Cherokee Arts Center Announces March Schedule

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

Passing On
Cherokee Culture

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Arts Center in Tahlequah has five upcoming art classes available in March for adults and youth interested in creating unique pieces of art that are relevant to Cherokee culture.

On Friday, March 16, Cherokee jewelry maker Teri Rhoades will be teaching a Precious Metal Clay class from 9 am to 5 pm. Precious metal clay is a putty-like mixture made of silver powder, water and a binder. Participants will learn how to mold, texture and layer precious metal clay to make pendants, earrings and small sculptures.

Once the pieces are fired, the water and binder are driven off to reveal a pure silver piece of art. Registration is $90 and a deposit of $50 is required to reserve a seat in the class. Students will also pay $45 for tools, which they will get to keep.

Cherokee National Treasure Jane Osti will be teaching three sculpture classes, including a youth pottery class, a sculpture class and a shield, platters and tiles class.

The Youth Pottery class will be held Tuesday, March 20 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The class is $25 and participants must register by Friday, March 16.

In Shields, Platters and Tiles, Osti will teach participants how to craft unique Cherokee objects using a mixture of techniques. The two part class is on Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, March 31 from 10 am to 2 pm. The class is $50 and participants must register by Friday, March 16.

On Wednesday, March 21, Cherokee artist and lecturer America Meredith will give a two hour presentation called "Cherokee Art History 101." During the talk, Meredith will cover a broad survey of Cherokee visual art from the 15th century to the 20th century.

There is no cost to attend the lecture.

posted March 2, 2012 6:20 am est