TISHOMINGO, Okla. – Works by three Chickasaw artists earned top awards at the 2024 Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM), including Best of Show, Best of 2D and Best of Culture.

Regina Free’s life-sized creation of a bald eagle preparing to take flight was named Best of Show by SEASAM judges.

She was astounded and thrilled. “I couldn’t believe it. I just started sobbing,” Free said.

While organizing her SEASAM booth to welcome art lovers who jammed into the SEASAM pavilion to enjoy First American creativity, Free visited with many who admired the work in addition to several paintings she exhibited.

Free resides in Newkirk, Oklahoma, near the Kansas border in Kay County. She is no stranger to winning awards, but this marked her first Best of Show.

Titled “Osi,” the Chickasaw word for eagle, Free estimates it took approximately 300 hours to complete.

“Osi” is made entirely of paper and foam except for wood, used for the talons and the bird’s eyes.

Each feather was hand-painted, a laborious task, Free said.

“Every one of these feathers was touched many, many times,” she said, smiling. “You know when a plan comes to fruition … winning was like that for me. A lot of time and effort went into the piece and to be named Best of Show is such an honor.”

Surprisingly, some indecision is connected to “Osi.”

Initially, Free thought about creating a bison. Then, the notion of fashioning a golden eagle crossed her mind. It was a photo of a bald eagle that inspired her to begin what would be judged the finest SEASAM entry.

The driftwood from which “Osi” is preparing to spring forth was discovered along the Arkansas River near Newkirk.

“There are a lot of treasures you can find along the river if you just look,” Free said.

Free has dedicated more than two years advancing an art career sidelined when she and her husband married and began a family. She earned a college degree in art.

She and her husband lived for a time in Montana before returning to Oklahoma. She drew inspiration for the wonderous natural beauty of “big sky country.” But Oklahoma is home, and when the opportunity to return presented itself, they eagerly relocated.

Another Chickasaw artist claimed an award in her first adult competition.

Keegan Bellefeuille’s portrait of a First American dancer titled “Anukfokachi” was awarded Best of 2D by SEASAM judges. Two works of the dancer – whom she photographed during a powwow at Oklahoma City’s Myriad Gardens – were entered.

“Anukfokachi,” which means “to inspire” in the Chickasaw language, is in Prismacolor pencil, and the image bursts forth in brilliant colors.

“I am happy how it turned out,” Bellefeuille said. “It captures the young boy in First American regalia before a dance competition. It is colorful and subtle at the same time since he’s sitting for a portrait. The other painting of him is in acrylic and shows him performing,” she said.

This is only Bellefeuille’s second SEASAM competition. In 2023, her portrait titled “Clear Bear” was Best of Show in the SEASAM youth competition. She turned 18 this year and competed against seasoned adult artists at the show hosted annually during the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival.

Bellefeuille is a student at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

Longtime Chickasaw Nation employee, artist and creative beading enthusiast Tammy Stick earned Best of Culture with one of her signature beaded bolo ties inspired by Joshua D. Hinson, Executive Officer of Language Preservation for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Culture and Humanities.

Stick’s bolo of a garfish resembles Hinson’s creation that became the first Chickasaw-themed Pendleton blanket several years ago.

Stick, who has served the Chickasaw Nation more than 20 years, created the tie from exceedingly small, multicolored beads with colorful tassels that accent the off-white and gray garfish. Titled “Ancient Ancestor,” the main bolo is approximately 5 inches long and 4 inches wide.

“I really tried not to cry when it was named Best of Culture,” Stick said, “but that didn’t happen. I cried tears of joy.”

While it isn’t the first time Stick has won awards for her creations, it is the first time she has finished among top SEASAM artists.

Garfish are culturally important to Chickasaw people. The animal’s image is associated with both the Green Corn Ceremony and the Garfish Dance. For centuries, Chickasaw warriors hunted deer, bear, game and fish. The garfish was prized for its large size and spirited fight.

“I immediately associated it with the Creator and my Ancestors,” Stick explained.