The 2015 Choctaw Indian Art Show poster, featuring a Scissortail Flycatcher, is the work of a previous competition artist, Dylan Cavin.
More than 200 Artists Expected to Enter Art Show Competition
Tvshka Homma, Okla. - Choctaw artists have options for participation over the four days of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s 2015 Labor Day Festival. A juried competition, booth sales and traditional demonstrations are all part of this event which draws thousands of visitors to the heart of the Choctaw Nation.
This year’s Choctaw Indian Art Show runs Sept. 5-6 on the Capitol grounds of Tvshka Homma. Those chosen for the annual juried show will have their works hanging in the historic Choctaw Museum for two days of the festival.
Many of the artists will have their works available for purchase by festival-goers.
“Based on past years, we expect more than 200 entries to be submitted,” said Shelley Garner, of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Cultural Services office. Artists may enter up to three pieces for consideration in any of the seven categories.
The categories include painting, graphics (pen, pencil, photography and mixed media), sculpture, pottery, jewelry, basketry, and cultural (Choctaw specific, which may not fit in any of the other categories).
Artists must be age 18 or over and CDIB members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Contest packets with fee information and entry forms are available by contacting Garner at (580) 924-8280, extension 2377, or writing her at: CNO Cultural Services, P.O. Box 1210, Durant, OK 74702. Entries will be accepted through Aug. 31. Delivery of art will be to the Tvshka Homma museum.
Three winners will be chosen for each category with prizes ranging from $400 to $100 each. A $500 award will be presented in the Heritage category (a work that tells the Choctaw story); $200 for the People’s Choice (chosen by popular vote); and $1,200 for Best of Show.
More Artists
Artist vendors will also set up booths with arts and crafts for sale in designated areas on the festival grounds. For vendor requirements, contact Debbie Damron in the Cultural Events office, (580) 924-8280, extension 2309.
Traditional arts and crafts people will demonstrate early Chahta lifestyles in the Village site. For information about this part of the festival, contact Theresa Billy, Language Department, (580) 924-8280, extension 2102.