Crystal was 10 years old when she won her first art contest. She was always fond of her art classes throughout school. However, during her senior year her life derailed after a close friend was murdered, and she ended up quitting.

Crystal eventually returned the following year and filled her schedule with art classes. It was with the encouragement and help from her family, Mohawk counsellors, and art teachers that she applied to I.A.I.A and was accepted. It was then she moved to Santa Fe.

The next 8 years, Crystal travelled and even lived halfway around the world in Tasmania, at one point, and received an education in almost all art disciplines from photography, pottery, printmaking, weaving, silver-smithing to graphic design. She also received a couple internships with the National Museum of American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center in NYC in public programming and at NMAI CRC in the collections department during, “The Move.” She also gained some experience in directing and curating the R.C. Gorman Museum, while she was attending UC Davis for a second master’s degree in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Contemporary Native American Art.

It was during her last quarter session at UCD, her family received a devasting blow; her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer and given 6-months to live. Crystal immediately returned home, where she was able to spend the next 9 months with her stepdad. After his passing, she did not return to her program because being back home after nearly a decade, she thought to herself, “there is so much wealth of knowledge, right here, within my own community.” So, she acquired a summer job at the local cultural center, then became the Museum Technician at the Native North American Travelling College. It was during this time she became familiar with contemporary local artisans and the traditional arts of the Haudenosaunee.

She resigned from her job at the Native North American Travelling College, the second she found out she was pregnant because she always wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom. It was during this time, that she started the website, “Chrisjohn Arts” to showcase some of her artwork and hobbies, as well as her husband, Terry’s, work. Together, they have a variety of items that they create, from art prints, greeting cards, jewelry, and sculptures.

In 2008, Crystal and Terry began selling at various events such as pow wows, festivals, and conferences. They sometimes demonstrate and hold workshops. Some of Crystal’s workshops include beadwork, dreamcatchers, and cornhusk dolls. Terry has assorted topics that he demonstrates on, such as, the usage of elm bark, Haudenosaunee carvings, and the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. They demonstrate, not only at events listed above, but to
organizations, schools, and/or individuals.

Please reach out to Crystal for any art, workshop, or demonstration inquiries!