Ani Art Center
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
SA new treasure has been opened in Stilwell, and it’s free to visit. The Cherokee Nation Ani (strawberry) Art Center is open and ready for visitors with exceptional fine art, pottery, baskets, dress wear, and more. Also, classes are now being offered.
This art center is located at 406 B W. Locust Street, behind the Cherokee Tag Office. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Preserving and collecting art for exhibits is one of the best ways to connect culture and community. Seeing traditional subjects in much of the art, such as Noel Grayson flint knapping, a Phoenix rising with its story to tell, and traditional tear dresses, some as fancy as a ball gown, are all windows to history and represent traditional culture past and present.
The current exhibit was chosen for the grand opening and will remain until February, 2027. It includes 84 works of art by 66 artists, including 17 Cherokee National Treasures.
A variety of fine art, pottery, baskets, and dress wear are among the items in the current exhibit at the Ani Art Center in Stilwell.
photo: Renee Fite
At the grand opening, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said Cherokee artists are revered not only for their dedication to their craft, but more importantly, for the way they enhance the way viewers experience and share the history, culture and traditions of the Cherokee people.
“Through hands-on programming, artist support and community partnerships, this center will connect generations, honoring traditional knowledge while creating opportunities for artists to grow, share and carry these practices forward. This will serve as a cultural hub that connects, inspires and empowers those dedicated to sharing our story,” Hoskins said.
The name of the center, Ani, honors the Strawberry Capital of the World legacy Stilwell has worn since shortly after the first Strawberry Festival in 1948, held annually the second Saturday in May.
This exhibit was selected to honor the impact of the
Artist
Recovery Act, which made the Ani Art Center possible. Originally enacted in 2022 and extended in 2025 by Chief Hoskin, the historic legislation allocated $4 million to purchase artwork from Cherokee artists, support market access, and create opportunities for artists to showcase their work and expand their reach. Part of that includes up to $1.6 million to support artist-related capital projects like the Ani Art Center.
The Ani Art Center is a true reflection of the commitment Cherokee Nation continues to demonstrate for artists and the art community, said Talisha Lewallen, manager of cultural programs and events.
“Seeing this level of support exist beyond the tribe’s capital city is empowering, and it will have rippling effects throughout the reservation as we continue to elevate, celebrate, and share all that makes Cherokee culture and history so beautiful,” Lewallen said.
Some of the artists with work in this exhibit are Troy Jackson, Eddie Morrison, Traci Rabbit, Jane Osti, Kindra Swafford, David Scott, Sally Ann Paschall, Crystal Hanna, Scott Middleton, Carol Armstrong, Robin Stockton, Kenny Glass, Dena Coleman, and Kimberly Jones.
This is an exceptional opportunity for citizens and visitors to learn about Cherokee history and traditions, said Mayor Jean Ann Wright.
“The Ani Art Center is such a gift to our community. Visitors can experience museum quality art, in beautiful surroundings and at no cost,” Wright said. “It will also give people another reason to come to Stilwell, and possibly shop, eat out and buy gas, so yes we are grateful for many reasons to welcome Ani Art Center to Stilwell.”
One of the paintings in the current exhibit depicts a Cherokee flute player entertaining a child.
photo: Renee Fite
