About the Artist

Harry James Oosahwee (ada-wi dv-no-we-la-ni) was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 1949. He grew up in the predominantly Cherokee-speaking Money Bean Hollow community between Tahlequah and Hulbert, Oklahoma. As a first-language Cherokee speaker, he has a unique perspective as both an artist and an educator. His introduction to Indian art was at Bacone College. It was also at Bacone where an English professor suggested he do a research project on the Cherokee language. These experiences resulted in a lifelong interest in both art and working with the Cherokee language.

Over the years, he has taught the Cherokee language in several places. He has published a Cherokee Beginner’s Book and is currently working on a Cherokee Intermediate Book.

As an artist, Mr. Oosahwee depicts his Cherokee traditions and culture through his paintings, carvings and sculptures. He has won many awards for his artwork over the years and continues to work daily on his artistic endeavors. His latest preferred medium is working with clay sculpting.