TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a special reception on April 5 at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza.
The 53rd annual Trail of Tears Art Show opens to the public April 6 through May 11 and features a variety of authentic Native art, including 173 works from 105 artists, representing 21 tribal nations. Four Cherokee National Treasures were showcased in this year’s show including Harry Oosahwee, Kathy Van Buskirk, Lena Stick and Troy Jackson.
The evening was hosted by Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Shella Bowlin, with awards distributed by Cherokee National Historical Society Board Chair Christy Neuhoff and Miss Cherokee Keeleigh Sanders.
John Henry Gloyne, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was recognized as this year’s Best of Show for his piece, “Burial Ceremony: The Four Souls of the Cherokee Being.” The acrylic and gouache painting depicts Cherokee burial rituals and the interconnections of the four souls of the Cherokee being: the liver, heart, brain and bones.
“Each year the Trail of Tears Art Show is a reminder to us all of the importance of Native artwork and the role it plays in cultural promotion and preservation,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “These artists are storytellers and culture keepers. Their work shares the stories of the tribulations and triumphs that have impacted Native nations throughout history and often are a beacon of light into the thriving nations we have become today.”
Through the juried show, artists compete for more than $18,000 in various categories. The following summary highlights the grand prize, first place and special award winners:
|
Trail of Tears Art Show Category / Place |
Artist Name / Affiliation / Art Piece |
|
BEST OF SHOW |
John Henry Gloyne, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Burial Ceremony: The Four Souls of the Cherokee Being” |
|
Painting, First Place |
Kenny Henson, Cherokee Nation, “Clan Spirits” |
|
Sculpture, First Place |
Charlie Nichols, Cherokee Nation, “Feathered Indian” |
|
Basketry, First Place |
Hattie Lee Mendoza, Cherokee Nation, “Starry Dreams” |
|
Pottery, First Place |
Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “ᏌᎵ (Persimmon)” |
|
Jewelry, First Place |
Tyran Cartledge, Cherokee Nation, “The Guides” |
|
Textiles, First Place |
Jamie Bennett, Muscogee Creek Nation, “C’etto (Winged Serpent)” |
|
Miniatures, First Place |
Ronald Mitchell, Cherokee Nation, “Flight from the Homeland” |
|
Diverse Art Forms, First Place |
Stanley Charging, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, “Unity” |
|
Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media |
Michael Mounce, Cherokee Nation, “3 Sisters” |
|
Photography/Digital Art, First Place |
Jacob Long, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Sun Eater” |
|
Trail of Tears Award |
Sayo’:kla Kindness Williams, Oneida Nation, “Healing Coat: Remembering the Journey of On^yote?a:ka (The People of the Standing Stone)” |
|
Emerging Artists, First Place |
Gregory Standridge, Choctaw Nation, “Tu loc Chish ko” |
|
Jennie Ross Cobb Photography Award |
Jacob Long, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Waymaker” |
|
Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award |
Ernie Poindexter, Cherokee Nation, “At The End of The Trail” |
|
Bill Rabbit Legacy Award |
Joseph Byrd, Cherokee Nation, Osage Nation and Quapaw Nation, “ᏣᎳᎩ ᏓᎧᏁᎲ (Cherokee Knot)” |
Voting for the iconic People’s Choice Award will begin Tuesday, April 9 and continue both in-person and online by liking your favorite artwork on facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitCherokeeNation through May 11.
The 53rd annual Trail of Tears Art Show is on display at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the show is available to purchase online and in person. For more information and a full list of this year’s winners, please visit https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/trail-of-tears-art-show.