TAHLEQUAH, OK – The Cherokee Nation announced the top honors of the longest-running Native American juried art show during a special reception on April 4 at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza in Tahlequah, OK. The 54th annual Trail of Tears Art Show runs through May 10, featuring a variety of authentic Native art, including 193 works from 112 artists, representing 23 tribal nations. This year, seven Cherokee National Treasures participated in the show, including Bill Glass Jr., Demos Glass, Harry Oosahwee, Roy Boney Jr., Tonia Hogner-Weavel, Troy Jackson and Vivian Cottrell.
Cherokee Nation artist Jerry Sutton was recognized as this year’s Best of Show for his piece, “ᎩᎳᎪᎨ Gilagoge (Spring).” The acrylic painting is a representational depiction of a Cherokee grandmother celebrating the bounty of spring in Cherokee Nation.
“Year after year, the beautiful works featured in the Trail of Tears Art Show are a testament to the importance of the preservation and promotion of Native cultures,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “As you walk through the gallery, stories of successes and hardships shine through each work of art, shedding light into the journey that made us the thriving nations we are today.”
Through the juried show, artists compete for more than $18,000 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 |
| Best of Show | Jerry Sutton, Cherokee Nation, “ᎩᎳᎪᎨ Gilagoge (Spring)” |
| Painting, First Place | Brooks Henson, Cherokee Nation, “Old Friends” |
| Sculpture, First Place | Troy Jackson, Cherokee National Treasure, “The Journey Forward” |
| Basketry, First Place | Desmond Ellsworth, Nansemond Indian Nation, “Grandma’s Treasure Basket” |
| Pottery, First Place | Levi West, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, “Daughter of the Sun” |
| Jewelry, First Place | Amy Deer, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Sicangu Lakota, “Rose Necklace” |
| Textiles, First Place | Jennifer McAffrey, Cherokee Nation, “We Survived” |
| Miniatures, First Place | Robin Stockton, Cherokee Nation, “Stickball Animals” |
| Diverse Art Forms, First Place | Andrea Tidwell, Cherokee Nation, “Legends of the Rez” |
| Drawing, Graphics and Mixed Media | Bryan Waytula, Cherokee Nation, “The Grass Dancer” |
| Photography/Digital Art, First Place | Z Long, Cherokee Nation, “The Culling” |
| Trail of Tears Award | Jon Tiger, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, “No Time for Burial” |
| Emerging Artists, First Place | Regina Free, Choctaw Nation, “Puskawo (Heron)” |
| Mary Ellen Meredith Award for Humor | Andrea Tidwell, Cherokee Nation, “Legends of the Rez” |
| Betty Scraper Garner Elder Award | Bill Glass Jr., Cherokee National Treasure, “Men & Animals” |
| Bill Rabbit Legacy Award | Ron Mitchell, Cherokee Nation, “Earth’s Children” |
Voting for the iconic People’s Choice Award will begin April 9 and continue both in person and online by liking favorite artwork on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitCherokeeNation through May 10. The 54th annual Trail of Tears Art Show is on display at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza. Artwork featured in the show is available to purchase online and in person.