Donna Courtney, an award-winning Chickasaw artist, originally from the west coast, moved to Oklahoma in 2016.

Courtney’s primary art form utilizes a gift from the earth, the gourd.  Her connection to this fruit, which is in the pumpkin family, began with her first project over 20 years ago.

She researches traditional Southeastern tribal designs and incorporates the ancient motifs in her work, utilizing a balance of geometry along with the creative process.

Courtney enjoys other art mediums such as: drawing, digital art, photography, and sewing. She is also a traditional Chickasaw storyteller.

Her art has been exhibited in Fontana, California, Park City, Utah, ARTesian Gallery & Studios in Sulphur, OK and the Chokma’si Gallery in Ada, OK. She has won numerous awards at events such as the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM), the ARTesian Arts Festival, and the Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference. She has also been a featured artist on Chickasaw.TV, season 5, episode 8.

Donna Courtney signs her pieces with her Chickasaw name “Dancing Star” given to her by her late father, Ben Courtney, son of original Chickasaw enrollee, Willie Courtney.