2026 ARTESIAN ARTS FESTIVAL
CATEGORY & MARKET REQUIREMENTS
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Artesian Plaza
Sulphur, Oklahoma
- The application must be completed in full and signed by the artist.
- Each artist is required to pay an application fee of $50 and a refundable $100 booth deposit. Deposit will be refunded to the artist within 30 days after the event if the artist has met the attendance requirements.
- Accepted artists must present documentation of citizenship/membership in a federally recognized First American tribe.
- A completed W-9 form is required for possible prize money payment.
- Submitting an item for consideration to the Artesian Arts Festival judges does not create rights, guarantees or promises that the item will be selected as a winner in any category.
- Artists may only enter one piece of artwork for judging.
- The Artesian Arts Festival committee and/or its judges have the discretion of placing items in different categories or creating a new category if they determine that the item fits the criteria for judging. Judges may also close a category due to a lack of qualified competition or an insufficient number of competitors.
- Entries for judging will be accepted on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CST at the Chickasaw Cultural Center Aaittafama’ Room, located at 867 Cooper Memorial Drive, Sulphur, Oklahoma, 73086. Entries will not be accepted once the official judging begins.
- The accepted artist or their agent of record may enter the artist’s work for judging.
- If the artist designates an agent of record to represent them, a letter naming the agent of record and signed by the artist must accompany the application. If the artist becomes ill or an emergency arises that prevents the artist from attending the event, the artist must submit and sign a letter detailing the circumstances and name an agent of record at the time of check-in.
- An item entered for judging:
- Must be signed or hallmarked. Cast editions, graphics and photographs must also include the edition size and number if applicable.
- Must not be sold before the festival, with the exception of the pre-sale event.
- Must not be commissioned work; must be the sole property of the artist.
- Must not have won an award in any prior Artesian Arts Festival competition.
- Must have hanging hardware attached if it is two-dimensional art or art intended to be hung.
- Must have been made in the last three years.
- Artwork cannot exceed 72 inches in height, width or depth and must be able to fit through a 30-inch doorway. Regardless of size, should artwork exceed 100 lbs., the artist is solely responsible for unloading, loading and moving the artwork. Assistance moving artwork over 100 lbs. cannot be guaranteed.
- Artwork must be of the quality and media of the sample submitted with the entry application.
- Joint or collaborative entries will not be accepted at this competition.
- All artwork submitted for competition, and for sale in the booth, must be handmade by the artist.
- The Artesian Arts Festival will not accept:
- Items that are cracked or broken.
- Items that are not in compliance with The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (https://www.doi.gov/iacb/act) or any endangered species regulations, (https://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies) - regardless of permit ownership, items must comply with federal regulations applicable to this show.
- All artwork must be the original work of the registered artist. No manufactured, imitation craft items or objects made from commercial kits or patterns. Items made from endangered species may not be exhibited. You will be expected to remove any unacceptable merchandise. Reproductions of your artwork are acceptable. No food or drinks may be sold at the artist’s booth. All artwork must be properly represented to the buyer. Any artist who misrepresents themselves or their artwork and/or who does not abide by the terms and conditions set forth by these rules will be asked to leave the Artesian Arts Festival. Money will not be refunded.
- Only artists juried into the Artesian Arts Festival may sell during the festival.
- All artworks must be for sale or be available as examples for future commissioned work.
- In the event of loss or damage, the artist will be bound by the release of liability and acknowledgment and acceptance of the dangers, risks and hazards forms signed by the artist after acceptance to the Artesian Arts Festival.
- No dealers, traders or co-ops are allowed to exhibit. Infractions of any of these rules will result in disqualification from the Artesian Arts Festival for at least one year.
- Artists are responsible for their own art display equipment and booth lighting.
- 23. Any artist who attempts to break down and/or depart the Artesian Arts Festival prior to the official closing time and/or while the field is still occupied by patrons or without approval from the event coordinators forfeits their booth deposit and could be ineligible for future shows.
- No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed in Artesian Arts Festival booths. People possessing or using them will be asked to close their booth and leave the Artesian Arts Festival without a refund. In addition, they may be subject to federal, tribal or state penalties that are applicable to the situation.
- No animals are allowed in the boundaries of the Artesian Arts Festival except service dogs.
- Accepted festival artists who compete and win, but do not participate in the festival after the competition, will forfeit their winnings.
