Richard Saunooke (Eastern Band Cherokee), a member of the Wolf Clan, is a self-taught, multi-media artist who has practiced his craft for over fifty years. Focusing primarily on leather, fabric, and beadwork, Saunooke incorporates various skill sets into his sewn designs, drawings, and paintings. He is the winner of several awards from the Cherokee Fall Festival Art Show and Kananesgi Art Show and is well-known across Indian Country for his intricate pieces. A student of history, whom you can find demonstrating and discussing his work with visitors to the Museum of the Cherokee People, Saunooke is inspired by his study of Cherokee and regional histories.
He has spent forty years demonstrating in living history venues and is a member of the Tippecanoe Historical Society. Saunooke currently resides in the Yellowhill Community of Cherokee with his wife.
