Cherokee Art Market, the Midwest’s premier Native American art event, returns October 13 – 14

Cherokee Art Market, the Midwest’s premier Native American art event, returns October 13 – 14

Byline/Source: Kelli Bruer/Amanda Clinton - Cherokee Art Market

Here Comes the Judges 2007 Cherokee Art Market Panel of Judges Perry Van Buskirk, Cherokee National Treasure, Baskets - Perry Van Buskirk comes from a long line of traditionalists and is an accomplished artist in many traditional art forms. He has been employed since 1996 at the Cherokee Heritage Center where he is now responsible for the Ancient Village and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. Perry and his wife Kathy are also recipients of the Cherokee Medal of Honor from the Cherokee Honor Society. Read More >> TULSA, Okla. – Native American art enthusiasts from across the country will be delighted to know that the fall’s premier native art event, the Cherokee Art Market, is returning for its second year to Cherokee Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 13-14. The Cherokee Art Market will unveil the most unique and distinguished Native American art from across the nation at this prestigious event, which will feature the top 200 elite Native American artists in the country appearing by invitation only. Art patrons will have the rare opportunity to view and purchase stunning native paintings, sculptures, weavings, baskets, clothing, jewelry, and photography. To complement this immense collection of artwork, the Cherokee Art Market will also host culturally significant live performances of singing, dancing, and storytelling, and 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,” said Talisha Nichols, spokeswoman for the Cherokee Art Market. “Given our inaugural event last year, we are well on our way.” Ceramic Shield by Jane Osti Native American art has been showcased in many famed art shows throughout the Southwest for years. People from all over the world flock to the region to purchase and view Native American art. Until recently, there has not been an outlet of this caliber for Native American artists in Oklahoma or the Midwest, even though Oklahoma is home to the majority of Native American artists in the United States. The Cherokee Art Market is triumphantly taking form as a new major art venue on par with the Native American art shows renowned to the world. In 2006, the market’s inaugural event attracted more than 2,000 guests, who were able to view and purchase exquisite, modern day native artwork from nearly 200 of the most talented Native American artists in the country. A significant component of the Cherokee Art Market’s stature as a major Native American art venue to the world is the $75,000 in prize money given to the winners of the market’s juried competition. This is the highest amount of prize money offered by any juried Native American art competition in the nation. The judges for this competition are specifically chosen for their revered position to 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; Steve Grafe, Curator of Native American Collection at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Museum; and Pahponee, artist. A grand symposium featuring Native American artists and collectors will take place during the Cherokee Art Market. The featured speakers will discuss the culture and history behind native art, how to identify authentic Native American artwork, and tips on purchasing and collecting Native American artwork. A gala art reception will kick-off this spectacular weekend Friday, Oct. 12. The gala will be held at the Cherokee Casino Resort Grand Hall of the Cherokees beginning at 7 p.m. The gala will feature the announcement of the winners of the juried competition and the awarding of the $75,000 in prize money to the winning artists. The gala art reception will also display the signature piece commissioned to represent this year’s Cherokee Art Market. Cherokee artist Bill Rabbit was chosen for his rendering “Common Values, Common Ground.” The painting is a representation of the Cherokee people and their values: education, family, culture and traditions. The outdoor market, located just north of the resort, will open on Saturday and Sunday where the artists’ work will be displayed for guests to view and purchase from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. The Cherokee Art Market is also collaborating with the prestigious Philbrook and Gilcrease Museums to host a selective Art Tour of Tulsa. Complimentary shuttle buses will continually run during the hours of the market to each museum where they will have free admission. During the two-day Cherokee Art Market, the Cherokee Film Festival will also be held for the first time at Cherokee Casino Resort. Guests can view Native American-produced independent films in the four salons of the Grand Hall of the Cherokees inside Cherokee Casino Resort. Cherokee Casino Resort is the premier gaming destination in Oklahoma with more than 1,400 electronic games, 70 table games, and the largest poker room in the Midwest. The resort delivers popular entertainment every night of the week in one of three unique entertainment venues, and caters to each guest’s dining needs by offering five delicious eateries ranging from an upscale steak and seafood restaurant, Las Vegas-style buffet, to a boot scootin’ barbeque joint. Cherokee Casino Resort also features a championship 18-hole golf course, voted among the top three best courses in Oklahoma, and a luxurious hotel adorned with authentic Cherokee art. Cherokee Casino Resort is conveniently located on I-44 at the 240A exit in Tulsa, Okla. For more information about the Cherokee Art Market, travel or hotel reservations, please call (918) 384-6990 or visit www.CherokeeArtMarket.com.