TAHLEQUAH, OK – Cherokee Nation honored artists at a special reception at Cherokee Springs Plaza and previewed the 29th annual Homecoming Art Show. The show is now open to the public and will run through September 7 in the gallery adjacent to the Cherokee National Research Center.
“This show is a very special moment and opportunity for our Cherokee artists each year,” said Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We are excited to honor our talented artists and their work as cultural custodians to promote and preserve Cherokee culture for future generations.”
The juried exhibition and competition features 135 works 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 award went to sculptor Troy Jackson for his almost one-meter-high ceramic vessel “Cherokee Rose 3, Continuance.”
“Year after year, our talented Cherokee artists demonstrate their commitment to preserving and promoting authentic Cherokee culture,” said Callie Chunestudy, project manager of cultural programs and events. “We hope that as the public comes together to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Cherokee Heritage Festival, they will be able to show their support and support the Cherokee heritage.and On the annual Cherokee National Day, guests come and admire the beautiful works of our artists who continue to keep the Cherokee culture alive.”
Artists competed in two categories, traditional and contemporary, for their share of the over $18,000 prize money, along with various special awards. The traditional category is defined as “art created before European contact” and consists of three categories: basketry, pottery, and traditional art.
The contemporary division is defined as “art created by the Cherokee after contact with Europeans” and consists of nine categories, including: sculpture, pottery, basketry, beadwork, jewelry, and textiles. In addition, three new categories have been added: painting, photography and digital art, and drawing, printmaking, and mixed media.
The first place winners in each category were:
- Traditional Arts: Ronnie Morris, “Deer Clan Mask”
- Traditional pottery: Crystal Hanna, “Hungry Frog”
- Contemporary Ceramics: Lisa Rutherford, “Below the Surface”
- Traditional basket weaving: 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 were:
- Bill Rabbit Legacy Award: Lillie Vann, “When Two Worlds Collide”
- Betty Scraper-Gardner Elder Award: Vickie Coppedge, “The Long Journey”
- Award for young artist: Joshua Stice, “Necklace with four feathers”
All artwork is for sale and the public is encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award. A complete list of award winners can be found at HomecomingArtShow.com.
