Trail of Tears Art Show in Oklahoma seeking applicants

The longest-running juried art show in Oklahoma has opened its application window for exhibitors.

Now in its 55th year, The Trail of Tears Art Show runs from April 11-May 16. The exhibition began in 1972 with a goal of fostering the development of painting as a form of expressing Native American heritage in the Cherokee Nation and surrounding areas. The first few Trail of Tears Art Shows were held in the rain shelter of the Tsa La Gi amphitheater, on the grounds of what is known today as the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Works by Cherokee National Treasures, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Beloved Peoples, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB) Wisdom Keepers are exempt from jury review, provided all required procedures, guidelines, and deadlines are followed.

Artists must submit physical artwork after jury acceptance into the Trail of Tears Art Show in order to be eligible to participate in the competition. Each artist may submit up to three artworks, provided that at least one entry is in the miniature category. If no miniature work is submitted, the artist may submit only two entries. All submitted artwork must be offered for sale.

To be eligible for competition, artwork must be handmade by the registered artist within the last 18 months and must comply with all category guidelines and size requirements. The artwork must be the sole property of the artist, with full and unencumbered rights, title, and interest, and it must not have been commissioned. Artwork previously submitted to the Trail of Tears Art Show or the Cherokee Homecoming Art Show is not eligible. Works may not include any part of an endangered species and must be complete and ready for display. Wall-hanging pieces must be fitted with picture wire; sawtooth or in-frame hangers are not permitted.

Two-dimensional entries may not exceed an image area of 48 inches wide by 60 inches high. Artists may, however, utilize two 2D entry spaces to submit one oversized work or a diptych, triptych, quadtych, or similar multi-panel piece, provided the total image area does not exceed 96 inches wide by 60 inches high. Such a submission will count as two entries toward the artist’s total allowable entries. Mats, frames, and bases will not be measured unless they are an integral part of the artwork, such as when the image extends onto the mat or the frame is part of the artistic composition. The image area is defined as the exposed, viewable portion of the work. Three-dimensional or sculptural works may not exceed 48 inches wide by 72 inches high by 48 inches deep, excluding the base. A single 3D entry may consist of multiple components, as long as the overall display remains within the size limitations.

For collaborative works, each participating artist must submit an entry and clearly identify the collaborating artist or artists in the description. If a category does not receive enough entries, judges may, at their discretion, move artwork into another category for judging.

Photographic works that include content considered ceremonial in nature require additional documentation. Artists must provide a written description explaining the content, its origins, and the justification for presenting the work. If further clarification is needed, show officials may contact the artist and request written permission from the originating ceremonial ground leader. This requirement applies to, but is not limited to, photography of Stomp Grounds, rites, rituals, or medicine practices, whether or not individuals are depicted. Cherokee Nation Businesses Cultural & Economic Development is committed to supporting and protecting tribal cultures and will not contribute to the exploitation of tribal people or ceremonial practices.

All award and sales checks will be issued directly to the artist. Buyer names and addresses will be provided unless the buyer requests anonymity. A 30 percent commission will be charged on all sales. Cherokee Nation Businesses reserves the right to sell any artwork in its possession and collect commission until the work is returned to or claimed by the artist, and artists are advised to price their work accordingly. No artwork in the exhibition may be sold prior to the opening reception.

While every care will be taken in the handling and display of artwork, Cherokee Nation Cultural & Economic Development is not responsible for loss or damage. Each entry must have proper identification securely attached to the back of the artwork, including the artist’s name, title, price, and medium. This identification is required in addition to the entry form, and works will not be accepted if there is any uncertainty regarding pricing, title, medium, or artist identity. Artwork accepted and displayed in the exhibition must remain on view until the show closes; early removal will result in the artist being barred from future shows.

The deadline for application is 11:59 p.m. CST on February 26. To access the application, click here. For further clarification on rules and policy, click here.