Test and Pryor Selected for Trail of Tears Show

Goodwell, Okla. — Oklahoma Panhandle State University Art Instructor Bryon Test and sophomore Fine Arts major Carly Pryor were selected to exhibit artwork at the 48th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale in Tahlequah, Okla. The longest running Native American art show and sale in the state of Oklahoma, the annual event is held at the Cherokee Heritage Center April 5, 2019 – May 4, 2019.

“It was a huge honor to be selected. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I didn’t know if my work was good enough to be selected as I am trying to better myself,” Pryor commented on her first time to be selected for the event.

Test knew the talent Pryor has and challenged her to submit a piece of work as soon as he knew he was going to submit some himself for the first time. Pryor finished her pastel piece titled “Sun and Water” in just one week in order to enter it.

The opening night reception and award ceremony was April 5th and a great experience for Test and Pryor. Both were pleased to have several family members in attendance to share the experience.

“The quality of the work was phenomenal,” Test commented. He was named Honorable Mention in the Mini category for his piece titled, “Mom’s Medicine Bag”. It was also the first piece to sell at the event. Test had two other acrylic works that were selected for the show.

The annual event proved to be a learning experience for Pryor, who plans to be an art instructor following graduation. “My artwork is primarily Native American pieces. I want to show I have respect and learn the customs.” She also had the opportunity to explore the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Artists must be a Native American card member to submit artwork for selection. The Cherokee Heritage Center was established in 1963 by the Board of Trustees of the Cherokee National Historical Society to preserve and promote the Cherokee culture while sponsoring dynamic educational programs, reconstructed historic villages, engaging exhibits, and scholarly research stimulating interest in the enduring legacy of the Cherokee people.