Cherokee Heritage Trails

Melissa Ann Maney demonstrates traditional pottery making and also teaches hands-on pottery classes to groups of all ages. She particularly enjoys working with students who are eight-to-twelve years old.

Growing up in the Yellowhill community on the Qualla Boundary, Melissa Maney learned the traditional Cherokee method of making pottery at home. Her grandmother, Cora Wahnetah, was a well known Cherokee potter whose work is owned by the Department of the Interior and is on permanent display at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual in Cherokee. Melissa's mother, Charlotte Wahnetah Maney, grew up watching her own mother Cora, and she passed on many of those traditional styles to her family.

Melissa Ann Maney has taught in several Cherokee communities, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and at the Cherokee Youth Center (part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America). She has demonstrated at arts festivals and has pottery in the McKissick Museum in Columbia, South Carolina.

Her work has received many ribbons and awards. She won frst place for her pottery at the Cherokee Fall Fair, and frst place in the Emerging Artist category at the Kituwah festival in Asheville. She has exhibited her pottery in North Carolina, South Carolina, and at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Melissa Ann Maney is willing to travel throughout the region, although her time is limited. Clay should be provided for her on-site. To complete pottery through the fring stage, the class schedule needs to include time for drying the clay slowly. Call her at home to discuss arrangements. Her fee is negotiable and should include reimbursement for travel expenses.