Enjoy a weekend immersed in authentic Native art as Cherokee Art Market returns to Hard Rock Tulsa Oct. 12-13. At one of the largest Native American art markets in the state, guests will enjoy the work of more than 150 Native American artists from across the country.
The family-friendly event is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday in the Sequoyah Convention Center at Hard Rock Tulsa. Admission is only $10, available online or at the door.
“The 2024 Cherokee Art Market features an outstanding lineup of Native artists, with a great diversity of representation from tribal nations across Indian Country,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Annually, visitors get to experience exceptional works from talented creators who have a passion for the preservation and promotion of Native cultures. Cherokee Nation takes immense pride in this art market, and it is one of the country’s premier juried art events that generates significant economic benefits for our vibrant artisan community.”
More than 40 tribes will be represented with artwork ranging from beadwork, pottery, paintings, basketry, sculptures, textiles and more.
Guests can meet directly with each juried artist and learn more about their work. In addition, the market features cultural demonstrations, presentations and conversations with some of the nation’s top Native American artists each day.
Participating artists compete for their share of more than $75,000 in prize money for top honors and special recognition such as the Best of Show, Innovator Award, Culture Keeper and more, awarded across nearly 30 categories.
“There’s something truly special about Cherokee Art Market, and that is the environment. It’s unlike any other market out there,” said Donna Tinnin, senior manager of programs and events for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. “We work hard to ensure that the details are all taken care of so the artists can focus their energy on connecting with the public and with one another. Walking down the aisles, you see friendly faces, new work, old friends, and a passion, respect and appreciation for Native art that is both inspiring and invigorating.”
An opening reception will be held in the Multipurpose Room near Track. 5 at Hard Rock Tulsa on Friday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. to welcome artists and announce winning work, with special remarks from Chief Hoskin.
The public is welcome to attend the reception for $35 per person, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, light refreshments and desserts. Tickets are available for purchase online at CherokeeArtMarket. com.
In addition, the market will feature a special exhibit showcasing the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act. The act was authored by Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner in 2022 to give relief to Cherokee artists after the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their income and livelihood. The exhibit features work acquired by Cherokee Nation through the historic legislation and gives guests an opportunity to learn about the tribe’s ongoing efforts to support Cherokee artists.
The market will also feature its annual youth competition and art show. The Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition & Show was created to encourage Native youth artists to learn to compete on an adult level and is open to all Native American students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. For more information, go to CherokeArtMarket. com.
Cherokee Nation is also presenting the historical musical “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward.” The musical will have showings on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
This year, Academy Award-recipient Wes Studi, a direct descendent of Nanyehi, will play the principal role of Attakullakulla, Nanyehi’s uncle. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Hard Rock Live Box Office at 918-384-ROCK or online in the Entertainment section of www.hardrockcasinotulsa. com.
Cherokee Art Market is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses. Additional sponsors include Native American Art Magazine, Tulsa People, Sysco Foods, Western Art Collector and International Artist Publishing.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is located off Interstate 44 at exit 240. For more information, visit www.hardrockcasinotulsa. com.
