Red Earth Seeks Entries for 2008 Youth Art Competition
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Students from throughout the Oklahoma and the region will display their original works of art while competing for cash prizes during the 2008 Red Earth Youth Art Competition planned during the 22nd Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival scheduled June 6- 8, 2008 in Oklahoma City.
Red Earth is currently seeking talented Native American youth ages 9-18 to participate in the Madalynne and James H. Norick Youth Art Competition, co-chaired by Red Earth artist and past Red Earth Honored One Harvey Pratt and his wife Gina Pratt. Students interested in competing, or teachers seeking further information, can visit www.redearth.org or call Red Earth offices at 405-427-5228.
The Red Earth Youth Art Competition is divided into three age groups – 9-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years. Participants can enter seven art categories including pottery, painting/ drawing/ graphics, sculpture, basketry, beadwork, cultural items and jewelry. Prize money is awarded to the top three winners in each division category, along with a “Best of Show” award.
Artwork must be delivered in person on Thursday, June 5 between 10 am–1 pm to the Cox Convention Center by the artist, parent, or teacher. Entries are limited to one entry per artist per category, but students may enter in as many categories as they wish.
Through the years Red Earth Festival has matured into one of the most respected visual and performing arts event of its type – setting the standard for many of today’s Indian art shows held throughout America. The Red Earth Festival is regarded as the largest event of its type in the world.
Sixteen year-old Chickasaw artist Courtney Parchcorn won “Best of Show” for her beaded flute during the 2007 Red Earth Festival Youth Art Competition. After receiving the award Parchcorn said, “this feels great, but I’m still kind of in shock.”
Courtney attends Byng (OK) High School and participates in the Chickasaw Nation after school arts program. Her dad taught her the peyote stitch, which helped her achieve a three dimensional look in her beadwork.
“This was my first time trying to do this,” she said. “It took hours of work.”
Red Earth, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to prmote the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures through education, a premier festival, a museum and fine art markets. Formed in 1978, Red Earth accomplishes its mission through the Red Earth Museum, the annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, and year-round educational programs that share the historical and living diversity of American Indian art, dance, music and literature.###
