Meet the Artists

Mary Ruth Barnes a highly decorated Chickasaw Woman. Her portfolio and resume list numerous highly acclaimed awards, recognitions, member associations, organizations and philanthropic work. As an artist she uses watercolor and acrylic mediums in free flowing colorful vibrant depictions. Mary Ruth Barnes art draws attention to First Americans, horses and outdoor scenes. However, her dynamic ability to story tell has also led her to be a well-known printed author. Recalling stories told to her by her grandparents and passed through generations. Her 2015 award as “Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman” is truly a testament to the diverse accomplishments, leadership and inspiration she exemplifies not only for Chickasaw Women but for all Women. “Life is not just in black and white, so color your dreams” – Mary Ruth Barnes

Navajo Native Ruth Ann Begay was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where she grew up speaking only Navajo. Her father brought the family to Albuquerque, NM and raised his children modernly instead of traditionally. She learned how to be a silversmith by watching her mother and her sister. Ruth Ann began to be a silversmith professionally after high school and started with simple bezels, and soldering before eventually moving on to decorative work such as leaves. Now, Ruth Ann uses modern tools to make her jewelry. She taught herself how to finish silver jewelry. Ruth Ann says that when she signs her name to a piece, it is important that the quality of her work be something that she can be proud of.

Michelle Cooke has been writing about, teaching, and researching Chickasaw history, language, and culture. As a Chickasaw Citizen she serves as the Senior Staff Writer since earning her masters in English.

Julian Coriz has been designing jewelry for over twenty years from Santo Domingo Pueblo New Mexico. Julian meticulously analyzed stones, selecting, slicing, and arranging them to form initial design ideas. Julian’s passion for jewelry making ignited at the age of ten when his uncle, the renowned artist Martin Lovato, imparted the secrets of the craft to him. Drawing inspiration from his family’s traditions, Julian cherishes the opportunity to continue the legacy of heishe, crafting each piece at his own pace. He finds joy in witnessing the positive reactions of people wearing his jewelry, with his favorite creations being inlay earrings. Julian continues to inspire and design surviving his late wife Kelly.

Alison Fields is an American art Historian and Educator. Her educational background entails a Bachelors in English and Native American Studies. A Masters in American Civilization and a Doctorate in American Studies. Alison Fields has persued a career in Education frequently providing open public lectures, collaborating with colleagues and publishing, authoring and co-authoring various articles and books.

Author Richard Green is regarded as a Chickasaw Tribal Historian whose work of the Nation began over thirty years ago. Unlike some historians, his research entails first hand interviews and discussions with Chickasaw people across the Nation. As well as having immersed himself in the culture and life of the Chickasaw People- truly grasping the spirit, belief and customs of the Chickasaw. Through his work he discovered many misconceptions and false historical documentation about the Chickasaw, having travelled to prestigious institutions across the globe to review their collections on the Nation's People. Richard Green is second generation Irish-American, he grow up in Muskogee Oklahoma. It was having attended school with many Native Americans from five different Tribes that he developed his love and appreciation of cultures.

Bryant Martinez of the Navajo Tribe was born in To’hajiilee, NM, he is from the Water Edge (Mom) and Sage Brush (Dad) Clans. Bryant is a self taught silversmith. He trained himself for about 10 years and was honored to participate in the celebration of The Indian Craft Shop’s 75th year in Washington D.C. Bryant describes his work as sawcut. “Imagination is the start of art,” Bryant says. When people respond positively to his art, “it makes me feel good inside.” He is very intense and fully absorbed when he is creating his art. “I love what I do; it feels more like a hobby than work.

Dr. Phillip Carroll Morgan Choctaw/ Chickasaw poet and author holds his doctorate in Native American literature from the University of Oklahoma. His publishing’s and books focus on his tribal ancestry and its mythology. He is an accomplished author receiving many Awards for his poems and books.

Kathleen Sanchez She-u-tani, of the San Felipe New Mexico Tribe, was born and raised in San Felipe Pueblo. Her designs are inspired by her Pueblo heritage and they have been brought to life by Silver Sun’s silversmiths for years. This collaboration has resulted in many outstanding one-of-a-kind pieces. Once in a while, a piece will come with a beautiful poem from the heart, evoked by either the design or the turquoise itself. “I participate in the Pueblo culture and dances. “Family, friends and my Pueblo are very important to me, “ she says "I am very happy when my family is part of this too.”

Towana Spivey has held a long generational lineage from Chickasaw. As a well-known publisher and author in frontier history, he has consulted on many television documentaries and movies. Most notoriously “Windtalkers” and “Dance With Wolves” where he ensured the character and historical accuracy of the films. While utilizing his Anthropological and Archeological background, Towana Spivey has held respected roles in the United States Military and as Museum Curator. Always advocating for the advancement of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche, Kiowa, Chiricahua, Apache and the Warm Springs Apache People, his work has restored historical buildings, brought attention to language and culture and saved countless Historical Artifacts.