Artesian Arts Festival Set May 24 in Sulphur

The Chickasaw Nation is hosting the inaugural Artesian Arts Festival, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Artesian Plaza in Sulphur.

Planned as an interactive community celebration of all forms of art, the Artesian Arts Festival will highlight artists and art from Southeastern tribes, such as Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek and Seminole.

The Artesian Arts Festival is free and open to the public.

Activities for all ages are planned, including a special area for children's activities and a senior citizens' arts and crafts booth. All types of visual art will be on display at the 35 festival booths such as paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, bead work, textiles and pottery.

A variety of entertainment and food vendors is also planned.

Performing Arts

Several entertainers who run the gamut of traditional native flute performance to red dirt country music are scheduled to perform during the one-day festival including: Zachary Garcia, the Davis High School Executives, Katie Barrick, "Overdrive," Clancy Davis, "Neighborhood Outlaws," Nathan Burris, "Injunuity," Daryyl Tonemah, "High Water Gamble" and "Zoom City."

Culinary Arts

Several food vendors offering an array of tasty treats from festival fare to traditional native cuisine are participating in the Arts Festival including: Seven Sister's Bakery, Kona Ice, Mr. Tater Cater, Aw Shucks, Impaachi by Brubt Co., Carousel Shaved Ice, Krazee J's Kettle Corn and many others.

For more information about the Artesian Arts Festival, contact the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts & Humanities at (580) 272-5520, by email at artistinfo@chickasaw.net, or fax (580) 272-5525. The Division of Arts & Humanities is located at 201 North Broadway, Ada, Okla.

The Artesian Plaza is located adjacent to the Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First Street, Sulphur, Okla.