Nancy Rhoades

I am a Mississippi Choctaw Artist from Jimtown, Ok. I have lived here all my life. My great grandmother, Mattie Johnson was an original enrollee, and our family kept near her allotment. My family history goes all the way back to the Chicapoula Village what is now Bay St. Louis, MS, where my fourth great grandfather was chief. His name was Takala Yearby or Yarby or Yaba. Our family were six towns Choctaw. Researching my family history has been a big reason to pursue my passion to portray native artwork. My father, FS Mapp, was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trapper. His way of provision for our family of six will always be appreciated. I never had beef steak till my husband, and I started dating. My father always provided for our table along with my mother's huge vegetable garden. We never went hungry. I knew as I became older that college wasn't going to happen for me. I never asked to go but knew I never wanted to burden my parents with that expense. Years after graduating high school, marrying, and working a few jobs, my husband told me of an art class in our town where ladies met to paint and socialize. Needless to say, it was the best decision I've ever made joining that class. In 2004 was the first annual Choctaw Labor Day Art Show. I didn't know if I had what it took for me to show. But I was accepted, and I won the People's Choice Award. That painting was honored in the 2nd Annual Choctaw Labor Art Show. That was the beginning of my art career.

My husband, Roger and I ranch black and red angus cattle. We also farm Bermuda grass that we cut to make hay for businesses and our neighbors. I run a tractor to cut, rake and accumulate our square bales. I am also the song leader for our Jimtown Baptist Church and assistant pianist. My husband and I have been married for 34 years and have two children, Dustin Rhoades and Alissa Wagner and her husband Caleb. We have two grandchildren, Amelia and Elliott Wagner.

A Moment in Time

Medium: Oil

$1200

 18"x24"

Having moved from Mississippi to Indian Territory in 1903, families worked together to survive.

Pickup at Red Earth Art Gallery, 100 N Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
Interested in having this item shipped? We can arrange packing and shipping for an additional cost. Please call 405-427-5228 or email info@redearth.org before purchase.