Thomas Ridley

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Thomas Ridley was born in Roosevelt, Utah and was raised in Whiterocks, Utah (Uintah & Ouray Reservation) where he grew up and learned how to bead with his Grandma Ginger Ridley. His Indian Name is “Red Socks” (Tap-up An-Karr in Ute) given to him by his Auntie Bernie from Shiprock, New Mexico.

For years he had always wanted to dance in pow-wow celebrations and events. His grandma made him his first Grass Dance regalia where he then developed a passion for beading, making both traditional and contemporary designs.