Art reveals history

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Features Writer

April 06, 2008 12:47 am

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History is set to come alive and whisper stories that have been passed through time as the culture of the Five Civilized Tribes is in full color for April.
The Five Civilized Tribes Museum will celebrate that culture through the annual Art Under the Oaks Art Show — a cultural celebration that lasts all month.
Art Under the Oaks has been going on for more than 30 years. Museum director Mary Robinson said that more than 2,000 people visited the exhibit and activities going on during Art Under the Oaks last year, and she expects more to come this year.
“We are getting collectors coming in now,” she said. “This is a great resource for the artists.”
David Anderson, director of the Creek Council House Museum, and Master Artist Virginia Stroud, took time to visit the museum and judge the art show.
“It was very encouraging,” Stroud said. “We saw a lot of new names this year.”
Stroud said one of the reasons she loves the arts of the Five Civilized Tribes is the storytelling and historical accuracy the works represent.
“Bringing back the history in visual form is just incredible,” she said.
Anderson said it was an easy show to judge because the work was so fantastic.
“It was great,” he said. “I enjoy coming and seeing what has been submitted.”
The show had more than 90 entries this year, according to Robinson.
“We had many in various categories like, textiles, pottery, punts, beadwork, knapping and many others,” Robinson said.
Robinson said this year’s show should appear free flowing in its presentation.
“Some time we get pieces and it is difficult to arrange,” she said. “Some of them are very disjointed and hard to put together in display.”
Historical accuracy is a key point for the judges who critique the works.
“It is important that the work possess traditional subject matter,” Stroud said. “We want a picture of what life was like for our people then and now.”
Robinson said all the pieces in the show are fully functional items.
“The long bow that is in the show is ready to be strung and used,” she said. “There is also jewelry, clothing and pottery that is traditional and beautiful and of course can be used.”
The art is on sale now through April.

If you go
WHAT: Art Under the Oaks Art Show and awards reception.
WHEN: 2 p.m. reception with the show open through April.
WHERE: Five Civilized Tribes Museum.
COST: Reception is open to the public at no charge.
INFORMATION: 683-1701.

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