shirly hook

Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation

Image of Shirly Hook.
Shirly Hook

Artist Bio

Shirly is serves on the oasek Council of Chiefs, a former member of the Vermont Commission for Native American Affairs, an author, and artist. Having grown with up two strong role models, her mother and grandmother, Shirly started sewing at a very young age.

As an adult, she started making rattles, leather pouches, jewelry and “something out of nothing.” She taught herself how to make traditional rattles, made with rawhide and whatever type of wood or branches are available. She has been marketing her art for more than 40 years.

Her recent book My Bring Up recounts stories from her childhood.

Artist Statement

I am a self-taught artist, learning my skills from my mother and grandmother. I have been producing and selling my art for about 40 years. I prefer using natural or recycled materials in my work.

Contact

 Phone: (802) 728-3619    

 Email: shirly480@gmail.com

Image of book by Shirly Hook.
Image of rawhide rattle.
Rawhide rattle

Image of Leather Pouch.
Leather Pouch

Image of fetish necklace.
Fetish Necklace

Exhibits

2019

Vermont Arts Council. Montpelier, VT.

2016

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Dipolomacy Past and Present. Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington, PA.

2015

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Dipolomacy Past and Present. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT.

2014

Traditional Sources, Contemporary Visions – Invitational Group Art Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Publications

My Bring Up. 2019.

Affiliations

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, Juried Artist since 2014