Association keeps traditional art forms alive

By RENEE FITE

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Area artists are cultivating a space to be the center for all art in Tahlequah.

It will be a place where artists can support one another, give and take classes, display and sell their work, and enjoy camaraderie. The gallery has the potential to make Tahlequah known for its art and artisans.

The first opportunity to view the beginnings of this collection of talent will be Labor Day weekend.

The Cherokee Artists Association and the Tahlequah Arts Guild will combine for a second show. They held one over Christmas 2007, and it was such a success they realized working together would benefit everyone.

“It’s a good way to let the public know what the artists are doing,” said Bill Glass, association president. “Last Christmas, the show together let us support each other and enjoy the camaraderie.”

Networking appeals to Sharon Irla, acting secretary.

“By networking, we hear about other opportunities,” Irla said.

Troy Jackson is opening a gallery in one end of the building. He also serves as treasurer of the association.

“We want to incorporate diverse artists together to help promote art work through Tahlequah for all artists,” Jackson said. “Artists are artists. Non-tribal members are interested in Native American art and vice versa.”

Unification of all artists is the goal artist Ken Foster sees for the association.

“We have a broad spectrum of artwork here - fine arts to visual art,” Foster said. “Art communities can get together.”

Foster estimates there are a few hundred artists in the six-county area doing painting, pottery, jewelry and more.

“Some are well-known, some are upstarts,” he said. “Tahlequah is becoming known as an art community.”

He envisions an art walk, like one he’s seen in Guthrie. Each store would feature an artist, and not just Native Americans.

“The NSU art department, Cherokee Artists Association, Tahlequah Art Guild – we have many types of very talented artists here,” he said.

It’s also a great opportunity to include the film industry, he said.

“We want to recognize Chris Ayre and Wes Studi as honorary members,” Foster said. “Wes is also a sculptor.”

Foster was among seven Native Americans from the area who took part in the PBS film, “We Shall Remain,” to air in the fall.

Membership in the Cherokee Artist Association is open to non-tribal members. For a $14 annual membership fee, a supporting member can hold office, vote and participate in invitational shows.

Potter Mike Daniels said it’s important to keep the support open for future artists. He is Seminole, Creek and Cherokee, and said his work will be labeled as such in the shows.

“Cecil [Dick] opened it for us,” Daniels said. “We have to support the art and artists in the area and work together for the common goal for the next generation.”

Visiting from Arizona, artist Mike Medicine Horse Zillioux said Indian people have to support other Indian people.

“If we don’t do it, who will?” Zillioux said.

Children need an art opportunity to express themselves, he said, especially those in special ed.

“They may not be able to verbalize, but they may be able to do this one special thing,” Zillioux said. “One boy I know can play a harmonica, but he can’t focus on other things.”

Zillioux said art is good for all children to help them discover their personal passion.

“We can have art contests for Christmas cards or illustrate stories,” he said. “Kids need art.”

Janet Smith, of Wagoner, said it’s so important to have the support of other artists.

“I’m Cherokee and I’m an artist. I think it’s so important to have that support from my peers. And this group creates awareness of artists in this area,” she said.

Meeting people with similar interests is what brought Cedar Carrier to the group.

“There are limited opportunities to meet other artists,” Carrier said, “and to show my work.”

Having an alliance is good for publicity, Abraham Locust said. Beading, baskets and turtle shells are his art expressions.

“The association does a lot I can’t do on my own,” Locust said.

Another benefit of belonging is entering shows.

“We have two booths for the Cherokee Art Market in Catoosa, Oct. 10-12,” Glass said. “Anyone in this association can enter with us.”

Working with the association is important enough for Sherman Simmons, a firefighter as well as an oil painter, to drive down from Claremore for meetings.

“I like to see the traditional artforms I don’t see at home,” he said. “Basketry always interested me.”

Simmons’ mother and grandmother were oil painters, and his grandfather “did everything – pottery, woodcarvings; he would stretch deer hides and paint on them.”

The value for Demos Glass is making sure there is art in the future.

“We have to make sure Cherokee artists are still truckin’,” he said.