Siyo! I’m Atsei Cooper from the Qualla Boundary. I’ve practiced art my whole life; my preferred mediums are acrylic paint, colored pencil, pen and ink, beadwork, and creating digitally via Procreate software. I have experience creating commissioned pieces for small businesses and individuals, and have sold wholesale.

Two of my pieces have been featured in exhibits. “Three Worlds” was featured in 2023 in the Disruption exhibit at the Museum of the Cherokee People.

“Private Property” is on display from 2025-2027 in Knoxville, Tennessee at the McClung Museum. This piece is featured in the Homelands exhibit and is part of the permanent collection. The McClung is a Smithsonian affiliate.

I am passionate about Kituwah peoples and our ancestral lands. My background as an Indigenous archaeologist informs my work and relationship with the land. I also care deeply about plant medicines, Kituwah motherhood, and being in relationship with our past, present, and future.