ROSE, Okla. — Cherokee National Treasure Noel Grayson brings his bow making and flintknapping artistry to a new exhibit at the Saline Courthouse Museum.
“Noel Grayson: A Steward of Tradition” runs through Jan. 6, 2024. The exhibit shares details about his upbringing and his journey to becoming a Cherokee National Treasure in 1998.
Throughout the exhibit, guests will view Grayson’s handmade works, including a carved hunting bow, rivercane arrows, flintknapping tools and other traditional Cherokee arts.
A skillful craftsman of bows, arrows and stone tools for much of his life, Grayson honors the legacy of the elders who taught him by sharing his knowledge throughout Cherokee Nation and to at-large Cherokee communities across the United States.
“Noel’s array of talents is on full display in this exhibit. Not only will guests note the care he takes with his handmade works, but they’ll also discover he’s exceptional in traditional processes of tanning hides, making moccasins, weaving quivers and constructing other tools of an outdoorsman,” said Karen Shade-Lanier, exhibits manager for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. “He is a definitive steward of these cultural traditions and generously offers his wisdom to others.”
The Saline Courthouse is the last of nine district courthouses built in the 1800s by the Cherokee Nation. After years of ongoing work to restore, preserve and modernize the structure, Cherokee Nation reopened the site in August 2020 as a museum featuring historical and cultural exhibits relevant to the area and exhibits on different Cherokee artists throughout the year. It is located at 55870 S. 490 Road in Rose and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information on Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, including museum operations, please call (877) 779-6977 or visit www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.