Tonia Hogner-Weavel

Tonia Hogner-Weavel is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and was named a Cherokee National Treasure in textiles in 2012. She has researched and made bespoke garments almost exclusively, but her practice also includes beadwork (two needle applique style), dollmaking, and embroidery. She is a self-taught artist with a focus on Cherokee clothing history. She was mentored by Cherokee National Treasure, Wendell Cochran in sewing, tear dressmaking and Cherokee garment history. Hogner-Weavel has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and has spent her career in Cherokee cultural education through tribal centers dedicated to the Cherokee culture, teaching over 40 classes in Cherokee clothing and culture. She has shown her work in local Cherokee art shows (Cherokee Homecoming Art Show, Cherokee Holiday Art Show, Trail of Tears Art Show) from 2001 to present, winning three grand awards. She is the dressmaker for the Cherokee Youth Choir (2001 to present) and the Cherokee ambassadors Miss Cherokee and Junior Miss Cherokee (1998 to present). Hogner-Weavel was the costumer for Under the Cherokee Moon, Legends at Dusk (Cherokee Heritage Center), and Nanyehi, The Story of Nancy Ward musical. She makes bespoke clothing for Cherokee chief, officers and multiple tribal programs. She had created numerous art projects for public display in Cherokee Nation casinos and health clinics. She was a featured designer in The First Americans Museum grand opening fashion show.