Bio
I am an enrolled member of the Echota Cherokee of Alabama, a legislated, State of Alabama recognized Cherokee Band, and an Artist member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, (IACA), based in New Mexico.
"My jewelry is inspired by the many colors and textures found in the natural world, by the beauty of the mountains, of the deserts and by my ancestors. I have always been proud of my heritage and my jewelry is an expression of that pride”.
Art Participation
2003 member of the Board of Directors of IACA, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association and IAEA, the Indian Arts Education Association.
Past artist membership in ATLATL, a national services organization for American Indian Arts and Artists.
Attended eight to ten Indian Art Markets and Non-Indian Art Shows a year including, IACA's Spring and Fall Wholesale Indian Art Markets-Arizona/New Mexico, Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market-Arizona, San Diego Museum of Man Indian Market- California, West Valley Invitational Indian Art Market-Litchfield Park-Arizona and in 2004, Sharlot Hall Museum's Prescott Indian Market-Arizona. Recently the 2016, 17 and18 Aurty Museum Indian Art Market and I was juried into the 2004, 2017 & 2018 Heard Museum Indian Art Market.
Technical Training
- Self taught Jeweler
- 5-day workshop with Richard Tsosie on Navajo Inlay work and Dust Granulation.
- Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, (GIA), which includes certificates in Gemstone Identification, Colored Stones Grading and Diamond Grading. Also received a certificate in Jewelry sales and became a Certified Fine Jewelry Consultant (FJS), also from the GIA.
Awards
3rd Place Metalsmithing Division of IACA's 2005 Artist of the Year competition
1st Place, Metal Jewelry Division, at the 2004 San Diego Museum of Man Indian Market.
