Red Earth Festival celebrates American Indian culture today-Sunday in downtown Oklahoma City
A dancer participates in the 2009 Red Earth Festival parade outside the Cox Convention Center. (Photo by Ashley McKee/The Oklahoman Archives)
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Red Earth Festival celebrating American Indian culture
Along with festival events, Red Earth Museum’s move to downtown will give visitors more opportunity to take in art, cultural items
The 24th annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival will bring a colorful array of American Indian dancers, artwork, drum groups and more into and around the Cox Convention Center today-Sunday.
But organizers hope festival-goers are willing to take a short walk to check out one of downtown’s newest attractions: The Red Earth Museum and Gallery in Santa Fe Plaza, just south of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. The museum opened in its new location, less than two blocks from the convention center, in March, after 31 years inside what is now Science Museum Oklahoma.
Housed in a former tanning salon, the new Red Earth Museum displays paintings, pottery, basketry, jewelry, textiles, beadwork and cultural items from the organization’s large permanent collection. Currently on view are paintings by Mike Larsen, Doc Tate Nevaquaya and Tar Tsah, along with a headdress owned by baseball great Allie Reynolds.
“Also, we’ve never had an opportunity to sell art before, so this is a new thing for us,” said Red Earth Deputy Director Eric Oesch. “It allows us to continue our mission to promote American Indian art and culture by giving Native American artists a chance to sell their work.”
The museum and gallery is exhibiting its grand opening show and sale, which features work from 33 American Indian artists, including 28 from Oklahoma. This year’s Red Earth Honored One Gordon Yellowman, a Cheyenne & Arapaho artist who creates contemporary ledger-style paintings, is spotlighted in the exhibit, though most of his work has already sold.
“It’s a huge success,” said Red Earth President Jonna Kauger Kirschner of the museum. “The art we have there and the art for sale just keeps getting better.”
Red Earth’s new home will be open throughout the festival to give visitors a look at the organization’s ongoing work. Leaving Science Museum Oklahoma, which once was a collection of autonomous arts organizations, for downtown offered “a chance to really spread our wings and mature,” Oesch said.
“The city is thrilled that we’re here. … They know we’re here for the long run,” he said. “When people come to Oklahoma, they want to see something and do something that’s Indian authentic. They want to experience our culture, and we’re able to provide that.”
Celebrating heritage, talent
The Red Earth Festival will celebrate the richness and diversity of American Indian culture with a dance competition, fine arts market, children’s activities, 5K run and 2K Fun Walk and a grand parade. Featuring dancers in full regalia, drum groups, floats, tribal princesses and more, the parade will march at 10 a.m. today from the Cox Convention Center north on E.K. Gaylord Avenue to NW 4.
“The parade route is different because of all the construction downtown. It’s much shorter,” it’s compact … but it’s just a temporary change,” Oesch said.
Nearly 200 artists will show and sell their wares in the juried art market, which sold out this year. More than 550 dancers from across North America are expected to compete in a range of styles.
Last week, he received a call from a Los Angeles-based talent scout for the show “America’s Got Talent” who might be attending Red Earth in search of unique performers. The scout is scouring festivals nationwide for potential talents for the reality TV contest, which has never featured an American Indian dancer.
Honoring veterans
Along with lauding American Indian culture, the festival is honoring military veterans and active servicemen and woman. All U.S. military members — Indian and non-Indian — are invited to participate at 7 p.m. Saturday in the grand entry leading into the evening dance competition.
Throughout the weekend, veterans and active service members will receive discounted admission to the festival with military identification. Discounted tickets will cost $7.50 for general admission and $5 for seniors.
“Indian culture is a warrior culture. … They have one of the highest percentages of any race as far as military service. It’s the biggest honor you can do is to be a veteran in the Indian culture. They have so much pride in it,” he said.
Readying for No. 25
Organizers already are preparing for the festival’s 25th anniversary. People will be able to share their stories and memories of Red Earth at a special booth at this year’s event, Kirschner said.
“Our 25th anniversary is going to be a big homecoming. We’re going to invite back all the previous dance winners, art award winners, ambassadors,” Honored Ones,” Oesch said. “It’s going to be a neat deal.”
GOING ON
Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival
When: Today through Sunday.
Where: Cox Convention Center.
Three-day weekend passes: Adults, $20; 60 and older, $15; children ages 6-17, $15; children 5 and younger admitted free.
One-day passes: Adults, $10; 60 and older, $7.50; children ages 6-17, $7.50; children 5 and younger admitted free. Group rates available.
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.
Museum hours: The Red Earth Museum and Gallery, 9 Santa Fe Plaza, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday and closed Sunday during the festival.
Information: 427-5228 or www.redearth.org.
-BAM
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Will I be able to buy a membership at the trade show inside the Cox Convention Center to be used before purchasing?
THanks!
Karen