Chickasaw artist Dustin Mater, the designer of the "Spring" Pendleton blanket, is the first featured artist at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center, located at the southwest corner of S.H. 7 and I-35 at exit 55.
Mater's featured art work will include original paintings and various prints, jewelry, contemporary interpretations of traditional Native American gorgets as well as his signature piece "The Red Flying Serpent," an original shell sculpture piece.
All pieces will be available for purchase, with prices starting at $10.
Mater recently made history when he became the first artist to have a southeastern tribal design featured on a Pendleton Woolen Mills "Legendary" series blanket.
The "Spring" blanket features Mississippian designs signifying rebirth, fresh beginnings, good luck and prosperity.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said that it is fitting for Mr. Mater, a groundbreaking Chickasaw artist, to be the first featured artist at the facility.
"This welcome center will help introduce visitors to the depth of Chickasaw culture as expressed by our talented artists," said Gov. Anoatubby. "Dustin Mater's artwork pays tribute to the many generations of Chickasaw artists who have embraced our culture and tradition."
Mater said the design on the blanket is based on the ancient culture that brought new life and a creative spark to his artwork.
Mater attended Santa Monica College and the Multimedia Institute in North Hollywood. He has continued to develop his skill set through different kinds of artistic adventures in different mediums.
Whether he is engraving traditional shell gorgets, etching designs in glass, or creating graphic designs for poster art, his work bears the mark of his ancient Mississippian culture.
Mater's work will be on display at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center for four months.
