Artesian Arts Festival a success; Navajo artist ‘Best of Show’

This article appeared in the June 2019 edition of the Chickasaw Times

SULPHUR, Okla. – Thousands of art lovers flocked to downtown Sulphur Saturday, May 25 to experience the sixth annual Artesian Arts Festival.

More than 125 elite artists representing 11 states and 19 tribes took part in the event.

Art on exhibition included photography, textiles and pottery, bead work, sculpture, jewelry, painting and more.

“Best in Show was awarded to distinguished Navajo jeweler Jimmie Harrison, with his work “Giver of Life.”

Mr. Harrison, of Albuquerque, N.M., has participated in the Artesian Arts Festival for four years.

His work was selected by the Artesian Arts Festival’s juried competition.

Throughout the day, tribal dance demonstrations and live music from seven bands entertained the crowds.

Tribal dance troupes included Chickasaw Nation Stomp Dance troupe, Magic Circle Entertainment, Pueblo Enchantment Dancers and Aztec Dancers.

An estimated 11,000 people attended the event, which is hosted by the Chickasaw Nation.

Established in 2014, The Artesian Arts Festival is conducted each Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/artesianfest.