- Artists will have from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, May 2 to set up their booths at the Artesian Arts Festival. Volunteers will be available to assist in the unloading and loading at the booths.
- Artists or their representatives must be in their booths at all times during festival hours.
- Volunteers will be available to watch your booth for brief periods - 30 minutes maximum, but volunteers will not be able to sell.
- The artist releases and agrees to hold harmless the Chickasaw Nation from any damages to their property or personal injury that they or their helpers may sustain while participating in the Artesian Arts Festival.
- Nothing contained herein will be construed to waive the sovereign rights and immunities of the Chickasaw Nation, its officers, employees or agents.
- Booth space may be limited and the images you submit with your application packet may be used to jury artists into the Artesian Arts Festival.
2026 COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Artists must comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 for labeling and sales. All items offered for sale must be properly represented. The use of feathers or fur must comply with all federal, tribal and state laws and regulations.
Artwork cannot exceed 72 inches in height, width or depth and must be able to fit through a 30-inch doorway. Regardless of size, should artwork exceed 100 lbs., the artist is solely responsible for unloading, loading and moving the artwork.
All work submitted for competition must be ready for hanging, including all matted, framed or shrink-wrapped items. The paint and other materials must be dry. It is the responsibility of the artist to ensure their artwork is ready for hanging with appropriate hanging hardware attached. Failure to do so may exclude the artwork from judging.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL ART DIVISION
Painting
The painting category includes artwork created by applying pigment to a two-dimensional surface. Examples: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, encaustic, fresco, spray paint, etc. applied on canvas, canvas board, paper or any flat surface.
Drawing
The drawing category includes artwork that is manually drawn on a two-dimensional surface. Work submitted to this category includes traditional and contemporary drawing and illustration techniques and can range from the highly rendered and stylized to the observational and gestural. Examples: pencil, ink, charcoal, pastel, crayon, scratchboard, marker, etc. Digital illustrations should be entered in the graphic arts category.
Photography
The photography category includes images captured by either an analog or digital camera. Examples: black and white photographs, color photographs, digital or analog photographs, photograms, other experimental photography, etc. Editing software is acceptable to use for minor touch-ups and image correction in a manner that replicates traditional darkroom techniques (cropping, dodging, burning, adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, etc.). Works that are digitally collaged, cloned, layered, merged, distorted or heavily manipulated with computer software must be submitted in the graphic arts category.
Digital Arts
The digital arts category includes artistic works that use digital technology as an essential part of the creative process or as the medium for producing art. It blends traditional artistic techniques with modern technology, allowing for new forms of expression and interactivity.
Printmaking
The printmaking category includes images or designs created by transferring ink or another medium onto a surface, typically paper, fabric or other materials. Printmaking can be done in various methods, including relief printing (e.g., woodcut), intaglio (e.g., etching), lithography and screen printing.
Mixed Media
The mixed media category includes artwork created by using a mixture of materials and/or techniques that require the use of two or more fine arts techniques in the creation of a single piece of fine art. Using two types of paint does not constitute a “mixed media” piece.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART DIVISION
Sculpture
The sculpture category includes three-dimensional art objects created by carving, shaping, combining modeling, other shaping techniques or casting materials such as plastic, clay, textiles, hand-blown glass, wax or polymers into a work of art. Materials may include, but are not limited to, clay, cardboard, metal, acrylic, wood, glass, stone, marble, textiles, plastics and found objects. Not allowed: Cast resins.
Jewelry (Stone, Metal and Organic)
The jewelry category includes art objects worn for personal adornment. Examples: bracelets, rings, brooches, earrings, cufflinks, necklaces, etc. The majority area of the jewelry piece must be constructed of metal, stone organic materials or a combination of these. All non-plated metals are allowed and must be identified, e.g., silver, brass and gold. Gold must be at least 14 karat (kt). Commercially available glass beads and undyed pearls must be restrung and used in combination with significant handmade components made by the artist. Mold must be handmade, hand-carved and poured by the artist. Wax carving and lost wax casting may only be used for one-of-a-kind items. Commercial chain may be used as a finding with handcrafted items but may not be sold separately.
