Artists and collectors alike are excited for the return of an in-person Cherokee Art Market, after going virtual for two years in a row. This year, CAM presents contemporary and traditional works by 150 prominent Native American artists, displayed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. In addition, artists compete and earn awards and honors in eight different categories: painting/drawing, sculpture, beadwork/quillwork, basketry, pottery, textiles, jewelry and diverse arts.
Collector’s browse at the booth of John Knotts (Cherokee), jewelry artist at the 2019 market.
“The quality of the work is very important to us,” says Deborah Fritts, event coordinator. “The space we have is limited, so we improve the quality of work that we have come to the market each year. The artists we select can be anywhere from new, emerging artists, to well established and anywhere in between.”
Fritts also shares that there will be demonstrations, art talks and storytelling that includes stories of an artist’s life and journey along with traditional stories. In addition, beginning Saturday, October 8, from 9 to 10 a.m., is the Special Preview Hour, for those early-bird shoppers. A helpful and unique feature to the market is a map handed out to attendees at the entrance, where they can browse by category and by award winner—selected prior to the market opening. “If you don’t have a lot of time but want to see this year’s winning work, you can easily and quickly find them on our map,” says Fritts.
Billy Hensley (Chickasaw Nation), Convergence, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24”
The featured artist for the 2022 market is Cherokee Nation artist Crystal Hanna, winning the coveted Culture Keep Award (honoring revived traditions that are thought to have been lost) for her pottery piece Moundville Duck. “My featured piece this year…was truly inspired by a stone artifact that is said to be one of the most beautiful Native American artifacts ever discovered…,” Hanna notes. “While Moundville Duck might be recognized in shape, it was such a pleasure to create my contemporary interpretation and pay homage to the ancient artists who continue to inspire me.”
Rykelle Kemp (Choctaw/Euchee-Mvskoke Creek/Navajo), Wildflower Earrings, Mother of Pearl hand-etched with flowers, set in sterling silver with Birds Eye Turquoise, ¼ x 2”
Another talented artist to watch for this year is Chickasaw Nation painter Billy Hensley. “I usually have 10 to 15 larger works on canvas, and this year, I will also have a number of framed and unframed drawings,” says Hensley of his market inventory. “I have been experimenting with mixed media, watercolor and ink techniques this year and have produced a large series of new works. I feel it’s important to continuously grow and push myself as an artist. I enjoy trying new mediums and techniques or incorporating older materials into my work in new ways.”
Yet another important feature at this year’s event, is the use of booth stickers that indicate how many years an artist has been attending the market. For Hensley, his booth will read five years, with two years part of the virtual market. “I am excited to get back in-person for market this year,” Hensley says. “The Cherokee Nation does a wonderful job of supporting Native artists and puts on an outstanding market each year. There is always a wide variety of work created by a great selection of world class artists. I enjoy visiting with the other artists as well as the market patrons. I always leave market energized and inspired by the interactions and connections I make there.”
Dana Warrington (Menominee/Prairie Band Potawatomi), moccasins on display at the 2019 market.
Enjoy all that Cherokee Art Market has to offer the weekend of October 8 to 9, and help celebrate and honor not only the many significant art works on display, but the much needed togetherness after a rough two years apart.
October 8-9, 2022
Cherokee Art Market
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
777 W. Cherokee Street, Catoosa, OK 74015
(918) 384-6714, www.cherokeeartmarket.com
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