TULSA, Okla. – In celebration of Native American art, the 21st annual Cherokee Art Market returns to Tulsa Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
As one of the largest Native American Art Markets in the state, the juried market brings together 175 Native American artists representing nearly 50 federally recognized tribal nations.
More than $75,000 in prize money was awarded to artists competing for top honors, including this year’s Best of Show “Cosmic Carry-on for Ava – Come with me to Cowskin” by SenecaCayuga Nation artist Arla Marquez. The contemporary two-panel beaded bag represents the hope of a journey home for SenecaCayuga living in diaspora and a dream of reconnection, made from glass beads, crystals and more.
With nearly 60 winners in eight classes, the following highlights the 21st annual Best of Class winners, with the full list of winners available at www.CherokeeArtMarket.com.
Class 1 – 2D Art
Michael Toya Jr., Pueblo of Jemez, “Aspen Arrows - Indigenous Brown Trout Our Ancestors Knew”
Class 2 – Sculpture
Karen Sixkiller, Cherokee Nation, “Corruption of Sacred Tobacco”
Class 3 – Beadwork/Quillwork
Arla Marquez, SenecaCayuga Nation, “Cosmic Carry-on for Ava – Come with me to Cowskin”
Class 4 – Basketry
Desmond Ellsworth, Nansemond Indian Nation, “Circle & Square”
Class 5 – Pottery
Becky Quinlan, Caddo Nation, “Haxnete”
Class 6 – Textiles
Tahnibaa Naataanii, Navajo Nation, “Evening prayers”
Class 7 – Jewelry
Veronica Poblano, Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, “My Zuni Lady”
Class 8 – Diverse Art Forms
Dallin Maybee, Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, “Powerful Things I’ve Seen”
Anna Mitchell Excellence in Southeastern Pottery Award
Toby McCoy, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Uktena”
Culture Keeper Award
Cathy Abercrombie, Cherokee Nation, “Buffalo Hit and Miss”
Jesse Hummingbird Legacy Award
Brooks Henson, Cherokee Nation, “My Funny Neighbors”
Native American Art Magazine Editor’s Choice Award
Tahnibaa Naataanii, Navajo Nation, “Evening prayers”
In addition, the market features cultural demonstrations, presentations and conversations with some of the nation's top talent.
Cherokee Art Market is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Sequoyah Ballroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Admission is $10 per person.
Additional sponsors include Native American Art Magazine, Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum, International Artist Publishing, Magic City Books, Tulsa Artist Fellowship and Oklahoma Promo.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is located off Interstate 44 at exit 240. For more information, visit www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.