Accepting Commissions
I have been proud of and fascinated with my Cherokee heritage for as long as I can remember. My aunt, Barbara McAlister is a Cherokee artist and opera singer. Admiring her work in my childhood home really inspired me as well as our shared love of animals. After I retired from 33 years of teaching and coaching, I started painting in earnest. I began painting pet portraits and graduated to Native American art when I saw a call for art while visiting my sister, Dr. Deborah McAlister, in Tahlequah. Animals, both wild and domestic, common to Oklahoma are my main subjects.
Trail of Tears Art Show Honorable Mention 2023
Two works selected for the Cherokee National Holiday Show and Sale 2025
Medium: Painting
My medium of choice is acrylic paint on canvas. I like using bright colors and usually paint animals. Several of my paintings portray stickball and syllabary.