of New Mexico. In 1989, Coser married George Coser.[1]

Style and Notable Works

Coser specializes her beadwork in cultural clothing and items, such as pouches and bandolier bags.[2] and beaded collars.

Coser first entered her beadwork in competitive juried art shows in 1994. One of the first shows she competed in was the Red Earth Festival. She entered some beaded flaps for a pair of Kickapoo moccasins and was awarded second place. The following year in 1995 she entered the same show and got first place.[3] One of Coser’s most notable works is an otterskin bag that is currently owned by the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, OK.

Coser and her husband were also very involved with powwows because of their love of dance. They traveled to Wisconsin several times to visit with fellow Great Lakes people.

Awards and Achievements

One of Coser’s greatest accomplishments has been finishing a Great Lakes bandolier bag in honor of her maternal great-uncle, who was Sac and Fox. Along with her beadwork and classes in moccasin-making, Coser is regularly asked to share her cultural knowledge with the Native American Student Association in the Glenpool school district. Her work has been purchased by the Philbrook and Gilcrease museums in Tulsa as well as the Creek Council House Museum. Coser’s work has been featured in Oklahoma Today and the Tulsa World. In 2011, her artwork was also featured in the film The Cherokee Word for Water.[1] Earlier in 2004, both Judy and her husband George were Tulsa Sister City representatives to Celle, Germany, where they demonstrated powwow dancing.[4]

In 2012, George and Judy were named Native American Elders of the Year by the Oklahoma AARP.[5]

References
  1. Pearson-Little Thunder, Julie (November 8, 2012). "Oral history interview with Judy Coser". Oklahoma Native Artists. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  2. Bey, Marin. "Bandolier Bag Collection". mpm.edu. Milwaukee Public Museum. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  3. "Red Earth Art Winners Announced". The Oklahoman. online digital archives. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  4. "Sac and Fox Tribal Members Recipients" (PDF). sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Sac and Fox News. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  5. "Oklahoma Celebrates Elders at 4th Annual Indian Elder Honors". aarp.org. AARP. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
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