Cherokee Heritage Center Accepting Submissions for 48th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show

Cherokee artist Troy Jackson was named the grand prize winner of a past Trail of Tears Art Show for his sculpture “Waiting on the Tractor.”

Published January 29, 2019

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Heritage Center is accepting submissions for the 48th annual Trail of Tears Art Show Feb. 1 through March 15.

The Trails of Tears Art Show and Sale is the longest-running American Indian art show in Oklahoma. Artists compete for more than $15,000 in the following categories: painting, sculpture, pottery, basketry, graphics, jewelry and miniatures.

Those looking to enter artwork must be a citizen of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or nation and complete submission requirements before 5 p.m. CST on March 15. A $10 fee is charged per entry to help support art show expenses.

A photograph of the completed work, an entry form and the entry fee must be submitted to callie-chunestudy@cherokee.org before the deadline. A list of accepted artwork will be posted on the Cherokee Heritage Center website on March 21.

An awards reception will be held on April 5 from 6-8 p.m. at CHC to recognize honorees in each category. The reception is open to the public and free to attend.

The Trail of Tears Art Show will be open to the public April 6 through May 5.

The Trail of Tears Art Show began in 1972 with the intent to create a venue where diverse art forms can be used to exhibit American Indian heritage. Initiated before the completion of the museum, the art show was held in the rain shelter of the Tsa-La-Gi Amphitheater. In 1975, it became the first major exhibition in the present museum.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is the premier cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, culture and the arts. It is located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill, Oklahoma.

For information on the Trail of Tears Art Show, 2019 season events, operating hours and programs, please contact the Cherokee Heritage Center at (888) 999-6007 or visit www.CherokeeHeritage.org.