Chickasaw Nation proclaims the month of March Youth Arts Month

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby recently proclaimed March as "Youth Arts Month" in the Chickasaw Nation. The proclamation acknowledges the need to support art educators and strengthen quality arts education in tribes, schools and communities.

Many benefits of arts education were listed in the proclamation, including developing creative problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, sensitivity to beauty, understanding of multi-cultural values and reinforcing learning in other disciplines.

Chickasaw Nation hands-on learning opportunities in the arts include a variety of art classes, academies, festivals and programs.

One of the many events offered by the Nation is the Chickasaw Arts Academy. The academy is a two-week exploration into the world of visual and performing arts that allows students to concentrate on all forms of art. Students ages 8-18 can take part in video production, creative writing, dance, 2D and 3D art and much more.

The Department of Performing Arts offers training and classes in the performance arts, such as dance, vocal music, technical theatre, acting and more. The performing arts department also produces musicals and plays. Last year, the Chickasaw Nation produced its first large-scale musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific."

The Artesian Gallery & Studios in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a variety of classes in clay, weaving, painting and more. Exhibit C in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, houses the work of Native American artists and allows visitors to be immersed in the dynamic collection of fine art.

The Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division will host a "Youth Arts Month" celebration, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, March 11, at the Chickasaw Nation Community Center, 700 N Mississippi Ave., Ada, Oklahoma.

The theme for the event is "United through Art." This event is open to the public at no charge. Parents and children are welcome to come enjoy an assortment of artistic activities.

Throughout the event, participants can enjoy interactive art booths, martial art demonstrations, games and more.

For more information contact the Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division, at (580) 272-5520 or email Gwen.Postoak@Chickasaw.net.