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Park Hill, Oklahoma – Artists from across the country competed for cash awards in the 37th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Awards were made possible by the Bank of Oklahoma and the Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. The Trail of Tears Art Show began in 1972 as a means of fostering the development of painting as a form of expressing Native American heritage in the area of the Cherokee Nation. Initiated before the completion of the Cherokee Heritage Center, the Art Show was first held in the rain shelter of the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater. In 1975, it became the first major exhibition in the present museum. Over the years the show has expanded its categories, sponsorship and professionalism and is still here because it never lost the fundamental purpose of supporting the artists and expressing native culture. First, second and third prizes were awarded in all seven categories, as well as a Grand Award and numerous Honorable Mentions. This year’s Grand Prize winner is Joel Queen for his sculpture entry, entitled “Industrial Strength Basket.” 2008 winners of the seven categories are: Painting 1st- Sharon Irla – Crows Stirring the Magic 2nd- Brett Stokes – Yona 3rd- Mary Beth Nelson - Seven Honorable Mention America Meredith – Gvgeyuli, Wadulisi Sharon Irla – A Mothers Prayer K. Henderson – Indian Artifacts Graphics 1st- John Tiger – Medicine Bird and the Healer 2nd- Betty Fletcher – A Place in Our Hearts 3rd- Carol Theroux – Little Sister Honorable Mention Mark Wolfe – Grandma Takes a Rest Pottery 1st- Joel Queen – Eagle Dancer 2nd- Jane Osti – Three Worlds 3rd- Judith Gunier – Little People Stomp Dance Honorable Mention Gina Burnett – Sacred Seven Basket 1st- Bessie Russell – Mother’s Touch 2nd- Charlotte Coats - Treasures 3rd- Burl Ford – Market Basket Honorable Mention Carlene Wiley – Two of Them Sculpture 1st- Denise Meyers – The Power of Four 2nd- Troy Anderson – The Crane 3rd- Bill Glass Jr. – Call to Arms Honorable Mention Diane Starr – Buffalo Pony David Nunneley – Sequoyah Jane Osti – Seed Corn Miniature 1st- Norma Howard – Fieldworkers End of the Day 2nd- Skip Rowell – No Buffalo 3rd- Joan Hill – Grandmother’s Quilting Lesson Honorable Mention Jack McCarter – Unto the Hills Trail of Tears 1st- Mike Menasco – He who Brings the Reign, also Brings the Tears 2nd- PJ Gilliam Stewart – Phoenix 3rd- Mike Menasco – Into the Wind…Scattered are the Tears of the Receding Nations 2007 People’s Choice Award K. Henderson – My Heart Rises The 37th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale will continue to be displayed at the Cherokee National Museum, located on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center, through May 26. For more information regarding all events scheduled at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Please call 918-456-6007, toll free 888-999-6007, or visit the CHC web site.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org