Antonio is an accomplished artist, singer and dancer from Cherokee, NC. His art includes shell carvings, quillwork, beadwork, feather work, painted spirit horses, and powwow regalia. He sings with a powwow drum, has won powwow dance competitions and performed with professional dance groups. He dances with the Warriors of AniKituwah, the official ambassadors for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, giving cultural presentations and demonstrating social dances. Antonio began shell carving in 2010. His major awards include Best of Division (Jewelry) at Eiteljorg Indian Market in 2012, Best of Division (Cultural) and Best of Class (Jewelry) at Cherokee Art Market, and many first place ribbons. He uses Mississippian images and symbols in his carved shell gorgets and earrings. He also works with quahog clamshells, commonly known as wampum, which is significant to eastern tribes. The purple and white shell is difficult to work with. It was used as money and in making wampum belts, which tell our history and significant teachings.