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by Chickasaw Nation Media
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SULFUR, Okla. – As trees and daffodils begin to bloom along downtown sidewalks, organizers announce the 11th annual Artesian, a day-long celebration of First America arts and culture, to be held at Artesian Plaza on Saturday, April 13. We are busy preparing for the art festival.
More than 100 First American artists from across the country will be participating, presenting a vast array of original and diverse art.The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Artesian Arts Festival, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation, is a community effort, said Mark Milligan, Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Executive Director.
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The Chickasaw Nation has been working with city leaders, emergency services, National Park Service staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives for months to plan a safe and inclusive festival. ”
The result is a family-friendly event that focuses on First American art, artists, music, dance and food while offering activities for all ages.
“We are thrilled to welcome so many esteemed First American artists to the Artesian Arts Festival,” said Milligan. “The festival provides artists with a wonderful venue to showcase their work. “There is,” he said. “We hope our patrons will experience a fun and impactful day while immersing themselves in First American art, dance and music.”
Participation in the 2024 Artesian Arts Festival, a juried art show and market, is open to all federally recognized First American artists.
Arts patrons can expect a festival filled with original Native American art, including jewelry, sculpture, metalwork, beadwork, painting, photography, textiles, basketry, pottery, and more.
Additionally, a talented lineup of entertainment is planned, including headliner Choctaw singer-songwriter Samantha Crain, who will take the stage at 5 p.m.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Crain is a three-time NAMMY (Native American Music Award) winner for his singer-songwriter, folk-rock, and indie style. She also won the Indigenous Music Award for Best Rock Album in 2019.
Other musical entertainment scheduled includes Bluez Boyz, Ihullo.Art, Issac McClung, RCB Band, Redman Blues Band, TJ Todd Band, Tone Gyah Dae and Travis Kokuhcheet.
America's first dance demonstration by the Chickasaw Nation Dance Group. Writing Boy Foundation Champion Hoop Dancers Steve LaRance, Shandian “Sonwa” LaLance, and Josiah Enriquez. Mitotiliztli Yaoyolohotli Aztec dancer. Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. and Pueblo Enchantment dancers are scheduled throughout the day in his two dance areas.
There will be several food outlets offering a variety of gourmet items.
Free and open to the public, the Artesian Arts Festival welcomed more than 10,600 art patrons to downtown Sulfur last year.
partnership for success
Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulfur Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Artesian Arts Festival planning committee, said the organization is grateful to be able to participate in coordinating the event.
“We are thrilled to be able to set up a Sulfur information booth again this year. Our Board of Directors volunteered to participate in this event, which gives us the opportunity to promote Sulfur and our members and to meet and interact with the community. I love doing that.”
Members of the Chamber of Commerce are also taking steps to prepare for the influx of visitors to the Artesian Arts Festival.
“Downtown retailers plan extra foot traffic into their schedules and promote sales in-store. They also bring extra ads to us with the understanding that they will be displayed in informational booths in the chamber. This is a way for them to advertise to an audience they wouldn't normally reach.”
Trepteau said the partnership between the chamber and the Chickasaw Nation is key to shining a positive light on the City of Springs, which is home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
“Sulfur is a very unique town. We are a gateway community, we have natural resources, we are on the Chickasaw Nation, and we think it is very important to work together as much as possible. “We have been featured in several top 10 lists in various categories in publications and we know that is because of the partnerships that have been built,” she said.
The Artesian Arts Festival will be held at the Artesian Plaza, adjacent to the Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First St. in Sulfur.
Shuttle service is available from designated parking areas such as the Chickasaw Cultural Center from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from Sulfur Football Field from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, please visit Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities (580) 272-5520, ArtesianArtsFestival.com or email ArtistInfo@ Chickasaw.net.
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