Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
Park Hill, Oklahoma – For centuries, Native Americans have produced works of art such as paintings, basketry, beadwork, pottery, carvings and much more. Many of these pieces have been preserved and cherished as family heirlooms while others are new or recently acquired. Regardless of age, hand-crafted Native American art is highly sought after, sometimes adding immense monetary value to the legacy of the piece.On Saturday, July 10, visitors to the Cherokee Heritage Center can learn more about their Native American art at the Cherokee Heritage Center’s Fourth Annual Indian Arts Appraisal Day. From 12 to 5 p.m., visitors can bring up to three pieces of Native American art to be appraised and identified by expert art appraisers for a nominal fee of $5 per piece. Appraisers will discuss with participants each piece’s history, uses and value. No burial or funerary objects will be allowed.
In addition to Indian Arts Appraisal Day, the Cherokee Heritage Center will host its second and final Usdi Fest of the year also on July 10. Usdi Fest, sponsored by Tiger Natural Gas Corporation, will be held on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day festival gives children the opportunity to experience Cherokee culture. Visitors of all ages will enjoy activities such as stickball games, blow gun shooting, Cherokee marbles, arts and crafts, and much more. Cherokee stories will be told, and writing in the Cherokee syllabary, as well as speaking the language, will highlight the day.
Usdi (oo-sti) is the Cherokee word for little or baby, accordingly this festival will feature children’s activities, but all ages are sure to find valuable entertainment. Admission is $1 per person. Regular Museum admission will be charged for those wishing to tour the Cherokee National Museum and Ancient Village.
In addition to the festival events, guests can visit the heritage center’s numerous attractions such as the Ancient Village, Adams Corner Rural Village, Heritage Farm and the Cherokee National Museum, featuring the Museum Shop, The Southeast: Homelands and Traditions exhibit, and the permanent Trail of Tears exhibit.
At 8 p.m. guests are invited to attend the Trail of Tears Drama. “Trail of Tears: Rebuilding a Nation” is a new drama focusing on the triumphs and tragedies of a family. Audiences will experience joys and sorrows as they follow this family through time from before the Trail of Tears to present day. It is a story highlighting a nation’s ability to persevere and flourish through the strength of its people.
For more information on these July 10 events, call the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007, toll free 888-999-6007, and/or visit the CHC web site.
| Related contact information: |
|
Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |