TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Oklahoma’s longest-running Native American art exhibit and competition announced its top honors at a virtual reception on April 1, alongside winning works from the Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition.
The 51st The annual Trail of Tears art exhibit and sale runs from April 2-30 and features a variety of authentic Indigenous art, including 163 objects by 97 artists representing 12 tribal nations. Cherokee National Treasure Tonia Hogner-Weavel won this year’s top honor for her floral cotton dress with gold beaded paisley embellishments and matching small Cherokee-style handbag.
“Each year, this show is a celebration of Indigenous culture, history and art,” said Cherokee Nation Senior Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “It also represents an opportunity to showcase young talent to the broader art world. Cherokee Nation deeply appreciates the role that artists play as storytellers and keepers of culture, and we look forward to seeing our story continue to be shared in creative and authentic ways.
In the juried show, artists compete for more than $16,000 in various categories. The following summary highlights the Grand Prize, First Place, and Special Prize winners:
| Trail of Tears Art Show Category / Venue | Artist Name / Affiliation / Artwork |
| GRAND PRIZE | Tonia Hogner-Weavel, Cherokee National Treasure, “Flower Dress and Purse” |
| Painting, first place | James Smith, Cherokee Nation, “Forgotten Beauty” |
| Sculpture, first place | Tama Roberts, Cherokee Nation, “Lost in Translation” |
| Basketry, first place | Lisa Forrest, Cherokee Nation, “In Memory of Agitsi (Mother)” |
| Pottery, first place | Crystal Hanna, Cherokee Nation, “The Frog Who Ate The Sun” |
| Jewelry, first place | ᎡᎵᏔᎻ (Don) Dugger, Cherokee Nation, “ᎧᏅᏏᏔ ᎠᏯᏢᏗ” |
| Charts, first place | Robin Stockton, Cherokee Nation, “Driven Like Buffalo” |
| Miniature, first place | Ramona Lossie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Peace Pipes” |
| Various art forms, first place | Deana Ward, Choctaw Nation, “Intikba (Heritage)” |
| Photography/Digital Art, First Place | Brenda Bradford, Muscogee Creek Nation, “69” |
| Trail of Tears Awards | Jeff Edwards, Cherokee Nation, “Move and/or Die” |
| Emerging artists, first place | Hattie Lee, Cherokee Nation, “Winter Has Gone” |
| Jennie Ross Cobb Photography Prize | J. Ross Davis, Cherokee Nation, “Yonder Moon” |
| Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award | Jack Test, Cherokee Nation, “War Pony” |
| Bill Rabbit Legacy Award | Tama Roberts, Cherokee Nation, “Eminent” |
Prizes have also been announced for the Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition. The Youth Contest features artwork by Aboriginal youth in grades 6-12 and precedes the annual Cherokee Art Market in the fall. In addition to monetary rewards, the top winner of the show will also receive a free booth at the upcoming Cherokee Art Market.
The following summary highlights the 1st place winners of the 2022 Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition and Judge’s Choice:
| Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition Show / Category / Venue | Artist Name / Affiliation / Artwork |
| BEST OF SHOW | Dylon Nottingham, Cherokee Nation, “Stalking Wendigo” |
| Two-dimensional, first place, grades 6-8 | Norah O’Field, Cherokee Nation, “Fancy Shawl” |
| Two-Dimensional, First Place, Grades 9-10 | Abria Carroll, Cherokee Nation, “The Colors of Fire” |
| Two-Dimensional, First Place, Grades 11-12 | Elizabeth Orlovich, Cherokee Nation, “Morning Breath” |
| Three-Dimensional, First Place, Grades 6-8 | Dayci Starr, Cherokee Nation, “ᎤᏬᏗᏯ” |
| 3D, First Place, Grades 9-10 | Dominique Bowlin, Cherokee Nation, “Reflections of Mountains” |
| 3D, First Place, Grades 11-12 | Dylon Nottingham, Cherokee Nation, “Stalking Wendigo” |
| Choice of judge | Addison Meeker, Cherokee Nation, “Goldfish Pond” |
| Choice of judge | Amerie Fitzpatrick, Crow Nation, “Are you good bro?” |
| Choice of judge | Harley Hays, Cherokee Nation, “Tribal Tree Drawing” |
| Bill Rabbit Award | Dylon Nottingham, Cherokee Nation, “Stalking Wendigo” |
1st Annual Trail of Tears Art Show & Sale virtually, please visit visitcherokeenation.com/trail-of-tears-art-show. In-person public viewing is offered Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the gallery adjacent to the Cherokee National Research Center at Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the exhibition can be purchased online and in person.