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Tahlequah, Oklahoma - The Cherokee Heritage Center opened last Saturday with an awards ceremony and reception. Art in the show includes Visual Arts - Paintings, Graphics, and Sculpture; Basketry; Jewelry, Metal-smithing and Beading; Pottery - traditional and contemporary; Textiles; and Traditional Arts. All items are made by Cherokee Tribal Members. The show will hang through December 31st. David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises presented the ribbons and $5,000 in prize money on behalf of Cherokee Casino.

Stewart remarked that the quality of traditional art was impressive and how excited CNE is to participate in a direct way with helping to preserve and promote Cherokee culture. CNE provides substantial funding for education and health care for Cherokee people through the tribe, but rarely gets to participate as directly as this. Stewart also announced that because of the variety of art and traditional artists represented in the show, CNE will purchase all art for the expansion of the Catoosa Casino and for the planned hotel through the Cherokee Heritage Center.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007.