DURANT, Okla. (KXII) – Claire Green Young, Public Art Manager for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, says it’s important to take note of the impact natives have made in history.
“I really strongly encourage all viewers to get more involved and learn more about whose native land they actually live on,” said Green Young. “That’s something that everyone can take a little bit of time and research, and that can really connect them and ground them to where they’re from, the people who were there originally, and how they can support those individuals no matter where they’re at.”
In the Durant Choctaw Casino Sky Tower Resort, the “Diverse Contemporary Art Exhibit” will display Choctaw art until March of 2025.
On display, a mix of traditional, cultural pieces such as Choctaw pottery and basketry but also a spin on the customary art.
“Contemporary pieces like paintings or wood inlay murals at a gallery like this, where the exhibition focuses on those diverse contemporary forms, we really want to highlight and move away from stereotypical ideas of Native American art, which I think is so relevant, especially in Native November,” said Green Young.
Within the gallery, various mediums of art each tell their own story.
“Folks like Wani Marshall Coker create really wonderful, large scale, vibrant pieces,” said Coker.
Green Young says the Chahta Isuba, or Choctaw horse painting, displays Coker’s expertise in layering paints.
She also highlights Greg Standridge’s works, who uses wood to create the inlay pieces
Choctaw art is oftentimes a snapshot of history or a representation of identity. Although this diverse contemporary art will be in the gallery until march, it isn’t the sole opportunity to experience Choctaw artists’ work.
“There is an art walk that takes you across the different casino and resort properties,” said Green Young. “If you’re able to make it to Choctaw landing, there’s an art hike you can do, so I highly recommend looking into those avenues and exploring that with our Choctaw casinos and resorts.
Green Young says there’s many layers in Choctaw art that everyone should take the time to explore.
“A lot of times our communities, ourselves, our feelings, our beliefs are expressed through art,” she said. “So please, if you get the chance, learn more about Choctaw artists. Learn more about Native artists this month.
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