TAHLEQUAH, OK – The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a reception at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza. The 52nd annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale is open to the public April 8 through May 6 and features a variety of authentic Native art, including 137 works from 92 artists representing 19 tribal nations.
Cherokee Nation artist Roy Boney Jr. earned this year’s top recognition for “ᏚᏙᎠ ᏥᏍᏚ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗ (Her Name is Wild Rose).” The watercolor, pencil and ink piece depicts Deer Woman as a student at the Cherokee Female Seminary, blending Cherokee history and legend in a stunning array of rich hues with a supernatural feel.
“Cherokee Nation’s support of the Native art community is at an all-time high,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We are working every day to support the arts across the Cherokee Nation Reservation and beyond through historic investments like the Cherokee Artist Recovery Act and by calling on Congress to amend the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act to better protect the rights of Indian artists. From authentic art shows and new venues for art and cultural demonstrations to historic investments, the best days are certainly ahead of us.”
Through the juried show, artists compete for more than $16,000 in various categories. The following summary highlights the grand prize, first-place and special award winners:
| Trail of Tears Art Show Category / Place | Artist Name / Affiliation / Art Piece |
| GRAND PRIZE | Roy Boney, Jr., Cherokee Nation, “ᏚᏙᎠ ᏥᏍᏚ ᎤᏂᎩᏍᏗ (Her Name is Wild Rose)” |
| Painting, First Place | Norma Howard, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, “Picking Wild Onions” |
| Sculpture, First Place | Jon Williams, Cherokee Nation, “Moses Bearpaw” |
| Basketry, First Place | Vivian Cottrell, Cherokee National Treasure, “Basket of Berries” |
| Pottery, First Place | Crystal Hanna, Cherokee Nation, “Oklahoma Alligator” |
| Jewelry, First Place | Tiffany Reiter, Cherokee Nation, “Wanderlust” |
| Graphics, First Place | Dylan Cavin, Choctaw Nation, “The Man from Osage” |
| Miniature, First Place | Norma Howard, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, “Choctaw Camp” |
| Diverse Art Forms, First Place | Julie Burk, Cherokee Nation, “Lost and Found” |
| Photography/Digital Art, First Place | Jeff Edwards, Cherokee Nation, “Cherokee DNA Tree of Life” |
| Trail of Tears Award | Jeremy Thompson, Seminole Nation, “Simanó-li: Far From Home” |
| Emerging Artists, First Place | Laney Cully, Cherokee Nation, “Walnut in Stages” |
| Jennie Ross Cobb Photography Award | Robin Stockton, Cherokee Nation, “Strength Revealed” |
| Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award | Tama Roberts, Cherokee Nation, “Taking Flight” |
| Bill Rabbit Legacy Award | Tonia Hogner-Weavel, Cherokee National Treasure, “Turkey Glow” |
The 52nd annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale is on display at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the show is available to purchase online and in-person.
