Saralyn Chee
    Episode One

    Saralyn Chee

    Navajo (Diné) • Emerging Artist • Red Earth Festival 2026

    In the first episode of Red Earth Conversations, Executive Director Chelsey Curry sits down with emerging artist Saralyn Chee to talk about her artistic journey, the inspiration behind her work, and what it means to participate in the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival.

    The conversation gives listeners an opportunity to get to know one of this year's Emerging Artist Award recipients before meeting her at the festival.

    About Saralyn

    Saralyn Chee is a fifth-generation Navajo silversmith based in Northern Oklahoma. Working entirely by hand, she uses traditional silversmithing techniques passed down through her family. Her jewelry emphasizes balance, protection, water, and connection to the natural world, blending ancestral knowledge with contemporary expression.

    Georgia Harjo
    Episode Two

    Geogria Harjo

    Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw, Seminole and Cheyenne • Emerging Artist • Red Earth Festival 2026

    In the second episode of Red Earth Conversations, Executive Director Chelsey Curry sits down with emerging artist Georgia Harjo. She is more than an artist. She is a cultural ambassador, educator, dancer, and advocate who is passionate about sharing Native culture with the next generation. In this conversation, we talk about her artwork, her experiences representing Indigenous communities, her nonprofit work, and what being named a Red Earth Emerging Artist means to her.

    The conversation gives listeners an opportunity to get to know one of this year's Emerging Artist Award recipients before meeting her at the festival.

    About Georgia

    Georgia Adeline Harjo’s connection to Red Earth spans many years, beginning in the Youth Art Show where she earned numerous awards across multiple categories. In 2025, she was named Best in Show at the Red Earth Youth Art Show and served as Head Girl Dancer at FallFest, Red Earth’s youth powwow. Georgia was also crowned Miss Indian Oklahoma 2024–2025, a role in which she represented Native youth, culture, and community across the state. Her artistic practice includes traditional regalia, beadwork, sewn cultural items, and two- and three-dimensional media that reflect identity, culture, and continuity.

    Episode Three

    Kate Wiley

    Chickasaw

    In the third episode of Red Earth Conversations, Executive Director Chelsey Curry sits down with Kate Wiley, a Chickasaw artist and former Red Earth Emerging Artist. Kate shares how growing up in an artistic family inspired her creative path and what influences her artwork. She also discusses what life as a professional artist is really like, and how her Chickasaw heritage continues to shape her work.

    From winning Red Earth's Emerging Artist recognition to building her own creative brand, Kate offers an honest look at her journey and shares encouragement for the next generation of Native artists.

    About Kate

    Kate Wiley is a Chickasaw artist whose vibrant paintings celebrate movement, storytelling, and her cultural heritage. Inspired by dance, photography, and the natural world, Kate creates bold contemporary works that capture the energy and spirit of Indigenous traditions. A self-taught artist and 2023 Red Earth Emerging Artist Award recipient, she continues to share her work through Taloa Oka Studio while inspiring the next generation of Native artists.

    Native artist Brent Greenwood

    About Brent

    Brent Greenwood is an award-winning Chickasaw and Ponca artist known for creating powerful contemporary works inspired by Native history, culture, identity, and storytelling. His richly layered paintings combine traditional imagery with expressive color, texture, and modern artistic techniques.

    Throughout his career, Brent has exhibited his artwork across the country and has earned recognition for his contributions to Native art. In 2024, Red Earth named him its Honored One in recognition of his artistic accomplishments, cultural impact, and continued dedication to the Native art community.

    Episode Four

    Brent Greenwood

    Chickasaw and Ponca Artist

    In this special two-part episode of Red Earth Conversations, Executive Director Chelsey Curry sits down with acclaimed Chickasaw and Ponca artist Brent Greenwood. Brent reflects on the experiences, people, and cultural influences that shaped his creative journey and helped him develop his distinctive artistic voice.

    He also discusses the realities of building a career as a professional artist, the importance of continuing to grow creatively, and what it meant to be recognized as Red Earth’s 2024 Honored One.

    Listen to Part One

    Brent shares the beginnings of his artistic journey, the influences that guided his work, and the experiences that helped shape him as an artist.

    Listen to Part Two

    The conversation continues as Brent discusses his career, artistic growth, Red Earth experiences, and the lasting importance of Native artists sharing their own stories.

    Coming Next

    New Red Earth Conversations episodes release every Friday at noon leading up to the 40th Annual Red Earth Festival.

    Friday, July 24
    Noon

    Gregg Standridge

    Choctaw and Cherokee

    Friday, July 31
    Noon

    Jane Semple Umsted

    Choctaw
    2026 Red Earth Honored One