Featuring the work of more than 100 Indigenous artists and representing roughly a dozen tribal nations, the 52nd annual Trail of Tears Art Show returns to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and the gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza from April 8 to May 6.
Once accepted into the juried show, artists compete for more than $15,000 in categories that include painting, sculpture, pottery, basketry, graphics, jewelry, miniatures, diverse art forms and photography/digital art.
The 2022 grand prize went to Cherokee National Treasure Tonia Hogner-Weavel for her Cherokee Nation flower dress and purse, made of cotton and velvet with glass beads.
“One of my favorite things about this art show is the miniature category,” says Cherokee Nation Businesses' cultural and events project manager, Callie Chunestudy. “Artists have submitted the tiniest paintings, baskets, pottery and sculptures that showcase the finest detail. It’s remarkable what they can do at such a small scale. Also, our diverse category is known to bring a few surprises. We’ve seen work on skateboards, clothing made from unconventional materials and even work that moves.”
Don Dugger (Cherokee) showcased a hand-carved and hand-polished dogwood gorget made from locally harvested mankiller white shell and accent-painted with acrylics.
The Trail of Tears Art Show is the longest-running inter-tribal, juried art show in Oklahoma. As opposed to traditional art markets, participating artists don’t have to attend in person to be featured. The show is presented both online and in person at the gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza and features an eclectic array of mediums, examples of which from last year’s show are featured here.
This corn husk doll by Jennie Wilson (Cherokee) was made in honor of Certified Cherokee language teacher Alice Sue Jumper Wilder and every Native language speaker who shares the language with others. “All citizens of federally recognized tribal nations qualify to enter,” says Chunestudy, adding that the number of pieces and tribal representation in the show varies from year to year. “[But] our jury process ensures that every piece in the show is truly something special and of the highest quality.”
Harry Oosahwee (Cherokee) was juried into the 2022 art show for I Caught a Wooden Fish; while Ernie Poindexter (Cherokee Nation) presented a carved cherry wood box with grape vine décor.
An awards reception will be held on Friday, April 7, at 6 p.m., followed by the public opening on Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. The gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 8-May 6, 2023
Trail of Tears Art Show & Sale
Cherokee Springs Plaza 3377 Cherokee Springs Road, Tahlequah, OK 74464
(877) 779-6977, www.visitcherokeenation.com
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