"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Entries Sought for Holiday Art Show

"A visitor to the 2007 CN
Art Show admires an entry. This year’s show will offer artists the chance to
compete for more than $11,000 in prize money."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Artists are sought and planning is underway for the 3rd Annual Cherokee National Holiday Art Show, which will award more than $11,000 dollars in prize money.

“We are so excited about this year’s art show,” said Cora Lathrop, event coordinator. “The art show grows larger each year and the quality of the artwork is outstanding. This is an exciting time for Indian art and we are seeing many artists taking their art in new directions and trying different things.”

There are eleven categories that artists can enter which include: jewelry, traditional pottery, contemporary pottery, paintings, drawings/graphics/photography, sculpture, traditional basketry, contemporary basketry, textiles and weaving, diverse arts and fine art furnishings and a youth division.

“We encourage young artists to take advantage of our youth category,” said Lathrop. “This is great opportunity for young artists.”

To enter the youth category, artists must not have turned 17 years of age by Friday, August 29. Youth submissions must meet all the standards and guidelines required for the category entered. Artists must have the youth category marked on the application page and specified in the description section.

All artists must provide a copy of Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card to enter the competition.

Artwork submitted to the 3rd Annual Cherokee National Holiday Art Show must have been made in the last 12 months and must be based on traditional Native art forms. Objects made from commercial kits, molds or mass produces will be rejected. Artists must sign the Cherokee National Holiday Art Show waiver/release statement.

Art containing eagle feathers can be displayed with a permit issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service but cannot be sold. Possession and sale of migratory bird feathers or parts is prohibited by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“I want to emphasize that all applications with pictures of art work must be received by Wednesday, August 20 at 5 p.m.,” said Lathrop.

Accepted and rejected pieces will be announced by email on Friday, August 20. Accepted artwork must be delivered to the Tahlequah Municipal Armory Center on Monday, August 25 or Tuesday, August 26, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Art Show will be held at the Tahlequah Municipal Armory Center located at 100 S. Water, on Friday, August 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with an award ceremony following at 6 p.m.; Saturday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors annually from across the world.

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future." In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow.

“The Cherokee National Holiday Art Show is a wonderful outlet for artists to market their works and a great venue for art lovers to see and purchase works of art from Native American artists,” said Lathrop.

For more information or for an application contact Cora Lathrop, phone: 918-207-3939 or Lavonne Tubbs, phone: 918-774-0714.