Cherokee Art Market opens applications for 2026

The Cherokee Art Market has opened applications for artists wishing to participate in its annual showcase, running from October 9-11 in Tulsa.

The deadline for applicants is April 1. All artists must be juried into the market to participate. Cherokee National Treasures are exempt from the jury process. Artists who are accepted will receive instructions to complete registration and submit payment to secure their booth.

Eligibility and participation requirements

Participation is limited to artists who are citizens of a federally recognized United States Indian tribe, members of an Alaskan Native Corporation, or recognized and documented Indigenous Peoples under Canadian law. Artists from state-recognized tribes within the United States are not eligible. Cherokee Nation Cultural and Economic Development, LLC (CED) retains sole discretion in determining eligibility and may request documentation at any time.

Artists must maintain and staff a booth for the full duration of the market to remain eligible for competition and awards. Failure to meet exhibition obligations may result in forfeiture of prize money or future participation opportunities. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Artwork and competition rules

Artists may submit up to two artworks for competition, provided the pieces fall within the category or categories in which the artist was juried. All artwork displayed in booths or entered into competition must be handmade by the artist within the past 18 months, completed, and offered for sale. Commissioned works, wet canvases, artwork containing endangered species materials, or pieces previously awarded Best of Show are not eligible for certain awards.

All two-dimensional works must be properly framed and ready to hang, and three-dimensional hanging works must include appropriate hardware. Artwork may not be sold before the Saturday morning Early Access Hour.

Judges reserve the right to reassign artwork to different categories when appropriate, and market management maintains final authority over all rules and regulations.

Allowable and non-allowable items

Only original, handmade fine art and approved reproductions may be sold. Giclée prints, note cards, postcards, and stickers are permitted under strict guidelines, including signed and numbered limited editions and inventory caps not exceeding 25% of a booth’s total offerings.

Mass-produced items, photomechanical reproductions, altered commercial goods, unapproved media, and reproductions such as books or recordings are not permitted for sale. Books, videos, and portfolios related to an artist’s work may be displayed for reference but not sold.

Booth setup and market operations

Booths must be fully set up by 5 p.m. on Friday for review and no later than 9 a.m. Saturday for Early Access Hour. Booths may not be dismantled before the market closes at 5 p.m. Sunday without official release from market staff. Artists who leave early or fail to exhibit for the full duration may face future participation penalties.

Artists are required to remain at their booths during market hours. Volunteers will be available for short breaks, but may not sell artwork.

Hospitality and artist services

An Artist Lounge will be available throughout the market, offering water, coffee, and sponsor-dependent refreshments. Each registered artist will receive a hospitality bag at check-in and a sandwich voucher redeemable between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with pre-registration required.

Application process and deadlines

Artists must submit an application via Zapplication, including proof of eligibility, a materials and techniques statement, six high-quality images of recent work, and a booth image. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 29, 2026. Booths are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once registration and payment are completed.

An early bird discount of $50 off booth fees is available for payments completed by June 30. Final registration and booth fees are due by July 31, 2026. Payments are non-refundable.

Market Authority

Cherokee Art Market reserves the right to deny participation, enforce penalties, and make final decisions regarding eligibility, booth assignments, competition entries, and compliance with all rules and regulations.

For additional information or special requests, artists are encouraged to contact Cherokee Art Market staff directly. A complete list of rules and qualifications are here.