New Art Exhibits at the Chickasaw Country Tourism Centers tell stories of First American Ancestry
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2023
Chickasaw Country, Okla. - Chickasaw Country, the tourism division of the Chickasaw Nation, will unveil two new art exhibits at the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur and the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in nearby Davis, Oklahoma.
The Chickasaw Visitor Center will feature the work of Alicia Saltina Marie Clark, a Caddo citizen who grew up in Oklahoma City. Clark’s work is full of patterns and colors, and uses charcoal and graphite for the individuals in her paintings. Each art piece has a contemporary feel, while the subject matter is about preserving her ancestor’s history through art.
“It is an honor to recreate an art that has been lost and give it a new life,” Clark said. While not every piece she creates is taken from the stories of her ancestors, she said every work of art she creates is a story.
Clark received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and holds a Master of Education with Montessori Certification from Oklahoma City University.
Choctaw Native Dylan Cavin will have framed prints featured inside the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center this spring. Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, his interest in art started in middle school looking through comic books. Years later, this military veteran made a career painting and creating figure drawings.
“It’s an honor to have my work displayed,” Cavin said. “I’m just doing something I love, and to be recognized for it is very humbling.”
He also works in other art mediums, including photography, graphic design and has even dabbled in tattooing. Cavin was commissioned by the Oklahoma Arts Council to paint a portrait of the Choctaw Code Talkers of World War 1 which is on display in the Oklahoma State Capitol. Dylan attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
“The artists showcase the incredible talent right here in Oklahoma,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation. “We invite visitors to experience their works firsthand and learn about the Caddo and Choctaw heritage through their art.”
Both exhibits will run March 1 through June 30, 2023, at the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur featuring Alicia Saltina Marie Clark’s work and at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis showcasing the work of Dylan Cavin. For more information, visit www.chickasawcountry.com.
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About Chickasaw Country
Nestled in the south-central region of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country is a regional tourism organization representing 13 of Oklahoma's 77 counties. A division of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Country is a tourism resource for visitors and communities in the region, promoting local attractions, experiences and events. South-central Oklahoma is an easy, versatile, friendly and beautiful escape packed with First American and Western culture, outdoor recreation, local dining, breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind festivals. For adventure-seekers, cultural lovers and everything in between, Chickasaw Country is uniquely positioned as a go-to, spur of the moment, easy-to-get-to, ever-changing vacation, for a day, a weekend, a week or longer.
Contact: Lacey Lett
Tourism Communications Sr. Manager
Chickasaw Country
405-217-5115
[email protected]