Butch Goings (Eastern Band Cherokee), member of the Wolf Clan, is a graduate of Chilocco Indian Agriculture School and a prolific wood and stone carver. His earliest inspiration and mentorship came from the renowned wood carver, Amanda Crowe, and he began carving wooden whistles with his father, George Goings. Goings works with black walnut, wild cherry, cedar, and buckeye as well as stones like soapstone, alabaster, and red pipestone. He prides himself in gathering and preparing these natural resources himself. Along with his wife, Louise, Butch is an invaluable asset to the artistic and cultural Cherokee communities by providing demonstrations and mentorship to new artisans. He has demonstrated his carving skills all over the country including at the National Museum of the American Indian. He has earned ribbons and been recognized for his work by the Mountain Heritage Day, Cherokee Fall Festival, and the North Carolina Arts Council, as well as being honored by the Cherokee Community and winning the First Peoples Fund Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award for both his art and community service. He currently resides in the Birdtown Community of Cherokee, NC.
Butch Goings
