I’m sharon mcdaniel (gilbertson). i hope that you’ll enjoy my colorful, expressionistic art!

I began painting with passion during my high school art classes, and in my parent’s garage. Traditional stretched canvas and panels were my go to surface until, in my mid 60’s, I discovered my first “Tarahumara” crafted, primitive drum. (Click on “Tarahumara” to learn more about the people of the Copper Canyon.)

I painted a crow design on my first “Tarahumara”, rawhide drum. To this finished drum, adding multi-color cord, leather, feathers, and beads. (Scroll down this page to view the “Black Crow Soujourn” drum).

Today, my favorite canvas continues to be rawhide; rawhide drums, drum sticks, rattles in addition to leather medicine bags and more. I frequently craft my own drums, drum sticks, rattles, and leather medicine bags. On the drums, I enjoy painting animals, but also love Southwestern and Native American designs; after 40+ years the desert has become a place of quiet beauty for me.

–This introductory video, has no sound, simply click on the art images to begin a 30 second video/slide show.

♥️ Art classes are available by request, 3 student min., along with 1:1 tutoring. References upon request.

♥️ In 2026, I expanded my classes (both fine art & craft) and added a Party Option.

♥️ You’ll find a listing of current art/craft options by clicking “Casa Creativa Artists!” on the menu at the top. Please contact me if you, or your group has a special request.

♥️ This video/slide show (with music) is about 1 ½ minutes in duration. It is evenly paced, allowing enough time to be able to read any written pages.