Olivia Rose Williamson Joins Montana Circle of American Masters

Olivia Rose Williamson, widely known as lady_pompadour on Instagram, has been chosen as an honoree for the Montana Circle of American Masters (MCAM).

Williamson is known for her beadwork, and has led tours of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park for years. Williamson has also made appearances at local schools along with other designers.

Before Williamson’s focus on her beadwork, she led tours through the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Recreation Area through her business Indian Battle Tours. Through her experience in tourism, she did some presentations for a university class in Yellowstone.

It was here she experienced what she calls her “little spark” that pushed her to put more focus on her art. While presenting, Williamson would bring physical items like earrings, quillwork and beadwork as examples for the students to see. 

Williamson described how she could really see how the objects helped foster better understanding of her culture among the students, particularly a blind student who was able to feel the objects, instead of just having them described. 

Williamson has also presented for Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. She continues to participate with the group, where her contributions, and the themes and topics she addresses “enrich our program significantly,” said Amanda Hagerty, director of education for Yellowstone Forever. 

Williamson's approval by MCAM gives her yet another avenue for her to share her art and the history of the Apsáalooke People with a wide audience. 

MCAM is a program put on by The Montana Arts Council, a state agency. The program is designed to celebrate the state’s exceptional folk and traditional artists, said Brian Moody, program officer for The Montana Arts Council. 

To be chosen, nominees first need to be nominated by the community. Qualified nominees are then invited to apply, and those applications are then reviewed by a panel made up of members of the Montana Arts Council governing board and local folk art experts. 

Williamson has combined her talents for tourism and beadwork, using both to perpetuate the history of the Apsáalooke People. Williamson said she sees her nomination to MCAM as an opportunity to share her knowledge and carry the craft to the next generation.