SULPHUR, Okla. — The Chickasaw Nation will host the 13th annual Artesian Arts Festival Saturday, May 2, at the Artesian Plaza.
The Artesian Arts Festival celebrates Chickasaw and other First American art and artists, and features a vibrant array of live music, cultural dance demonstrations, family-friendly activities, face painting, food vendors and more. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Attendees can explore a vast collection of fine art from First American artists representing many federally recognized tribes.
A diverse selection of visual art, including paintings, photography, sculpture, beadwork, textiles, basketry and pottery, as well as unique jewelry and metalwork created by First American artists, will be showcased.
The 2026 festival is a juried art show and market, and is open to any federally recognized First American artists.
Planning for the Artesian Arts Festival begins several months in advance and involves numerous Chickasaw Nation departments, as well as officials from the City of Sulphur, Murray County, the National Park Service and the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce, among others, Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Special Events and Community Development Jody Teeter said.
Details such as street closures, ice delivery, tent availability, sound equipment, picnic tables and coordination with emergency management are organized months in advance, Teeter said.
“The Artesian Arts Festival is a community event, and it takes several organizations working together to host a safe, all-encompassing festival,” he said. “The festival signifies the Chickasaw Nation’s continuing support for First American artists and support for the local economy.”
Open to the public at no charge, the Artesian Arts Festival welcomed more than 8,880 art patrons to downtown Sulphur last year — just 14 months after a tornado tore through the historic downtown area, leaving many businesses and homes damaged or destroyed. In the two years since the storm, several businesses have rebuilt and reopened.
Melinda Culbertson, co-owner of Sole’renity Spa at The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa, said she and her staff eagerly anticipate the annual return of the Artesian Arts Festival and the positive festival atmosphere.
“Our team at Sole’renity Spa looks forward to the Artesian Arts Festival every year,” she said. “The culture it brings to our property — along with the incredible artists and food — truly excites us. I love seeing the creativity each artist brings, and I always end up finding my favorite turquoise treasures. This arts festival is such a special event that draws people from all over to experience not only The Artesian Hotel and Sole’renity Spa, but the heart and charm of our wonderful town of Sulphur.”
Artesian Arts Festival Entertainment
In addition, a talented lineup of entertainment is planned. Musical entertainment scheduled includes Bly, Emily Rhine and Oklahoma Legacy, as well as Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey, A.J. Harvey and RCB Band.
First American dance demonstrations from the Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe, Chickasaw Nation Dance Studio, Pueblo Enchantment Dancers, Wahweah Crew and the Southern Plains Dance Troupe are planned.
Several food vendors will be available, offering a wide array of delicacies.
The Artesian Arts Festival takes place at the Artesian Plaza, adjacent to The Artesian Hotel and Spa, 1001 W. First St., Sulphur.
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Performing and Visual Arts Division at (580) 272-5520, visit ArtesianArtsFestival.com or email ArtistInfo@Chickasaw.net.