I was chosen to participate in the EBCI Bear project, painting 27 whimsical fish on a fiberglass bear, placed on the Oconaluftee Island Park off of HWY 441 in Cherokee, N.C. The fish have cultural and educational significance. A coloring book is in production.

"Daddy's Hat", as well as other works are available as a limited edition prints.

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• Exhibitor at "Weekend at the Louvre" a juried exhibition at Altamaha Technical College, 2004-2009
• "Materpieces from the Kitchen" illustration, Wayne County cookbook by The Press Sentinel.
• WCAC calender illustration 2007, 2008
• Featured artist at the “Festival of Native Peoples” Art Market in Cherokee 2009, and past award winner.
• Created the playbill for "BYNA: Lifesongs of a Southern Appalachian Woman of Cherokee Descent"

• Bachelors in Education, Social Sciences,
  University of Georgia, Athens, GA 1973
• “Miss University of Georgia", 1973
• Former “Miss Cherokee”, represented my tribe in the Miss Indian America” pageant
• Former "Miss National Indian Youth Council"
• Served on an advisory board to the Commissioner of Indian Affaires as a youth
• Grew up performing in our famous “Unto These Hills”, in the crowd scenes, as a dancer, in the choir and for four years as “Nundayeli” the daughter of the hero Tsali and Wilani, one of the few female speaking roles.
• Appeared in “Seventeen” magazine and “National Geographic”

Faren Sanders Crews
My Native American name is “Se-dah-ni” It appears on my artwork written in our Cherokee Syllabary.

I am an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the tribe of my Mother. I was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the seat of the Western Cherokee Nation, of which my father is a full-blood enrolled member. I am of direct Cherokee descendent from both ends of our infamous “Trail of Tears” I grew up on the Qualla Boundary or the Cherokee Indian Reservation in the mountains of North Carolina. It was here in the isolation of my youth that I honed my art skills. We had no modern amenities, no indoor plumbing, no television or radio, no telephones. We cut and carried wood for heat in the winter. We had books and a set of encyclopedias to explore the outside world. For entertainment, we drew pictures. My Father drew, my sister drew and I drew. Today I work in a variety of media including acrylic, pen and ink, pastels and watercolor. I am self-taught and consider my talent a gift from the Great Creator.

My art is a way of expressing myself, and am constantly delighted and surprised that others enjoy my work. I work diligently and deliberately and I have developed my own style. I consider my art an innate gift, one I am happy to share with others. My choice of topics is often Native American, children or regional works. I enjoy capturing expression and also enjoy drawing wildlife. I have entered and won several competitions across the country, have illustrated a book of poetry, and had exhibitions of my works. I have been commissioned for works and have two large murals “Raising Cane” and “The Clan” (5x7ft.) in the 2nd floor Lobby of the Cherokee Harrahs’ Casino Hotel in Cherokee, N.C. I have two pieces of art entitled “Job’s Tears” and “Yonah” reproduced for over 300 tower rooms.

I am currently working on a most exciting endeavor with the Kituwah Language Immersion Project illustrating stories for children who are learning our native tongue.

I give thanks to the Great Spirit for his inexhaustible blessings and love…Peace and all good things…Se-dah-ni

Contact Information:
Faren Crews:farencrews@yahoo.com

Many works are for sale and commissions are welcomed.