Artesian Festival to feature top Native artists

This article appeared in the April 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

SULPHUR, Okla. – Thousands of artists and art lovers are expected to flock to Sulphur on Saturday, May 23 for the second annual Artesian Arts Festival. The Chickasaw Nation is hosting the festival at the Artesian Plaza in Sulphur.

A community celebration of all forms of art, the Artesian Arts Festival highlights Native American artists working in diverse art media. A variety of visual art will be on display at dozens of artists’ booths. There will be paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, metalworking, beadwork, textiles and pottery. Artists will also be demonstrating, sharing and discussing their craft in the ARTesian Art Gallery.

Activities for all ages are planned, including a special area for children’s activities and a senior citizens’ arts and crafts booth.

Sixteen bands will provide continuous entertainment on two stages. The lineup includes noted Native band “Injunuity.” The band blends various musical genres into a unique Native sound. “Injunuity” has won multiple Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS) and is internationally recognized as a headliner at foreign music festivals.

Artists renowned nationally and in Indian Country are preparing for the festival.

They include Joanna Underwood, an accomplished Chickasaw potter whose work is recognized among the finest. Ms. Underwood has created works of art displayed in Oka Chokmasi park, Chickasaw for “beautiful water.” The park is southwest of the Artesian Hotel. Festival-goers may rest and enjoy her works which incorporate soothing sounds of water.

Margaret Roach Wheeler, whose textile art and historically accurate Native American fashions have been featured in national magazines, will be on hand. Also scheduled to participate is Mike Larsen, whose painting of an Oklahoma sunrise inspired a U.S. Postage stamp. His portraits and stories of 48 Chickasaw elders fill the pages of two books. Mr. Larsen also created “The Arrival” sculpture, which depicts a Chickasaw family arriving in Indian Territory during the 1830s removal from the homelands. “The Arrival” is a permanent fixture at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

A variety of food vendors are scheduled to delight patrons.

The Artesian Arts Festival is free and open to everyone. More than 4,500 art enthusiasts gathered for last year’s inaugural Artesian Arts Festival.

For more information about the Artesian Arts Festival, contact Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities at (580) 272-5520, by email at artistinfo@chickasaw.net, or visit ChickasawCountry.com.

The Artesian Plaza is located adjacent to the Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First Street.