Elvia Walkingstick (Eastern Band Cherokee), is a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology and has spent a lifetime working in the mediums of beadwork, clay and painting. Walkingstick first learned many of these artisan techniques from family members, including her aunts, uncles and grandmothers. She first learned beadwork from her mother and how to work with clay from her father. She continued her studies with instructors at Cherokee Central Schools and later worked side-by-side with master craftspeople at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Today, she continues to collaborate with her father on both design and craft elements of her work. Walkingstick draws her inspiration from her own community and finds strength in being a strong Cherokee woman. For this reason, she takes her role as taline agitsi (my maternal aunt) and community artisan very seriously and eagerly shares her work with younger generations. Walkingstick currently resides in the Yellowhill Community of Cherokee, NC.
Elvia Walkingstick
