TULSA – In celebration of authentic, elite Native American art, the 18th annual Cherokee Art Market returned to Tulsa Oct. 14-15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.
The juried market featured the work of more than 150 Native American artists representing more than 50 federally recognized tribal nations.
More than $75,000 in prize money was awarded on Friday evening to artists competing for top honors, including this year’s Best of Show, “Two Realms” by Cherokee National Treasure Demos Glass.
The 5-foot tall, fabricated steel sculpture is comprised of powder-coated steel, stainless steel, ceramic, and wood. The stylized depiction of the iconic Southeastern serpent, often represented in traditional Cherokee stories, offers a powerfully dynamic demonstration of contemporary Native art honoring Cherokee oral traditions.
With nearly 60 winners in eight classes, the following highlights the 18th annual Best of Class winners, with the full list of winners available at www.CherokeeArtMarket.com.
Class 1: Painting, Drawing, Graphics & Photography, Bryan Waytula, Cherokee Nation, “The Grass Dancer.”
Class 2: Sculpture, Demos Glass, Cherokee National Treasure, “Two Realms.”
Class 3: Beadwork/Quillwork, Pati Belgarde, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, “Mona Lisa.”
Class 4: Basketry, Michael Dart, Cherokee National Treasure, “Wild Thang.”
Class 5: Pottery, Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “Cherokee Rose.”
Class 6: Textiles, Alberta Henderson, Navajo Nation, “Majestic.”
Class 7: Jewelry, Abraham Begay, Navajo Nation, “Squash Blossom Necklace.”
Class 8: Diverse Art Forms, General B. Grant, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Today’s Medicine.”
Anna Mitchell Award, Tama Roberts, Cherokee Nation, “Hopeful,” Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “Cherokee Rose.”
Culture Keeper Award, Hollis Chitto, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Pueblo of Laguna/Pueblo of Isleta, “Napakanli Um Okla Imma (Flowers for My Family).”
Innovator Award, Monica Silva Lovato, Santo Domingo Pueblo, “Hope for the Future.”
Jesse Hummingbird Legacy Award, Michael Toya, Pueblo of San Felipe, “Nature’s Medicine.”
Native American Art Magazine Editor’s Choice Award, Pati Belgarde, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, “Mona Lisa.”
Cherokee Art Market provides the opportunity for visitors to meet directly with each juried artist and learn more about their work. In addition, the market features cultural demonstrations, presentations, and artist conversations with some of the nation’s top Native American artists each day.
Cherokee Art Market is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses and is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Sequoyah Convention Center at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. Admission is $5 per person, and children under 12 are free.
Media sponsors include Native American Art Magazine and Tulsa People.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa is off Interstate 44 at exit 240. For more information, visit www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
