Chickasaw artist finds his niche producing works with a story

This article appeared in the December 2021 edition of the Chickasaw Times

Chickasaw artist Chance Brown’s art “Greenwood, Archer & Pine” garnered the “People’s Choice Award” at the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM).

Since 2005, SEASAM has provided a unique marketplace where adult and youth artists from Southeastern and Woodland tribes can display and sell their work.

The 2020 and 2021 SEASAM competitions and markets were offered virtually for the safety of artists and patrons, allowing for the continuation of the market.

Mr. Brown’s award was announced Nov. 8 on SEASAM.net. His art was selected by SEASAM patrons’ verified votes. He received 354 votes.

When he was notified of the award, he was busy feeding cattle.

“It’s very surreal,” Mr. Brown said. “It was not the call I was expecting while looking at a Brahma bull! It was a wonderful surprise. I am beyond grateful to receive this award.”

The award marks the first time Mr. Brown has received the honor. His piece also placed first in the painting division, which was also a first for the 31-year-old Chickasaw artist.

The vibrant painting is a reflection of the artist, with many personal and cultural images interwoven and layered into the piece.

“Greenwood, Archer & Pine” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The tragedy occurred in the Greenwood District of downtown Tulsa. Historic buildings and oil derricks ablaze are featured in the artwork’s background. Smiling members of a Tulsa-based rhythm and blues/funk band, formed 50 years after the massacre, are prominently featured in the foreground.

The three-member band dubbed the group the GAP (Greenwood, Archer & Pine) Band to pay homage to their neighborhood.

Mr. Brown’s piece also includes two aircraft, a 1920s era biplane and a modern fighter jet that was represented in the GAP Band’s music video “You Dropped a Bomb.”

The GAP Band is among several R&B/funk artists Mr. Brown has featured throughout his art career.

The GAP Band was formed in 1967 by three brothers, Ronnie, Robert and Charlie Wilson. With help from famed Tulsa musician Leon Russell, the GAP Band charted several Top 10 tunes in the 1970s and ‘80s. They retired in 2010. Ronnie Wilson died Nov. 3, 2021. Charlie Wilson, the only surviving brother, is a successful solo artist.

Across the bottom of “Greenwood, Archer & Pine,” traditional Muskogean wind pattern motifs are featured, which serve as a narrative of the artist’s Indian heritage.

“Being Chickasaw is innately a mainstay concerning who I am,” Mr. Brown said.

Overall, the work seeks to convey a message of “laugh to keep from crying.”

“There are horrific things that happen every day, but we’ve got to find some joy to laugh to keep from crying. We’ve got to stay diligent,” Mr. Brown said.

The colorful acrylic on Masonite serves as a narrative of the artist’s experience, but also documents history.

“I am trying to find a balance of beauty in anything,” he said.

Mr. Brown completed the work in August.

He is thankful for the opportunity to showcase his work, along with other Chickasaw and Southeastern Indian artists.

“The Chickasaw Nation’s support for the visual artist is beyond amazing, especially in this past year of unprecedented times,” Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Brown recently completed a mural at the Mannsville Community Center. To identify the important community landmarks, the artist visited with residents of the tiny Chickasaw Nation hamlet and conducted research.

The mural reflects the community’s history and includes images of the old train depot, the old Norton Bridge stretched across the Washita River, the Argo Hotel, a field of cotton, flora and fauna and other landmark features.

Mr. Brown’s long-range plan includes pursuing a master’s degree in Fine Arts.

SEASAM is available until Dec. 31. To view and purchase art, visit SEASAM.net.