"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Art Market Coming To Cherokee Casino in October

"Cherokee artist Bill Rabbit begins work on his painting titled “Common Values Common Ground.” The painting is a representation of the Cherokee people and their values and is the signature piece for this year’s Cherokee Art Market." (Submitted photo.)

CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA – Some of the most distinguished Native American artists in the country will showcase their works Oct. 13-14 at the Cherokee Casino Resort’s second annual Cherokee Art Market.

The show will feature nearly 200 Native American artists who participate in the event by invitation only. Art patrons will have the opportunity to view and purchase Native paintings, sculptures, weavings, baskets, clothing, jewelry and photography. To complement the collection of artwork, culturally significant live performances of singing, dancing and storytelling will also be held as part of a Native American art symposium.

“The Cherokee Art Market’s goal is to become one of the nation’s most prestigious Native American art venues while fostering an appreciation of Native American art from all nations and spotlighting Cherokee culture,” Talisha Nichols, spokeswoman for the Cherokee Art Market, said.

Nichols said the Cherokee Art Market is taking form as a new major art venue on par with other renowned Native American art shows in the world. In 2006, the event attracted more than 2,000 guests who were able to view and purchase modern-day artwork from some of the country’s most talented Native artists.

A significant component of the market’s stature is the $75,000 in prize money given to the winners of the market’s juried competition. This is the greatest amount of prize money offered by any juried Native American art competition in the country.

The judges for this competition were chosen for their experience in the Native art community and include Perry Van Buskirk, Cherokee National Treasure; Merlin Little Thunder, artist; Michael Horse, artist; Kevin Smith, assistant dean of Arts at Bacone College; and Steve Grafe, curator of the Native American Collection at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Museum.

A symposium featuring Native American artists and collectors will also take place during the art market featuring speakers who will discuss the culture and history behind Native art, how to identify authentic Native artwork and tips on purchasing and collecting Native artwork.

The outdoor market, where the artists’ work will be displayed, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13-14. Admission is free. An art reception will kick-off the Cherokee Art Market at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Cherokee Casino Resort Grand Hall. Winners of the juried competition will be announced at the reception.

On display at the reception will be the signature piece commissioned to represent this year’s art market. Cherokee artist Bill Rabbit was chosen for his rendering of the 2007 Cherokee National Holiday theme “Common Values Common Ground.” The painting is a representation of the Cherokee people and their values of education, family, culture and tradition.

During the event, the annual Cherokee Film Festival will also be held at the Cherokee Casino Resort. Guests can view Native American-produced independent films in the four salons of the Grand Hall inside the casino. Cherokee Art Market officials are also collaborating with Philbrook and Gilcrease museums to host an “Art Tour of Tulsa.”

Complimentary shuttle buses will run during the hours of the market to each museum. Gilcrease will have free admission, while the Philbrook will discount its admission.

The Cherokee Art Market was created to provide an outlet for Native artists to show and sell their works in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. For more information about the art market, travel or hotel reservations, call 918-384-6990 or visit Cherokee Art Market.com.