TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation announced the top honors of the longest-running Native American juried art show in a special reception on April 10 at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza in Tahlequah.
The 55th annual Trail of Tears Art Show, which opened to the public on April 11 and runs through May 16, features a variety of authentic Native art, including 198 pieces from 125 artists, representing 21 tribal nations. This year, 10 Cherokee National Treasures participated in the show, including Roy Boney Jr., Vivian Cottrell, Richard Fields, Troy Jackson, Robert Lewis, Eddie Morrison, Harry Oosahwee, Jane Osti, Bessie Russell and Lisa Rutherford.
Osti was recognized as Best of Show for her piece “Mother Turtle.” The nearly 2-feet wide turtle figure is made of earthenware clay, with symbols that reflect Cherokee community, continuity, balance and tradition.
“For 55 years the Trail of Tears Art Show has elevated Native voices, confronting the shared histories of many Native nations marked by displacement and resilience,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Throughout the gallery the beautiful works of art transform memory into a living testament, reminding us of our enduring spirits and rich histories.”
Through the juried show, artists compete for more than $18,000 in various categories. The following summary highlights the Best of Show, first place and special award winners:
|
Trail of Tears Art Show Category / Place |
Artist Name / Affiliation / Art Piece |
|
BEST OF SHOW |
Jane Osti, Cherokee National Treasure, “Mother Turtle” |
|
Painting, First Place |
Marina Staubus, Cherokee Nation, Shawnee Tribe, “Whispers in the Wind” |
|
Sculpture, First Place |
Grant Morris, Cherokee Nation, “Spiro Man Series #3” |
|
Basketry, First Place |
Vivian Cottrell, Cherokee National Treasure, “Deep Rooted Strength” |
|
Pottery, First Place |
Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ ᏖᎾᎳᏥᎢ (Language Technology)” |
|
Jewelry, First Place |
Tyran Cartledge, Cherokee Nation, “Little Deer” |
|
Textiles, First Place |
Patrick Knowles, Cherokee Nation, “1830s Cherokee Men’s Attire” |
|
Miniatures, First Place |
Sarah (Seli) Stewart, Cherokee Nation, “Adlawaduh Sequoyah (Pocket Sequoyah)” |
|
Diverse Art Forms, First Place |
Brandon West, Cherokee Nation, “Stone Memory: Blue Path Blade” |
|
Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media |
Jacob Test, Cherokee Nation, “Head of the Herd” |
|
Photography/Digital Art, First Place |
Anita Mitchell, Cherokee Nation, “Riverbank” |
|
Trail of Tears Award |
Jeremy Thompson, Seminole Nation, “Hvsaklatkv: The Last Simanoli Sunset” |
|
Emerging Artists, First Place |
Angela Morgan, Wyandotte Nation, “The Council Fire” |
|
Mary Ellen Meredith Award for Humor |
Jeremy Thompson, Seminole Nation, “Treaties: Osceola” |
|
Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award |
Brooks Henson, Cherokee Nation, “Deer Clan Magic” |
|
Bill Rabbit Legacy Award |
Andrea Tidwell, Cherokee Nation, “Where The Wild Things Are: The Aunties & Uncles at Stomp Dance” |
Voting for the iconic People’s Choice Award will begin April 10 and continue both in person and online by liking your favorite artwork on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitCherokeeNation through May 16.
The 55th annual Trail of Tears Art Show is on display at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the show is available to purchase online and in person. For more information and a full list of this year’s winners, please visit TrailofTearsArtShow.com.