An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she resides in the Wolftown community of the Qualla boundry in Cherokee, NC.
She is a multi-media indigenous artist that specializes in shellcarving jewelry. She has recently retired from her professional career as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Services Paramedic and now focuses on preserving the art of traditional shell carving. She creates intricate museum quality replica gorgets that have won awards in local art competitions. She has also recieved recognition and blue ribbons for first place and best of show in the Cherokee fall festival art competiton for the years of 2013 and 2019.
She developed her shell carving skills through classes taught by International renowned shellcarver Dan Townsend, of Muskogee Creek/Cherokee descent.
In addition to shell carving, Nancy produces beadwork, wire-wrapped and gemstone jewelry. She also does custom fabric artwork and supplements her income by making beautiful ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, ribbon vests and 18th century indigenous clothing.
She is passionate about sharing her culture through presentations, demonstrations and traditional storytelling.