Cherokee Art Market brings over 150 artists to Catoosa event
The annual Cherokee Art Market brought more than 150 Native American artists to Catoosa for a weekend of cultural demonstrations and traditional crafts.
More than 150 Native American artists gathered in Catoosa for an annual cultural market over the weekend. The event showcased traditional artwork and live demonstrations from tribal creators across the United States and Canada.
The gathering took place at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa. Guests attended live demonstrations of beading and printmaking. Attendees also listened to a discussion on Cherokee removal and resilience.
Talisha Lewallen serves as the Cultural Program Manager for the Cherokee Nation. Lewallen manages the market.
“The best part of an art market like this is that we are able to share our culture through art. Art is an amazing expression and test all tell a specific story, so it’s really important for our tribes to be able to have markets like this to share our history and culture through artwork and really one, to keep our culture alive [and] two, share those traditional stories and the new stories that show we are still here today,” said Lewallen.
Tribal cultural markets offer indigenous creators public venues to present heritage crafts. These gatherings help preserve regional traditions.
The Catoosa market concluded for the current year. Organizers expect the event to return next year.
