44th annual Trail of Tears Art Show opens April 18
Cherokee Heritage Center accepting submissions until April 1
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The longest-running Native American art show in Oklahoma returns to the Cherokee Heritage Center, when the 44th annual Trail of Tears Art Show opens April 18. The annual event runs through May 23 and features a variety of authentic Native American art competing for $15,000 in award money, presented by Bank of Oklahoma and Chickasaw Nation.
“Each year, the Trail of Tears Art Show showcases breathtaking art created by Native American artists from across the country,” said Candessa Tehee, executive director of the Cherokee Heritage Center. “Last year, the show featured 144 pieces from more than 75 artists who come from 14 tribal nations. This is a must-see show for Native American art enthusiasts.”
Native American citizens from federally recognized tribes compete in several divisions and categories, including painting, sculpture, pottery, basketry, graphics, jewelry and miniatures.
On April 17, Cherokee Heritage Center officials will host an awards reception from 6-8 p.m.
Those looking to submit a piece still have time before the April 1 deadline. All entries must be submitted to Mickel-Yantz@cherokee.org by 5 p.m. CST. There is a $10 submission fee to help support art show expenses.
A photograph of the completed work, completed entry form and entry fee must be submitted at the same time or the entry will be disqualified. Accepted artwork will be posted on the Cherokee Heritage Center website on April 3.
The Trail of Tears Art Show began in 1972 as a means of fostering the development of painting as a form of expressing Native American heritage. Initiated before the completion of the museum, the Art Show was held in the rain shelter of the Tsa-La-Gi theater. In 1975, it became the first major exhibition in the present museum. The Cherokee Heritage Center is the premier cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, culture and the arts. It is located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill, Okla.
For information on the Trail of Tears Art Show, 2015 season events, operating hours and programs, please contact the Cherokee Heritage Center at (888) 999-6007 or visit www.CherokeeHeritage.org. It can also be found on Facebook by searching “Cherokee Heritage Center.”
