Cherokee Nation awards top honors for 54th annual Trail of Tears Art Show
The Cherokee Nation celebrated outstanding artists at its prestigious Trail of Tears Art Show during an April 4 reception at Tahlequah’s Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza.
Now in its 54th year, this longest-running Native American juried art exhibition showcases 193 works from 112 artists representing 23 tribal nations. The show, running through May 10, features diverse authentic Native artwork, including contributions from seven Cherokee National Treasures: Bill Glass Jr., Demos Glass, Harry Oosahwee, Roy Boney Jr., Tonia Hogner-Weavel, Troy Jackson and Vivian Cottrell.
Cherokee Nation artist Jerry Sutton claimed this year’s Best of Show honor with his acrylic painting “ᎩᎳᎪᎨ Gilagoge (Spring),” which portrays a Cherokee grandmother celebrating springtime’s abundance within Cherokee Nation.
“The magnificent artworks in the Trail of Tears Art Show continuously demonstrate the vital importance of preserving and promoting Native cultures,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “Each piece in this gallery tells stories of triumphs and challenges, illuminating the journey that has shaped us into the flourishing nations we are today.”
Through the juried show, artists compete for more than $18,000 in various categories.
People’s Choice Award voting begins April 9 and continues both in person and online by liking your favorite artwork on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitCherokeeNation through May 10.
The following summary highlights the grand prize, first place and special award winners:
| Trail of Tears Art Show Category / Place | Artist Name / Affiliation / Art Piece |
| BEST OF SHOW | Jerry Sutton, Cherokee Nation, “ᎩᎳᎪᎨ Gilagoge (Spring)” |
| Painting, First Place | Brooks Henson, Cherokee Nation, “Old Friends” |
| Sculpture, First Place | Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “The Journey Forward” |
| Basketry, First Place | Desmond Ellsworth, Nansemond Indian Nation, “Grandma’s Treasure Basket” |
| Pottery, First Place | Levi West, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Daughter of the Sun” |
| Jewelry, First Place | Amy Deer, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Sicangu Lakota, “Rose Necklace” |
| Textiles, First Place | Jennifer McAffrey, Cherokee Nation, “We Survived” |
| Miniatures, First Place | Robin Stockton, Cherokee Nation, “Stickball Animals” |
| Diverse Art Forms, First Place | Andrea Tidwell, Cherokee Nation, “Legends of the Rez” |
| Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media | Bryan Waytula, Cherokee Nation, “The Grass Dancer” |
| Photography/Digital Art, First Place | Z Long, Cherokee Nation, “The Culling” |
| Trail of Tears Award | Jon Tiger, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, “No Time for Burial” |
| Emerging Artists, First Place | Regina Free, Choctaw Nation, “Puskawo (Heron)” |
| Mary Ellen Meredith Award for Humor | Andrea Tidwell, Cherokee Nation, “Legends of the Rez” |
| Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award | Bill Glass Jr., Cherokee National Treasure, “Men & Animals” |
| Bill Rabbit Legacy Award | Ron Mitchell, Cherokee Nation, “Earth’s Children” |
The 54th annual Trail of Tears Art Show is on display at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the show is available to purchase online and in person. For more information and a full list of this year’s winners, please visit https://www.visitcherokeenation.com/trail-of-tears-art-show.
