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Tahlequah, OK - For Toneh Chuleewah, silversmithing is a family tradition. Having learned the art in 1978, Chuleewah has had a 24-year career in what he calls metalsmithing. "I actually do metalsmithing because I use more than just silver," said Chuleewah. Chuleewah learned this art from his father who was a silversmith for many years in Pryor, Okla., at Quannah's Native American Crafts. "My father taught me traditional Indian style silversmithing," said Chuleewah. "I learned some different techniques in college and experimented on my own." Long before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, the North and South American Indians were using metals of all varieties. Silversmithing was common in many tribes, but not in the Cherokee tribes. It is reported that when the Cherokee Indians found gold they then began to work it into ornaments.

"There were a few Cherokee silversmiths in history, but no 'Cherokee style' of silversmithing," said Chuleewah. "That leaves me room to pursue my own style of silversmithing." But pursuing his own style does not mean that his work is without Indian influence. "I do my artwork for self satisfaction, not for praise from other people. That frees me up to pursue my own direction," said Chuleewah. "Even though my stuff has a modern look to it, I feel I have a more Indian style, using natural and hard geometric shapes combined in the finished design. This, to me, is more traditional than the Spanish influenced style of the Southwest."

Chuleewah will be at the Cherokee Heritage Center on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to demonstrate his work. Visitors can see how each piece is made and purchase items directly from him.

The Cherokee Heritage Center presents a program in conjunction with Cherokee Heritage Arts called "Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase." Every Saturday from June to October, visitors to the center are able to meet and buy directly from the artist and see how each piece is made through demonstrations. For more information on the Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase, call the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007 or call toll free, 888-999-6007.