Art knows no age

By Leilani Roberts Ott
Phoenix Staff Writer

June 25, 2009 08:21 pm

— Clayburn Ray Beshears of Fort Gibson said he’s proof you’re never too old to enter the Competitive Art Show at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum.
At 61, the artist from the Muscogee Creek tribe decided to enter after he was encouraged by his “little brother,” who is in his 50s. Max Huckleberry Beshears won the Grand Heritage Award last year.
“I felt it would be fun,” Clayburn said.
He and his brother plan to attend the awards reception and opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum.
“I hope I won something,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it and seeing the other competitors’ work.”
Judges were Master Artist Jason Stone of Locust Grove and Mickel Yantz, curator for Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah.
Mary Robinson, director of the museum, said there are 50 entries, up slightly from last year.
“Once again the Woodland artists have joined together at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum with a common bond — to preserve the culture and heritage of their ancestors,” Robinson said. “Each artist’s work is as individual as they are but display them all together and their stories are powerful.”
Entrants must be at least 18 and can enter no more than three pieces in either paintings, graphics, miniatures not more than 4X4 inches and sculptures.
Clayburn entered three — “Momma’s Watching,” “Dancing in the Spirit” and “Cherokee Girls Historical Living.” The paintings were done in a water-base oil medium. Max paints in acrylics.
Clayburn, who started painting at age 41, said he usually paints landscape, wildlife, portraits and a Thomas Kinkade style, while his brother painted in the Indian style starting at age 11.
“I’m proud of him,” Clayburn said. “I tried different subject matter after reading instructions (from the museum). Hopefully, my little brother won something.”
He said he’s self-taught, “a gift God gave us.”
Stone, who was inspired by his father, the late Willard Stone, a master artist and sculptor, said there is some “very good art” in the show.
“I was pretty impressed with some of it,” Stone said. “I was hoping there would be more sculpture in it, since that’s what I do.”
Stone, who works in same studio as father, said he would like to have seen more entries. He’s judged the show several times.
“Younger people don’t know as much about the Indian cultures and interests,” Stone said. “If they would get out and see, and know more about the tribes. My art and my father’s both show some of the Cherokee heritage — ours drifted more toward nature. I would like to see younger people learn more about the cultures and heritage.”
Stone encourages everyone to go see the Competitive Art Show. He believes most people don’t realize what great artists are in this area.
“If they go, I don’t think they would be disappointed.”

Reach Leilani Roberts Ott at 684-2908 or lott@muskogeephoenix.com.

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