Cherokee Art Market Official Guide

Milestones

The Cherokee Art Market celebrates 20 years of art excellence in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Featuring artwork of all kinds, by artists from all different tribes and nations, the Cherokee Art Market will once again return to Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 11 and 12. The important annual event, one of the great Native American art markets, is celebrating its 20th year in 2025. For the market organizers and artists, the special milestone is an excuse to go bigger, better, brighter with timeless artwork that represents many different arty styles, techniques and cultures.

Visitors and art collectors browse through artist’s booth at the 2024 Cherokee Art Market.

“It’s really important to provide a space for artists and community, to learn and share together. What makes Cherokee Art Market unique is the sense of community, a place to reconnect to share stories and, for guests, they can engage with artists directly, learning the meaning of the work and take art home,” says Joseph Cloud (Cherokee Nation (Tsalagi/Aniyunwiya)), cultural programs and events project manager for the market. “We started in a tent, and now we’re one the largest markets in the country. Our growth has been remarkable, both in the number of artists and the diversity of the work.”

Left: Marcus Frejo (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), Skidi Pawnee Chief, beaded medallion, 6 x 4 in. Right: Marcus Frejo (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), Beaded Chief Joseph, beaded medallion, 4 x 4 in.

This year’s market will feature 166 artists, as well as a suite of other events all under one roof at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Additional activities for the 2025 edition of the market include the Bubbles & Bites Lounge, where visitors can relax and enjoy food and refreshments; the Live Art Lab, where artists from many disciplines will share the secrets to their work; and the Magic City Books Pop-Up Bookshop & Lounge, where Native American authors will present programming and greet visitors. The show will also feature music and performances.

But the real draw is the art, which will fill booths within the Sequoyah Convention Center at the hotel. The artists will come from all around the country, proving that the show is neither local or regional, but a full-fledged national market worthy of making a pilgrimage to by collectors. Artists include Seminole bead artist Marcus Frejo, who creates elaborate portraits for beaded medallions; Diné fashion designer Penny Singer, who will be showing her clothing and textiles, many of which have been featured on runways shows around the country; and Cherokee basket maker Vivian Cottrell, who was named a Cherokee National Treasure in 1995.

Penny Singer (Navajo (Diné)), Blue Bird Puff Vest and Bag, textile

Cloud, who notes that he follows the other markets closely, says that Cherokee Art Market has its own vibe and flavor. “There really is a market for everyone. And we are really proud of the range of the material. Watercolors? We have those. Fashion? We have that, too. World-class jewelry? Yes,” Cloud says. “We have become a place, year after year, where people go to experience Native American art in a welcoming and well-curated environment. And Tulsa provides a beautiful backdrop with three tribal nations—Cherokee, Muscogee Creek and Osage. There is a dynamic energy that pulses through town. The music is great. The art is great. And there are lots of cultural institutions that will surprise visitors. We also have a nightlife and great food. Tulsa has become quietly one of the best-known destinations to have a really relaxing weekend.”

Vivian Cottrell (Cherokee), United First Nations River Cane Basket, basket, 9½ x 10 x 10 in.

The event, which is presented by the Cherokee Nation, kicks off on October 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., when a reception is held for the award winners of the formal art competition. The next day, on October 11, the market opens at 9 a.m. with an early access period one hour before the public opening at 10 a.m. The full market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both October 11 and 12. The Magic City and Live Art Lab are both open throughout the majority of both market days, with artists and authors filtering through for various signings, demonstrations and programming. There will also be a returning youth competition with its own awards. All of the events will take place within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

Penny Singer (Navajo (Diné)), Diné Style Cape, textile

The award classifications are similar to other markets, with major categories for all the important mediums and materials. The classifications are painting, drawing, graphics and photography; sculpture, which includes stone, bronze and other metals, glass, fiberglass, cloth, paper and much more; beadwork and quillwork in both traditional and contemporary sub-categories; basketry; pottery, with two divisions, traditional and figurative, and contemporary; textiles, which includes loom weaving, hand weaving and sewing; jewelry; and diverse art forms, which can include moccasins, drums, regalia, hats, dolls, weapons and much more.

Native American Art magazine is the official guide to the Cherokee Art Market and a proud sponsor of the event. —

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