Photo Details

November

Vincent, a 70-year-old Comanche, competes in the fancy dancing event at the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival. The festival, held each year in Oklahoma City, brings together over 1200 artists and dancers from over 100 tribes, nations, and bands to celebrate their heritage.

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The dance competition at the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, held each year in Oklahoma City, is one of the rare occasions when some of the most accomplished dancers from America's Northern and Southern tribes can be seen together in one venue. The dancers, each in their own distinctive tribal dress, exhibit their originality and skills in one of the most prestigious of all native dance competitions.

The Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival is the largest and most respected visual and performing arts event of its kind in the world. Since 1987, the annual festival has highlighted the diversity of American Indian cultures in an environment of the utmost quality and respect for both the artist and participant. Today, more than 1,200 artists and dancers from throughout North America gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world. Guests have the opportunity to view and purchase contemporary and traditional beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, graphics, and cultural attire during the juried art show and market.

The festival itself is just one of many ways that Red Earth, Inc., in programs dating back to 1978, promotes the rich traditions of American Indian arts and cultures. Educational programs operate year-round to showcase art, dance, music, and literature. The Red Earth Museum hosts a respected permanent collection of more than 1,400 items of Native American fine art, pottery, basketry, textiles, and beadwork. Exhibits feature widely acclaimed traveling exhibitions, as well as such prized permanent exhibits as the Deupree Cradleboard Collection.

For additional information, including the dates for next year's festival, visit www.redearth.org.

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