STILWELL, Okla. — Cherokee Nation is celebrating its latest investment in preserving and advancing Cherokee arts and culture with the grand opening of the Ani Art Center.
The center is named after the Cherokee word for strawberry, honoring Stilwell’s legacy of being the "Strawberry Capital of the World," and offers dedicated gallery space for rotating exhibits, reservable space for cultural classes and designated space to safely secure some of the tribe’s growing art collection.
“Cherokee artists are revered not only for their dedication to their craft, but more importantly, for the way they enhance the way we experience and share the history, culture and traditions of the Cherokee people,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Through hands-on programming, artist support and community partnerships, this center will connect generations, honoring traditional knowledge while creating opportunities for artists to grow, share and carry these practices forward. This will serve as a cultural hub that connects, inspires and empowers those dedicated to sharing our story.”
The center was made possible through the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act, originally enacted in 2022 and extended in 2025 by Chief Hoskin. The historic legislation allocated a total of $4 million to purchase artwork from Cherokee artists, support market access, and create opportunities for artists to showcase their work and expand their reach. Part of that includes up to $1.6 million to support artist-related capital projects like the Ani Art Center.
“The Ani Art Center is a true reflection of the commitment Cherokee Nation continues to demonstrate for artists and the art community,” said Talisha Lewallen, manager of cultural programs and events. “Seeing this level of support exist beyond the tribe’s capital city is empowering, and it will have rippling effects throughout the reservation as we continue to elevate, celebrate, and share all that makes Cherokee culture and history so beautiful.”
To date, 452 artist applications have received support through the ARA, with more than $550,000 spent on support services and $1.1 million spent on art acquisitions. Art purchased under the law is owned by the Cherokee Nation on behalf of the Cherokee people into perpetuity. ARA-funded art, which ranges from small items to large pieces of public art, can be seen across the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
The art center also boasts 15,000 square feet of storage space to accommodate items between acquisition and placement at Cherokee Nation properties.
“Cherokee Nation’s art collection continues to grow and, with it, our responsibility to preserve and protect these works,” said Ross Mulcare, senior manager of the Cherokee National Research Center. “As new pieces are acquired, our team evaluates where they can have the greatest impact across Cherokee Nation properties. The dedicated space at Ani Art Center allows us to assess, preserve and plan for the collection in one location. More than storage, it provides the infrastructure needed to properly care for each piece, make repairs when necessary and ensure the collection can be shared with the public whenever possible.”
As part of the grand opening celebration, a special exhibit will debut in the center’s gallery space, honoring the impact of the Artist Recovery Act and showcasing some of the work acquired to date. The exhibit includes 84 works of art by 66 artists, including 17 Cherokee National Treasures.
The Ani Art Center is located at 406 B W. Locust St. in Stilwell and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
panduan-sic-bo-dan-house-edgeFor more information, go to https://visitcherokeenation.com/attractions/ani-art-center/.