Cherokee Nation TERO & IACB artist—after life-saving surgery, I chose purpose. My work creates connection because art lives in all of us.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I am a Cherokee Nation TERO and IACB-listed artist working in watercolor fine art, basket weaving, and beadwork. My work is rooted in Cherokee traditions, cultural knowledge, and storytelling. Alongside creating art, I also teach cultural classes, sharing skills and teachings that help keep our traditions alive and accessible for future generations.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration comes from Cherokee teachings, the land, and lived experience. I’m guided by nature, seasonal shifts, and the stories passed down through generations. My community and the responsibility of preserving cultural knowledge deeply shape everything I create.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to create a cultural space for Indigenous art, teaching, and reconnection in an area where no tribal government is present. All Native nations tied to this land in Ohio were displaced through colonization, yet Indigenous people here still need representation and community. This space would offer basketry, beadwork, and so much more, supporting cultural healing, education, and mentorship. I would reinvest it into the community that shaped me and help grow more artist
Vote for Renata Cauthon to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
