Catoosa’s Vault Gallery A BY TOM FINK
newly established art gallery vault was one of the prominent features along the Mother Road in within the space, we decided to call it northeast Oklahoma will the ‘Vault Gallery’ and open it up as a be showcasing the works of Native source of cultural tourism.” American artisans. Although the group had hosted art Just off Route 66 in Catoosa, the shows previously, their newest exhibit Vault Gallery is the culmination of the – entitled “The Spirit of Collaboration” – aspirations and efforts of a group of will coincide with the grand opening of dedicated Native American artists and the art gallery in February. volunteers. “We’re now in the position that this The group? The Route 66 Native Arts will be our third (art) show, we have the Alliance. gallery, and we’re developing a cultural “Route 66 Native Arts Alliance is a tourism program,” she said. “We’ve grassroots movement that was born already had basket making classes, out of the idea to create an opportunity pottery making classes and more., but to educate, display and promote the gallery will give us the opportunity Native American art and artisans,” said to highlight the work of Native Betsy Swimmer, Route 66 Native Arts American artists all the time.” Alliance. “When the group Swimmer, herself a member of the was being formed, everyone Cherokee Nation, has been a volunteer was excited about the idea at the Tulsa Indian Arts Festival, was of displaying (Native founding member of the Indian American) art – Territory Arts & Humanities Council in paintings, pottery, Broken Arrow, and under the auspices weaving, etc. – but of Tulsa Global Alliance, coordinated a we needed a Native American art show which went location in order to Germany in 2000. for us to be able Even so, she still encounters persons to do this. without an accurate frame of reference “Being a realtor, for her culture. I’m familiar “The impact of our people and of our with property tribal leaders is pretty amazing, and in the area one that we always enjoy telling people and was aware about,” she said. “But when people come of a space that to the area, they may have heard of the became available strong Native American influences and to us in Catoosa, the people here. They really don’t know right along Route much about us, our contributions or our 66, which is heritage, so we have the opportunity appropriate since to share with them about our history it’s also a significant through conversation, and at the Vault part of our heritage,” Gallery, through our art.” she continued. Native American artists help make “We acquired the the knowledge presentable through space – which had their work, in such a way that people previously been are more attracted to it and upon being occupied by Bank attracted, have the opportunity to learn of America – and, since a about its origins.
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VALUE NEWS ROGERS COUNTY MARCH 2022 WWW.VALUENEWS.COM
Among the Native American artists to be featured at the “The Spirit of Collaboration” exhibit are Crystal Hanna, Clancy Gray, David Bruntzel, Traci Rabbit, Gwen Lester Coleman, Mary Beth and John Timothy, Daniel Martin Horse Chief, Dianna and Harry Beaver, Rise Thelanker and others. “We especially like the gallery being located on Route 66 because of the historical significance and its association with Andy Payne – I knew him personally when I lived in Oklahoma City,” she said. “There are many tie-ins (with Route 66), and the fact that the Route 66 Centennial will be taking place in 2026 makes this the ideal location for us to share our art and cultural pride with visitors, giving them an authentic experience on Route 66.” Swimmer said the gallery is planning to have four major exhibitions a year and once open, artists will be on-site regularly to meet with the public. “The attraction here is that this is a gallery which was founded by artists to display their work,” she said. “This is an artist-driven gallery that will be organized and run by an artist committee made up of authentic Native American artists, who will be on-site. There will be no question about the authenticity of what they’re producing. This will be the definitive attraction for travelers wanting to learn more about Native American culture.” “The Spirit of Collaboration” exhibit will coincide with the opening of the Vault Gallery, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. The Vault Gallery is located at 1801 Highway 66 in Catoosa. Once open, the gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Cost to visit is free, but donations will be accepted, and authentic art will be available to purchase from participating artists.
Vault Gallery
1801 HIGHWAY 66 | CATOOSA, OK (918) 277-2278 | WWW.RT66NATIVEARTSALLIANCE.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/1613477402172018
