Jereldine Redcorn is passionate about preserving the heritage and art of Caddo potters. Until recently she was one of the few living Caddo potters practicing the age old art. To acknowledge her body of work and her diligent efforts to revive the almost lost art form Red Earth, Inc will recognize Redcorn as the 2009 “Red Earth Honored One” during the 23rd Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival scheduled June 5-7 in downtown Oklahoma City.
Redcorn, a resident of Norman, OK has been acknowledged as a master potter for her efforts to revive the lost art of Caddo pottery by institutions throughout the U.S., including the Smithsonian and the Chicago Arts Institute. Her work has recently been selected for display not only in the White House, but in President Barack Obama’s Oval Office.
Years of research and handwork led Redcorn to rediscover the art form, and she claims her most important goals are to pass on the knowledge she has gained to other Caddo women. She travels extensively sharing her wisdom, expertise and Native American culture with others.
Since its inception in 1987, Red Earth has selected a Native American master visual artist whose support of Native American art has been substantial throughout his or her life for this annual recognition. Redcorn joins an impressive list of 28 Native American artists have received the award in previous years including Allan Houser, Archie Blackowl, Mildred Cleghorn, Doc Tate Nevequaya, Mike Larsen and Mavis Doering.
Redcorn has a long tradition as a participating artist with Red Earth and has the distinction of serving as the first Executive Director of the organization. She has been an artist in residence at the Art Institute of Chicago, a Rockefeller Fellow at the Newberry Library in Chicago, and a Smithsonian Community Scholar. She is currently commissioned to design two additional Caddo pots for the Smithsonian collection while her pottery is on display in museums and homes of archeologists and art collectors worldwide.
