Crystal learned traditional pottery by doing an apprenticeship with Anna Belle Sixkiller Mitchell who was a Master Potter and Cherokee Treasure. Crystal feels it is her honor to continue Anna’s legacy of teaching and sharing knowledge of SE/ Mississippian traditional pottery and culture. She also conducts workshops and speaks to groups whenever an opportunity presents itself. She has shown her work and won many awards at major art shows across the country such as the Eiteljorg Museum, The Heard Museum, Red Earth, Cahokia Museum, as well as Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival, the Tulsa Indian Art Market and Cherokee Casino Art Show. She has her work in several museums and permanent collections. She was named one of five “Artists to Watch” for the 2003 market by SWAIA. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and is included in the book, “Art of the Cherokee” and several other printed materials. Crystal feels that not only does “traditional pottery” teach about hard work and work ethics but also “allows our children to be proud of who they are and where they come from. Knowing that I am able to help keep a once forgotten traditional art alive has enabled me to enrich my own life and continue Anna’s legacy and make one of my own”. Her personal motto is “Never stop learning.”