I am Cherokee Cowherd, a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the worlds of digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship. By combining 3D printing, repurposed materials, and storytelling, I create wearable sculptures and video art that explore the intersections of identity, culture, and power. My practice is deeply rooted in the belief that art and technology are tools for self-expression and empowerment—both for myself and the communities I collaborate with.
Through my art, I aim to spark dialogue about the complexities of Black womanhood and the ways in which we navigate the external and internal forces that shape us. Whether it’s through teaching others to bring their own creative ideas to life or creating work that challenges perceptions, I use my craft as a way to connect, empower, and inspire.
CV
Education
2022 BFA, Integrated Media Arts, University of Hartford - West Hartford, CT
2017 AA in General Studies, Capital Community College - Hartford, CT
Exhibitions/Screenings/Performances
2024 Group Exhibition, This is Why We Don’t Leave the House, Artspace Hartford Gallery - Hartford, CT
2024 Group Exhibition Un.Art.6. , Artspace Gallery, Hartford, CT
2023 Member Exhibition, MakerspaceCT Gala, Gershon Ballroom, Hartford, CT
2022 Two-Person Exhibition, Decode: External x Internal, Silpe Gallery, Hartford Art School, Hartford, CT
2021 STFU, Video Night 2021, Media Box, Hartford Art School, Hartford, CT (Collaboration with Lisa Trotta)
2021 Group Exhibition, Hartford Art School Junior/Senior Show, Silpe Gallery, Hartford Art School, Hartford, CT
2019 Group Exhibition, Community Renewal Team’s 28th Annual National Arts Show, Conrad L. Mallet Gallery, Hartford, CT
Experience
2024 Lead Instructor, Summer Steam, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
2023 - 2024 Assistant Instructor, Girls in Gaming, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
2024 Lead Instructor, Make N’ Able, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
Oct. 2023 Stage Manager, Night Fall Festival - Hartford, CT
2023 - 2024 Lead CAD Instructor, Engineering Fundamentals Course, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
2023-Current Studio Staff, Studio 20 South, Noah Webster Library - West Hartford, CT
Summer 2023 Assist. Instructor, Make’N’Able, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
2023-Current Shop Technician, MakerspaceCT - Hartford, CT
2023 Visual Teaching Artist (workshop), Hartford Public Library - Hartford, CT
2022 - 2023 Visual Art Instructor, Jumoke Academy - Hartford, CT
2021 - 2023 Extracurricular Art Teacher, Abrakadoodle - Cromwell, CT
Oct. 2022 Costume Mistress, NightFall Festival – Hartford, CT
2022 Visual Teaching Artist (2-month residency), Hartford Performs – Hartford, CT
2021 Visual Teaching Artist (1-month residency), Moving Matters! – Hartford, CT
Oct. 2021 Costume Mistress, Night Fall Festival – Hartford, CT
2021 Support Teaching Artist, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum – Ridgefield, CT
2020-2021 Studio Assistant, Joy of Life Art Creation – Hartford, CT
2019-2020 Visual Art Instructor, FootLights Performing Arts & Education Program － Hartford, CT
2018-2020 Program Coordinator, FootLights Performing Arts & Education Program － Hartford, CT
2014-2018 Program Associate, FootLights Performing Arts & Education Program － Hartford, CT
Additional Activities
2024 Club Founder, Artford Harts Society, Art Club - Club FounHartford, CT
2021 Public Art Project, Bloomfield BLM Mural, Bloomfield Town Hall – Bloomfield, CT
2019 Body Painter & Makeup Artist, Warriors of the Wind Fashion Show, VFW of Windsor – Windsor, CT
