Artwork copyright Ray A. Cheer. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

Artwork copyright Ray A. Cheer. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Cousin Stick, 1983-1984

Ray A. Cheer
American Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Nooksack (born 1957)

Location: Washington State University, Pullman

About the Artwork

Cousin Stick was hand-carved by Native American artist Ray A. Cheer in Omak, North Central Washington. Cheer notes that the imagery is inspired by his cousins and the design is influenced by historic carved masks.

This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State University.

About the Artist

Native American artist Ray A. Cheer (Colville and Nooksack) creates hand-carved sculptures influenced by Coast Salish designs. He is of Colville (Northeastern Washington) and Nooksack (Northwestern Washington) heritage.