Cherokee Nation is accepting applications for the 31st annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show, running from August 8 through September 12 at the Gallery at Cherokee Springs in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Juried artists compete for over $18,000 in two divisions—traditional (arts customary before European contact, including basketry, pottery, and traditional arts) and contemporary (arts arising after contact, such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, and digital art). Submissions from Cherokee Nation citizens are due by July 3, with Cherokee National Treasures exempt from jury review. An awards reception will be held on August 7, followed by a public opening on August 8.
This event matters because it provides a dedicated platform for Cherokee artists to showcase and preserve their cultural heritage while fostering innovation in both traditional and contemporary forms. The substantial prize money and juried structure elevate the visibility of Indigenous art within the broader art world, reinforcing the importance of tribal nations as active cultural producers and patrons. The show also strengthens community ties and supports the economic vitality of Cherokee artists.