Benjamin Harjo Jr., Seminole, received the Best of Show Award for his gouache painting titled, “The Thunder Bringer LOCV,” at the opening reception Saturday for the Masters Art Show at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum.

Often referred to as the Indian Picasso, Harjo enjoys a successful art career that spans more than 30 years. He became a Master Artist in 1988. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Oklahoma City.

The Indian Heritage Award was presented to Murv Jacob of Tahlequah for his painting titled, “The Booger Dance.” Jacob became a Master Artist in 2002.

He and his wife, Deborah Duvall, won numerous awards for their books featuring “Jistu” (Rabbit) and other forest creatures, when animals could talk.

Spirit of Oklahoma Awards were given to: Norma Howard for her painting, “The Snake Dance;” Troy Anderson for “Standing Water;” Joan Hill for “Milly (Malee) Francis;” Gwen Coleman Lester for “Indian School Days;” Murv Jacob for his sculpture, “Bear Canoe.”

Honorable mention winners were: Troy Anderson’s sculpture “Golden Raven,” Bill Rabbit’s “I Am Bird Clan,” Skip Rowell’s scrimshaw “Old Stories,” Dana Tiger’s painting “We All Belong,” Norma Howard’s work “Berry Pickers.”

During the evening ceremonies three new Master Artists were inducted into the program. Jeanne Rorex Bridges, Anita Caldwell Jackson and Victoria McKinney were recipients of the award for 2009.

Bridges interest in art began at an early when she would study woodcarvings by her uncle, Willard Stone, noting their flow and design. Her formal training at Bacone College as a student under Master Cheyenne Artist Dick West began the development of her award-winning painting style. Bridges’ distinctive use of color creates works, which are strikingly bold, yet peacefully soft, according to a media release. She and her husband, J.R., live in Oktaha.

Jackson is a retired art teacher at the Kiowa Public Schools. After retirement, she turned her full attention to her artwork. Jackson’s award winning career began in the 1980s. Her home is in McAlester.Victoria McKinney uses the Mound Builder motifs in her artwork. By incorporating theseprehistoric motifs into her paintings and pottery, she has increased the awareness and understanding of the Mound Builders civilization and their contributions to the Indian art world. She and Tom live in West Fork, Ark.

June Lee and Wisey Narcomey, Seminoles, were honored with the Master of Heritage awards. This award is given to tribal people who have continued to preserve the culture, traditions and heritage for their tribe.

Lee is credited as the patchwork artist that cultivated, influenced, directed, taught, and sold patchwork shirts, vests, skirts, and dresses throughout the Seminole Nation. Her designs come from Oklahoma and Seminole motifs; intricate clan designs, such as the bird, alligator, sweet potato and deer. Lee continues to teach tribal members this craft.

As a young girl, Narcomey was taught to finger weave sashes from an elder of her tribe. She is one of the few traditional finger weavers still practicing her craft. Narcomey travels to historic events in the Southeast to demonstrate her various techniques.

The Masters Art Show will be on display through November.

Information: 683-1701, fivetribes.org or e-mail 5civilizedtribes@sbcglobal.net.