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Cherokee Nation cultural programs report 334 artists, new exhibits and Ani Art Center in Stilwell
Summary
Cultural Tourism staff reported 334 Cherokee artists participating across Artist Recovery Act programs, more than 10,000 visitors to cultural sites in Oct–Nov, a new exhibit titled 'Threads of Tradition' and plans to convert a former PPE building in Stilwell into the Ani Art Center.
Molly Jarvis, Cultural Tourism director, told the Culture Committee that 334 Cherokee artists are participating across public art, museum and program initiatives funded through the Artist Recovery Act and related efforts. “So far, we have 334 Cherokee artists participating in all of those programs,” Jarvis said. She added that cultural sites welcomed “more than 10,000 visitors” over October and November of the fiscal year.
Jarvis described several new and forthcoming exhibits. She said the changing gallery at the Saline Courthouse Museum will open an exhibit titled "Threads of Tradition" featuring Cherokee National Treasure Tanya Hogner. Jarvis also noted the planned exhibit "We Are Cherokee, Cherokee Freedmen and the Right to Citizenship" at the Anna Mitchell Cultural and Welcome Center, and said the program expects a related event in February.
On facilities, Jarvis reported continued restoration work at Will Rogers' birthplace ranch that includes exhibit and infrastructure upgrades and a new caretaker's home expected to be complete in spring. She also said renovations have begun at a former PPE building in Stilwell to create a new art center, to be called the Ani Art Center, with space for storage, classrooms and galleries supported by Artist Recovery Act funding: “We’re gonna name that the Ani Art Center in Stillwell, giving a nod to, of course, the history and traditions…,” she said.
Committee members asked about capital planning for Dwight Mission and details of design renderings for the Stilwell center. Jarvis said Dwight Mission is planned for later phases of capital work and that construction designs exist for the Ani Art Center, though full artist-facing renderings were not yet available. She said she would follow up with more information about artist outreach and feedback on space planning.
The report also included a brief treasurer’s advisory update (Jarvis filling in) noting a new mentorship program and a public art installation titled "Spirit of Giving" by Cherokee National Treasure Jane Austie that was installed along the Tahlequah cultural pathway. Jarvis encouraged members to visit the pathway and exhibits downtown.
The committee had no further questions on the cultural tourism report and recorded the update for the record.
