Red Earth, Inc.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Students from throughout Oklahoma and the region will display their original works of art while competing for cash prizes during the James H. and Madalynne Norick Red Earth Youth Art Competition planned during the 23^rd Annual Red Earth Festival scheduled June 5-7 in downtown Oklahoma City.   

The Red Earth Youth Art Competition is open to Native American youth ages 9-18.  The show is divided into three age groups and 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.

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.

Recent Red Earth Youth Art Competitions have drawn young artists from Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and communities both large and small from throughout Oklahoma.  Many youth art participants have gone on to have successful careers as professional artists including Micah Wesley (Creek/Kiowa), the son of Red Earth Grand Award recipient, the late Tillier Wesley.  During the 1990’s while Micah’s father participated as an artist in the Red Earth Festival he was participating and receiving awards for his entries in the Youth Art competition.  Micah currently shows his art throughout the US while attending the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, NM.

Youth art participants must deliver their artwork in person on Thursday, June 4 between 10 am–1 pm at the Cox Convention Center.  Artwork can be delivered 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.

Red Earth, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote 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.

Students interested in competing, or teachers seeking further information, can visit www.redearth.org or call Red Earth at 405-427-5228.