TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation honored artists in a special reception Friday evening at Cherokee Springs Plaza, previewing the 29th annual Homecoming Art Show.
The show is now open to the public and on display through Sept. 7 in the gallery located next to the Cherokee National Research Center.
“This show continues to be such a special time and opportunity for our Cherokee artists every year,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We are pleased to honor our talented artists and the work they do as culture keepers to promote and preserve Cherokee culture for future generations.”
The juried show and competition features 135 pieces by 87 artists, including the following six Cherokee National Treasures: Harry Oosahwee, Lisa Rutherford, Lena Stick, Michael Dart, Kathy Van Buskirk and Troy Jackson.
This year’s Best of Show was awarded to sculptor Troy Jackson for his nearly 3-foot-tall ceramic vessel “Cherokee Rose 3, Continuance.”
“Year after year our talented Cherokee artists show a commitment to the preservation and promotion of authentic Cherokee culture,” said Callie Chunestudy, cultural programs and events project manager. “We hope that as the public gathers to celebrate the 72nd annual Cherokee National Holiday, guests will stop by and explore the beautiful works from our artists who continue to keep the Cherokee culture thriving.”
Artists competed for their share of more than $18,000 in prize money in two divisions, traditional and contemporary, alongside various specialty awards.
The traditional division is defined as “arts originating before European contact” and consists of three categories: basketry, pottery and traditional arts.
The contemporary division is defined as “arts arising among the Cherokee after European contact” and consists of nine categories, including the following: sculpture, pottery, basketry, beadwork, jewelry and textiles. Additionally, three new categories of painting; photography and digital art; and drawing, graphics and mixed media were added this year.
First-place winners in each category are as follows:
Traditional Arts: Ronnie Morris, “Deer Clan Mask”
Traditional Pottery: Crystal Hanna, “Hungry Frog”
Contemporary Pottery: Lisa Rutherford, “Below the Surface”
Traditional Basketry: Mary Thompson, “Hoot Eyes”
Contemporary Basketry: Vickie Coppedge, “Village by the River”
Painting: Robin Stockton, “Story Keeper”
Sculpture: Gary Allen, “Cherokee Bird Man”
Textiles: Valerie Kagan, “Modern Day Beloved”
Jewelry: Tyran Cartledge, “Benevolent Spirit”
Beadwork/Quillwork: Carolyn Pallett, “Sky Cat, Moon, and Sun”
Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media: Kayla Anley, “As They Should Be”
Photography & Digital Art: Anita Mitchell, “Un-Frog-Gettable”
Other special awards include the following:
Bill Rabbit Legacy Award: Lillie Vann, “When Two Worlds Meet”
Betty Scraper-Gardner Elder Award: Vickie Coppedge, “The Long Journey”
Emerging Artist Award: Joshua Stice, “Four Feathers Necklace”
All artwork is available for sale, and the public is encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award. For a complete list of award winners, please visit HomecomingArtShow.com.