Mardella Sunshine Lowry is an artist whose areas are bead and leatherwork, quilting, wood, bone, and soapstone carving, and telling Legends. Born and raised in Robeson County, NC, she is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Mardella has been the featured artist across North America and overseas at hundreds of festivals, powwows, schools, and libraries. She has served as a mentor to American Indian artists across the country, and played an intricate role during the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
In 2012, Mardella was the Elder-in-Residence at the sixth annual Conference for American Indian Women of Proud Nations, where she offered the daily prayers and blessings.
She was also presented with a 2012 Distinguished Women of Honor Award for her exceptional ability to encourage, inspire, enlighten, and empower others as well as for her contributions to the American Indian community.
Thank you Mardella for the workshops you shared at SESC over the years and for the beautiful objects you displayed in our Art Center.
