Lori Ann Reed (Eastern Band Cherokee), a member of the Blue Clan, has over twenty years of experience in the mediums of drawing, painting, basketry, beadwork, pottery, finger weaving, and sewing—with sewing being her latest artistic exploration. Reed is largely self-taught in the medium of drawing, though credits her father as helping her to hone these skills. Later she earned Associate and Bachelor degrees in Fine Arts from The Institute of American Indian Arts and the University of Tennessee respectively and a Masters Degree of Applied Teaching in Arts Education from Western Carolina University. As she perfected each artistic medium, Reed studied under other Cherokee artists such as Joel Queen and Tara McCoy in pottery, Betty Maney and Louise Goings in white oak baskets, and Lucille Lossiah, Ramona Lossie, Gabe Crowe, and Mary Thompson in river cane baskets. Her art has earned acclaim and awards across the country, including at the prestigious Santa Fe Art Market. Reed’s work is inspired by her culture and family stories. She currently lives in the Wolftown Community of Cherokee, North Carolina.
