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 is in the collection of the Gilcrease museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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.
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. 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.
In 2012, George and Judy were named Native American Elders of the Year by the Oklahoma AARP.

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