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Art Market, Cultural Demonstrations, Educational Exhibits, Storytelling, Authentic American Indian Food, Student Art Exhibit
Schedual
Friday, February 13th
Festival Open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PREVIEW NIGHT! 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 14th
Festival Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 15th
Festival Open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
History
Twenty three years ago when The American Indian Theater performed "The Trial of Standing Bear", Randolph Mantooth came from California to Tulsa to portray Standing Bear. He commented to Monetta Trepp that since Tulsa is in the heart of Indian Country, Indian artwork should play a prominent role in the city and he found none. So - - - around November, 1986, Monetta and five of her friends met for lunch and Tulsa Indian Art Festival was conceived. The goal was to showcase the outstanding artwork of Oklahoma's Indian Country and to create an awareness of the rich and diverse culture of the American Indian. At that time, there was no other annual Indian fine art market in Oklahoma. There was no money; there were no artists contacts; and no one knew what a "Festival" should be or how to accomplish whatever that was. Good intentions and faith would be enough.
On March 20, 1987, the first Tulsa Indian Art Festival was held in the Pavilion at Expo Square. Ben Shoemaker had donated a painting to the Theatre Company so Ben's painting, "The First Night', was the featured artwork. Approximately 40 artists exhibited and about 100 dancers participated in the Pow Wow. The Grand Entry was so magnetic that it brought chills to all who watched. Many local Indians dressed in traditional dress and participated in the entertainment and activities. Attendance exceeded all expectations. It was a magical event and after 23 years, people still comment on that "magic".
Skip Rowell was featured artist the second year. After the success of the previous year, the Festival moved to the lower level of the Exposition Center. Artists from all across the U.S. came to Tulsa to exhibit. Growing pains became obvious as all involved needed more experience. Again, faith and good intentions prevailed. The Festival continued and moved back to the Pavilion. Soon the Pavilion was too small so it was on to the Trade Center.
Arvest Bank became the corporate sponsor which provided funds for a move to the upper level of the Exposition Center. By this time, there were over 100 exhibiting well-known artists and over 600 participating dancers. Friday was "education day" and 2,000 to 3,000 students from all over Oklahoma and some from Kansas and Arkansas attended.
After many years of coordinating the Pow Wow, Jimmie Wildcat retired. Because of mounting expenses, lack of corporate sponsors, and Jimmie's retirement, the Pow Wow and "education day" were discontinued. The Festival moved to Greenwood Cultural Center to focus on fine art.
The Festival outgrew Greenwood so in 2006 it moved to the Tulsa Event Center which closed in November. In 2007, the Festival came full circle when it moved back to the Fairgrounds. Now in it's 23rd year the festival has moved into the new Spirt Bank Event Center.
Throughout its 23 year history, the Festival has survived snow storms, tornado sirens, electrical failure, lack of funding and numerous moves. Two of the founders have remained active. The Tulsa community has become more involved. American Indian art has become a household word. Many American Indian students have benefited from the TIAF scholarship program and Tulsa is becoming known as a destination for American Indian artwork. Good intentions and faith must prevail as the Festival continues to evolve.
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