CHEROKEE TRAILS
The 47th annual Trail of Tears Art Show opens April 7 at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Oklahoma.
The 47th annual Trail of Tears Art Show opens April 7 at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Oklahoma.
The longest-running American Indian art show in Oklahoma returns to the Cherokee Heritage Center with the 47th annual Trail of Tears Art Show (TOTAS). The artists, all of whom are citizens of federally recognized American Indian tribes or nations, compete for more than $15,000 in the categories of painting, sculpture, pottery, basketry, graphics, jewelry and miniatures.
“As an inter-tribal show and sale, TOTAS has the potential to educate visitors about the individual identities of tribes,” says Callie Chunestudy, curator at Cherokee Heritage Center. “I hope this show can play a role in raising awareness about the uniqueness of these cultures and aid in efforts to end the Pan-indian era that we have experienced in the past.”
The show opens April 7 and runs through May 5, and in addition to the exhibit opening, several Cherokee National Treasures will be on hand April 7 to sign copies of the recently released Cherokee National Treasures: In Their Own Words. An awards
reception will be held on April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center to recognize honorees in each category.
“Some artists have participated for decades, so we are always looking for ways to challenge our returning artists,” Chunestudy says. “This year, we are increasing the size limits within the sculpture division and are looking forward to seeing their response. This show also debuts a lot of emerging artists, and it is exciting to see new styles and perspective enter in the market.”
Last year’s show saw the grand prize go to Tony Tiger of the Cherokee Nation for his piece Metamorphosis, an abstract work of bright colors, bold patterns and eloquent symmetry. Renee Hoover, Cherokee Nation, received first place in the basketry division for My Mother’s Basket, a contemporary double-walled reed basket with corn embellishments. First and second place in jewelry went to Toneh Chuleewah, Cherokee Nation, for his Copper Style Bracelet and Rattlesnake Pendant, respectively. Chuleewah also won an honorable mention for his piece What’s Old is New.
“The Cherokee Heritage Center has a reputation for providing the highest quality, culturally sound work to collectors across the country,” says Chunestudy. “While our primary mission is to preserve, promote and teach Cherokee history and culture, the Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale enables us to foster the perpetuation of culture and art from all federally recognized tribes.”
For information on the Trail of Tears Art Show, 2018 season events, operating hours and programs, contact the Cherokee Heritage Center at (888) 999-6007 or visit the center’s website.