MaryBeth Timothy, a Native Oklahoman and proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is committed to making art accessible to people from all walks of life. As a full-time artist, illustrator, instructor, and co-owner of MoonHawk Art LLC, she infuses creativity into her work daily.
With over 25 years of experience in the art industry, MaryBeth’s career advanced significantly in 2016 when she and her husband, John, established an LLC. They began printing their artwork on a range of products, thereby broadening their market presence.
The pandemic presented MaryBeth with the opportunity to illustrate children’s books. To date, she has illustrated six books and is currently working on several additional projects. Her experience in small business management attracted the attention of Native nonprofits, enabling her to educate Native artisans nationwide.
Recently, MaryBeth expanded the business by licensing art, utilizing print-on-demand services, designing toys, and creating surface patterns. She also teaches a variety of art classes to both children and adults. Her latest endeavor is to produce her own children’s books.
MaryBeth hopes that her career journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, demonstrating the power of creativity and tenacity in realizing one’s dreams.
Featured Illustrator – 2023 Green Country Children’s Book Festival
Bill Rabbit Legacy Award – 2023 Art Under the Oaks
2nd Place – 2023 Chicago Folklore Prize (Cherokee Earth Dwellers book)
1st Place Painting –
2019 Native Fest Art Show
2016 Checotah Native Art Market
ATIM Artivist of the Year – 2019 ARTYA Awards
2nd Place Miniatures – 2018 Artesian Arts Festival
2nd Place Graphics -2017 Red Earth
1st Place Miniatures- 2012 Art Under the Oaks
Southeastern Wildlife Award – 2006 & 2011 Art Under the Oaks
Medium: Graphic Arts, Painting, Sculpture
One of the best things about creating art is that you get to share a story. Whether I tie in an ancient mound symbol to a piece of art or just create an image of a Native Oklahoma bird or plant, it leads to a conversation with the viewer.
While researching resources for my illustrations that are in the book “Cherokee Earth Dwellers”, I learned so much about our tribe’s use of those plants. Although it was time-consuming and a lot to read, I am glad that I had the opportunity to work on that project. Now I can share that knowledge with people when they see the art.
I also love creating contemporary designs using ancient mound motifs. Viewers are drawn to the lines and colors, but there again, it leads to conversation and a chance to share a bit of our culture.
