Tourism Centers Launch New Art Exhibition in July
Chickasaw Country, OK— 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 Curtis Caton, a Chickasaw citizen who grew up in Kittery, Maine. His bright watercolor and acrylic artworks are inspired by his passion for capturing the beauty of The Creator. His favorite hobbies are painting native drums and educating future generations in art appreciation. Caton has an incredible second-chance story that led to his artistic passion. Sentenced to prison more than 20 years ago, Caton used art as a creative outlet while incarcerated. He now lives in Stroud, and his work can also be found at the ARTesian Gallery in Sulphur.
The Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis, Oklahoma, will feature the award-winning works of Don Grace. This Chickasaw artist focuses primarily on stained glass pieces ranging from nature to First American culture and often incorporates geodes into his pieces. Grace has taught at three Oklahoma school districts in Sweetwater, Reydon and Watonga. Since retiring as an educator in 2012, Grace has been running his own business called Colorful Creations Stained Glass. His artwork has won numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Elk City Fall Festival of the Arts.
“Both Curtis and Don are talented Chickasaw artists who work within such different mediums,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation. “Their ability to tell stories through art is a testament to these artists’ talent and the power of First American culture within art.”
These exhibits will run from July 1 through October 31, 2023, at The Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur and the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis. Artwork from both Caton and Grace will be available for purchase. 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]