Chickasaw-hosted Native Art event seeks Indian artists to display work in May
This article appeared in the February 2019 edition of the Chickasaw Times
SULPHUR, Okla. - The 6th Annual Artesian Arts Festival is now seeking applications from Native American artists for the 2019 festival, set for May 25 in Sulphur.
The festival is open to artists from all federally-recognized tribes. Artists will compete in a juried competition in as many as 21 categories. Artists will be notified of jury selection by mail and email.
Artists must be at least age 18 and present documentation of citizenship in a federally-recognized Indian tribe.
Organizers are expecting more than 100 Native artists for the 6th Artesian Arts Festival.
Cash awards will be presented for first, second and third place in each category, including Best of 2-D, 3-D and Best of Show.
Hosted by the Chickasaw Nation and in its sixth year, the Artesian Arts Festival is a community celebration of Native American fine art and artists.
The festival features a variety of visual art including paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, metalworking, beadwork, textiles and pottery.
A wide variety of musical entertainment, tribal dance demonstrations, art talks, art demonstrations and food vendors is also planned.
Open to the public at no charge, the Artesian Arts Festival welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors to last year’s festival. Esteemed artists from around the nation representing more than 20 tribes from 10 states participated in the 5th Artesian Arts Festival.
The Artesian Arts Festival takes place at the Artesian Plaza, located adjacent to the Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First St., Sulphur.
Application forms, entry rules and additional information can be found on the Chickasaw Nation website at https://chickasaw.net/artesianfest.
For more information, please contact the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts & Humanities Division at (580) 272-5520 or email ArtistInfo@Chickasaw.net.
About the Artesian Arts Festival
Hosted by the Chickasaw Nation, the Artesian Arts Festival spotlights prominent Native artists from across the country and celebrates Native American fine art.
A vast selection of visual art including paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, metalworking, beadwork, textiles and pottery are featured at the Artesian Arts Festival.
A wide variety of musical entertainment, tribal dance demonstrations, art talks and food vendors is also planned, as well as a special area for children’s activities and an elders’ art market.
Open to the public at no charge, the Artesian Arts Festival welcomed nearly 10,000 attendees to last year’s festival. Accomplished artists representing more than 20 tribes from 10 states participated.