Allowable findings for the purpose of the Artesian Arts Festival are defined as “an integral part of the finished product that adapts the product for wearing or use.” Examples of allowable findings are jump rings, earring backs, clasps, barrette clips, money clips, hooks and eyes and leather for bolo straps. German (nickel) silver is acceptable only when its use has been disclosed on the application. Not allowed: Imported and/or color-treated nuggets or tumbled chips of any material. Imitation or synthetic turquoise, coral, lapis, opal, etc. This includes synthetic block, constituted and compressed materials, all color-treated (dyed, heated or irradiated materials), e.g., apple coral, bamboo coral, Mojave green turquoise, machine-made or die-struck components or purchased cast blanks (e.g., rings, bracelets, bezel cups, leaves, bolo tips, etc.); silver or other beads not made by the artist; machine-made “liquid” silver and gold or plated materials, gold less than 14kt; any mass-produced items by any casting method.
Jewelry (Other)
The jewelry category includes art objects worn for personal adornment. For shell and bead makers only: Single bead/cone combination to finish ends of necklaces or earrings. Commercially available glass beads and undyed pearls must be restrung and used in combination with significant handmade components made by the artist. Commercial chain may be used as a finding with handcrafted items but may not be sold separately. German (nickel) silver is acceptable only when its use has been disclosed on the application. Not allowed: Machine-made or die-struck components or purchased cast blanks (e.g., rings, bracelets, bezel cups, leaves, bolo tips, etc.); silver or other beads not made by the artist; machine-made “liquid” silver and gold or plated materials, gold less than 14kt; any mass-produced items by any casting method.
Contemporary Fashion
The contemporary fashion category includes items utilizing creative design and presentation of modern clothing and accessories that reflect current trends, cultural influences and innovative artistic expression. This category emphasizes originality, conceptual depth and craftsmanship, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Textiles
The textiles category includes hand-woven textiles created by the artist by hand and items not specifically made by hand. These items may be woven using a loom, finger weaving, sprang, twining or other techniques done by hand. Not allowed: towels or other commercial items, commercial kits, patterns, iron-on appliqué or liquid embroidery or mass-produced items.
Diverse
The diverse category includes any items that are not solely represented in another category or incorporate more than one other category.
CULTURAL ART DIVISION
Baskets
The baskets category includes all basketry made by hand. All baskets must be hand worked of plants from a tribal tradition. Examples: river cane, yucca, willow, sumac, honeysuckle root, cottonwood, devil’s claw, etc. Plant or mineral dyes are encouraged, but commercial dyes may be used. Attached materials including beads, feathers, tin tinklers, horsehair and paper must comply with the Artesian Arts Festival standards.
Beadwork / Quillwork
The beadwork/quillwork category includes pieces created using beadwork and/or quillwork. Examples: tapestry, accessories, beaded clothing, etc. Not allowed: Plastic or synthetic parts of any kind, e.g., beads, plastic hairpipe, etc., manufactured, non-First American made or die-struck metal charms, buttons and conchos used for ornamental purposes.
Traditional dress and regalia
The traditional dress and regalia category includes all traditional clothing items and accessories. All sewn items must be designed and sewn by the artist. Extra merit will be given for each component that is handmade by the artist. Extra merit and consideration will be given for items made with native brain-tanned or smoked hides. The application should disclose the methods used. Not allowed: T-shirts, bandanas, towels and other commercial items, no commercial kits, patterns, iron-on appliqué or liquid embroidery will be accepted.
Cultural Items and Replicas
The cultural items and replicas category may include cultural accessories and/or items used for adornment. Other items may include rattles, drums, flutes, fans, bags, pouches, pipes, etc. Not allowed: commercial kits.
Weaponry
The weaponry category includes all items that could be used as weapons. Examples: knives, hatchets, bows and arrows, etc.
Pottery (Traditional)
The pottery (traditional) category includes hand-built vessels and hollow objects formed using cultivated clay. Any decorative items not hand-built must be disclosed. Not allowed: Slip molds, greenware or commercial pottery, items constructed by any method other than hand-built, commercial glazes. Stands must be essential to the stability of the piece.
Pottery (Contemporary)
The pottery (contemporary) category includes vessels and hollow object formed using clay. This category includes all forms, designs and firing techniques. Not allowed: slip molds, greenware or commercial pottery. Stands must be essential to the stability of the piece.
Diverse
The diverse category includes any items that are not solely represented in another category or incorporate more than one other category.
AWARDS
Prizes Awarded for:
Best of Show - $3,500
Best of Division - $2,000
Category Awards (21 categories)
First Place in Category - $1,500
Second Place in Category - $1,000
Third Place in Category - $750
Winners will be announced during the awards and preview reception held Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma.