ARTesian Gallery to feature Cherokee artists

SULPHUR, Okla. – Two top-tier Cherokee Nation artisans will kick off the Chickasaw Nation's "Art of the Nafki Talhlha'pi' Series" featuring premiere artists of the Five Civilized Tribes.

Pottery expert Karin Walkingstick and painter Mary Beth Timothy will be hosted by the tribe June 4 from 4-6 p.m. at a reception in the ARTesian Art Gallery, 100 W. Muskogee Street. Their art, which has thrilled and delighted art buyers, patrons and festival attendees for years, will be displayed through Aug. 13 at the gallery.

"The Chickasaw Nation's hospitality and generosity toward members of other tribes is second-to-none," Walkingstick said. "I know I am excited about being asked to participate and Mary Beth is as well. I have been asked to provide the gallery with 20 pieces of pottery for exhibition and it also will be for sale."

The exhibit is being sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division. Translation of the endeavor is "Art of the Five Brothers."

Both Walkingstick and Timothy were featured at the Artesian Arts Festival last week. Timothy's paintings were a hit with festival-goers. She features nature; chickadees, scissortail flycatchers, in addition to Native American-themed artistry.

Walkingstick said Tuesday sales at the art show surpassed her single-day record from Santa Fe, New Mexico. "There were only two pieces of pottery left when the Sulphur festival ended," she said.

The public is invited to attend the reception and admire the art.

For more information, contact the arts and humanities department at 580-622-8042.