James (Bud) Smith
A native of Cherokee and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Bud Smith studied wood carving under the well-known artist Amanda Crowe. Since 1993, Bud has taught contemporary and traditional wood carving techniques in grades 9-12.
He has also been an instructor at Oakland City University and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Bud believes sculpture is by nature a tactile experience. Wood sculpture is the most hands-on of any three dimensional medium. He works, sees and feels with his hands. Bud really had no other choice than to become a carver, and when you couple that innate spirit with individual experiences, you develop a distinctive style.