55th Annual

A Show for all Native Artists

Visit Cherokee Nation proudly presents the 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show! Experience one of the country’s most prestigious Native art shows. View and purchase a variety of authentic, award-winning works of art. The Trail of Tears Art Show is the longest-running juried Native art competition in Oklahoma. Since 1972, it has fostered the artistic expression of Native American heritage.

The Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza

3377 Cherokee Springs Road

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Tahlequah, OK 74464

April 11 – May 16, 2026

Tuesday – Saturday

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10 AM – 4 PM

Artist Application Open

Enter the show by Friday, February 27 at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

Days
Hours
Mins
Secs

Artist Application Closed

Artists will be notified by email no later than February 27, 2025 of their acceptance into the show.

Juried Artists

Congratulations to the artists accepted into the 54th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and thank you to all who entered. We are proud to have your work representing Native art, culture and tradition.

Explore the Gallery

Visit the virtual and in-person Trail of Tears Art Show to find authentic works that will beautify your spaces and reward you for generations to come.

Important Dates

01/06/2026

Artist Application Opens, 10 AM CST

02/27/2026

Artist Application Closes, 11:59 PM CST

03/05/2026

Accepted Artists Notified

03/27/2026

Art Delivery Deadline

04/10/2026

Reception, 6 – 8:30 PM CDT

04/11/2026

Show Opens, 10 AM CDT

05/16/2026

Show Closes

About the Show

The Trail of Tears Art Show is a fine art exhibition and competition with established standards of excellence; as such, acceptance is juried. View complete details, entry forms and FAQs.

Featured Artist

Jerry Sutton won Best of Show at the 54th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show. Learn more about Jerry and his winning piece, “ᎩᎳᎪᎨ Gilagoge (Spring)”.

Past Best of Show Winners

See who won our highest honor starting from 1972.

Shipping & Handling

Purchasing art? Learn about the finer details of purchasing fine art.

2025 Winners

Who won? Who are this year’s up-and-coming artists? Find out here.

Artist Spotlight

Watch interviews with the 2025 Best of Show & Trail of Tears Award winners.

People’s Choice Award

People’s Choice Award Winners

You decide the winner of the 55th annual Trail of Tears Art Show! Vote for your favorite piece.

Your votes are in! Find out who the people chose.

Stay in the Loop

Sign up for updates about Trail of Tears Art Show along with upcoming markets, the latest news, special events and information about authentic Cherokee experiences.

Have Questions?

Reach out to us today or email Callie.Chunestudy@cnbglobal.com.

Media Contact