Ashley Dunkin is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Through the exhibition of beadwork, she aims to promote awareness about what it means to be Native American. While beadwork is a traditional art form, she presents her own contemporary vision of it to convey more significant commentaries and themes. Her primary goals are to help minorities in their journeys of identity, advocate against stereotypes, and show there is true beauty to be found in every culture. Originally from Colorado, her work has been shown at Drawing Works, Spring Forward, and various Open Studio exhibitions at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. As well as the On Edge annual show at Edge Gallery in Denver, Colorado. In 2023, Ashley was awarded best in show at "Transference: Impressions of Many" by the Atlanta Contemporary Museum Art Director Veronica Kessenich.