A lot can be said about attending events in person, but sometimes just traveling to a show can be a roadblock for some collectors. Maybe their schedules just don’t allow for travel. Or getting flights or hotels proves to be difficult. For some, it can just be the distance—500 miles isn’t bad, but 1,000 or 2,000 miles makes it tougher. 
Tim Blueflint Ramel, stamped and overlay sterling silver cuff with natural fossilized dinosaur bone
So when Cherokee Art Market switched to an online format last year, there was some trepidation among the organizers. Collectors demanded in-person events, right?
Well, not as much as one would think. For starters, a virtual show removed that travel barrier, which meant anyone could attend online, whether it was collectors in Tulsa, Oklahoma, home to the Cherokee Art Market, or as far away as New York, Hawaii or Paris. “Having a virtual event last year definitely introduced the market to a wider audience,” says Deborah Fritts, project coordinator for Cherokee Art Market and Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. “Obviously some people would prefer an in-person event, but those buyers, as well as all the new ones, were showing up and buying art. Speaking to the artists afterward, they were thrilled at the response.”
Renee Hoover, Red Corn, 9 x 16”
Chase Earles, Kah-ah-See-Chah: Helping Hands Support Our People, hand-dug clay from Red River mixed with mussel shell, 12 x 12”
This year’s Cherokee Art Market will build on last year’s performance when it returns to a virtual format from December 6 through 17. And expect an even better online presence since the organizers have taken valuable lessons from last year’s event. “This year we’re going to try and make it as easy as possible for the artists and buyers,” Fritts says. “The public will be able to go in and not only search by artist, but also by medium or price range, or even just browse the award winners.”
Nearly 100 artists are expected to show artwork. Each will be able to offer 10 works, and two of them can be entered into the competition for awards. Artists include multimedia artist Ashley Kahsaklahwee, potter Chase Earles, basket maker Renee Hoover, flute and jewelry maker Tim Blueflint Ramel and Dallin Maybee, who won last year’s best of show award for a decorated gas mask and riot shield, both of which spoke to issues that were prominent in 2020.
In addition to online shopping, there will also be live and recorded video presentations, including a welcome message, demonstrations and other features. —
Cherokee Art Market
December 6-17, 2021
www.cherokeeartmarket.com
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