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Tahlequah, OK - Three new exhibits will be featured at the Cherokee Heritage Center beginning in June. Among them will be a photography exhibit by nationally acclaimed photographer David Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald began his career as an artist and illustrator, and after 32 years as a professional photographer, his creative perception has remained a continual influence. His work has been featured in countless advertisements both nationally and internationally. He has published nine books, one of which won the Oklahoma Book Award, and his work is now featured in many exhibits and museums. A portion of his Smithsonian Institution exhibit, 'Cherokee Nation - A Portrait of a People', will be displayed at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Photographer David Fitzgerald

"I feel honored that the Cherokee people had a presence at the Smithsonian," said Fitzgerald. In the six month period that the exhibit hung at the Smithsonian, more than 400,000 people went through to see it. "I don't feel that the show has anything to do with me," said Fitzgerald. "It's all about the Cherokees." Unlike the exhibit at the Smithsonian, this exhibit will feature area people from the Cherokee Nation.

"I think the exhibit will show a large cross section of the Cherokees who are artisans, who live out in the remote areas in the Cherokee Nation," said Fitzgerald. "It is important to come to the museum. A lot of Oklahomans are not aware that there is such a large Cherokee nation in this state." In addition to photographs from the Smithsonian, the Fitzgerald exhibit will include photographs from his latest book, 'Cherokee', which will be available in August. "Being involved in 'Cherokee' and meeting all of the people has been the highlight of my life," said Fitzgerald. "As far as satisfaction and knowing that you are doing something that has meaning, I think 'Cherokee' is one of the most outstanding projects I have ever done."

Featured with Fitzgerald's exhibit will be the Cherokee Nation Today exhibit and the Cherokees and their Communities exhibit. The Cherokee Nation Today exhibit will reflect the progress and achievements of the Cherokee people as it explores how the Cherokee Nation has evolved into a dynamic and thriving enterprise that operates an array of social and economic programs to benefit the country's second largest tribe.

The Cherokees and their Communities exhibit will depict Cherokee communities through graphics and text, along with family heirlooms that have been loaned to the museum. Early homes, churches, and other important community buildings will be included in the exhibit.

The three exhibits will run from June 1 to September 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for children. For more information call the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007, or visit the web site.