SULPHUR, OK – First American art and artists will be celebrated during the 10th annual Artesian Arts Festival, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation, on Saturday, April 22, at the Artesian Plaza. The festival features music, dance and cuisine, and highlights First American art and artists.
More than 100 First American artists representing 15 tribal nations are expected to display a wide variety of original art such as jewelry, sculpture, beadwork, paintings, basketry, metalwork, textiles and pottery.
“We are thrilled to welcome many esteemed First American artists to the Artesian Arts Festival,” said Mark Milligan, Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Executive Officer. “The Artesian Arts Festival provides First American artists a wonderful venue to showcase their works and offers family-friendly activities for all ages.”
In its 10th year, the festival also features a wide variety of tribal dance demonstrations, musical entertainment and food vendors.
First American rappers Lil Mike and Funny Bone, of Oklahoma City, will headline this year’s entertainment. Collectively known as Mike Bone, the Pawnee and Choctaw siblings are known as “America’s Got Talent” standouts. The duo are also well-known motivational speakers, comedians and dancers. Both have recurring roles on the streaming series “Reservation Dogs.”
Other musical entertainment scheduled includes High Water Gamble, Isaac McClung, The Redmen Blues Band, Justin Logan, Bluez Boyz, TJ Todd Band, Tone Gyah Dae and Emily Rhyne.
The Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe, Pueblo Enchantment Dancers, Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli Aztec Dancers and Grey Snow Dance Troupe will demonstrate and share First American dances throughout the day.
Children’s activities and several food vendors will also be available, as well as a Chickasaw elders’ art market.
Open to the public at no charge, the Artesian Arts Festival takes place 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Artesian Plaza, adjacent to the Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First St., Sulphur, OK. Shuttle service will be available from designated parking locations, including the Chickasaw Cultural Center and the Sulphur Football Field.
For more information, visit ArtesianArtsFestival.com.
