Arts & Music

Profiles of a Nation

Meet the musicians, artists and performers who have expressed the strength and beauty of the Chickasaw Nation.

33 Items

Beth Perkins

A talent for capturing the importance and beauty of ordinary life
Beth Perkins is a photographer who aims to capture the importance and beauty of ordinary life.

Brenda Kingery

Award-winning contemporary artist dedicated to women in the indigenous arts
Brenda Kingery is a professional artist who uses the experiences she has had to influence the subject matter for her visual stories.

Brent Greenwood

Incorporating early tribal history with contemporary design elements to breathe life into his art
He is an award-winning contemporary artist of Chickasaw and Ponca heritage.

Chad Burris

Changing the perception of Native Americans through film and cinema
Chad Burris is an attorney, entrepreneur, film producer and proud member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Christie Volkmer

"The Amazing Race" contestant descended from a long line of influential Chickasaws
Chickasaw citizen Christie Volkmer is a truly multitalented individual, exhibiting the typical Chickasaw characteristics of dedication.

Courtney Parchcorn

Channeling her emotions and connecting to her Chickasaw history and culture through art
As a testament to the deep love and respect she holds for her grandfather, Chickasaw artist Courtney Parchcorn created a special piece just for him.

Daniel Worcester

Combining the ancient craft of metalworking with creative self-expression
Renowned Chickasaw bladesmith whose family heritage inspired him to become a part of the Native American art community.

Dustin Mater

 A lifetime cultivating artistic talent to beautifully represent Chickasaw history and culture
Dustin has spent a lifetime cultivating his skills in graphic representation.

Eric Smith

A modern artisan paying homage to a truly ancient craft
Eric Smith is a Chickasaw bow maker who shared his talents with Hollywood in the Oscar-nominated film "The Revenant."

Ezekiel Walker

Life's work to tell genuine stories of his people
Ezekiel Walker now resides in Los Angeles and has worked as a television producer.

Heather Ahtone

Devoted to developing an interdisciplinary approach to studying Native American art
Heather Ahtone is the senior curator at the First Americans Museum in downtown Oklahoma City.

Kortney Greenwood

A young published author of two books with plans for more in the works
The Murray State College student is a published author of two books and has plans for more in the works.

Jeannie Barbour

An incredible talent for bringing Chickasaw heritage and culture to life through her artwork
Barbour is a Chickasaw artist working as a professional artist, illustrator and writer.

Jeff Carpenter

Preserving his Chickasaw heritage through music as a member of band, Injunuity
Guitarist Jeff Carpenter is a Native American Music Award winning member of the folk/rock band, Injunuity.

Jeremy Wallace

Passing down Chickasaw cultural beliefs, customs and traditions to future generations
Wallace was a cultural instructor, musician, and performer at the Chickasaw Cultural Center and a member of the Chickasaw Dance Troupe.

Jerod Tate

Emmy Award-winning classical composer dedicated to American Indian classical composition
He is a classical composer and proud member of the Chickasaw nation dedicating his work to the development of American Indian classical composition.

Katie Barrick

A passion for music and an alumna of the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy
Hailing from Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Chickasaw violinist Katie Barrick is a senior at Oklahoma City University (OCU) majoring in Music Business.

Joshua D. Hinson

A lifelong dedication to the perpetuation of the Chickasaw language
Joshua D. Hinson is a Chickasaw linguist, artist and cultural historian dedicated to the perpetuation of the Chickasaw language.

Dr. JudyLee Oliva

Celebrated writer known for bringing the story of Te Ata to life
She is a Chickasaw playwright known for her work titled "Te Ata," which was inspired by one of Oklahoma's most intriguing Native storytellers.

Kristen Dorsey

Handcrafted pieces that mix her Chickasaw visual traditions with style from the California coast
She uses the world around her to inspire her jewelry designs that are more than just an ornament to wear and reflect her Chickasaw cultural heritage.

Margaret Roach Wheeler

Award winning artistry using modern technology to help her with an ancient pastime
As an award-winning weaver, Margaret Wheeler balances fashion with art and her weavings have been features in museums across the United States.

Maya Stewart

High-fashion designs inspired by the traditions and cultures of the Southeastern tribes
Maya Stewart is a Native American of Chickasaw, Creek and Choctaw descent and accomplished fashion designer.

Michael Cornelius

Keeping the tradition of Chickasaw music and craftsmanship alive
Cornelius is a family man who practices the art of flute making to connect to the heritage of his Chickasaw ancestors.

Mike Larsen

World-renowned artist whose works honor the culture and history of the Chickasaw Nation
Mike Larsen is a world-renowned Chickasaw painter and sculptor who has created Native American art for over 40 years.

Paul C. Moore

Award-winning artists whose work is inspired by his rich tribal heritage
Chickasaw citizen and Oklahoma native Paul C. Moore is a multi-talented artist who continues to share his skills with his home state.

Rebecca Hatcher Travis

Her work draws on the memories of Oklahoma landscapes and ancestors passed on
Rebecca Hatcher Travis is following the storytelling footsteps of her revered Chickasaw ancestors.

Ryanne Jordan

A passion for fashion and textile design
Ryanne Jordan has been cultivating her love of the arts since she began dancing at age 3, but her appreciation for fashion design came later.

Tabitha Fair

Best-selling vocalist influenced by her Oklahoma roots
Tabitha Fair is a successful Chickasaw pop, country and gospel singer who has been flexing her vocal chords since the tender age of 11.

Tim Cornelius

Bringing rivercane to life to create one-of-a-kind Native American flutes
Tim Cornelius is a family-oriented Chickasaw musician and craftsman.

Triana Browne-Hearrell

A cultural ambassador bringing Americans together
Named Miss Oklahoma USA 2019, Triana Browne-Hearrell is ready to continue her work as a cultural ambassador.

Valorie Walters

Dedicated to sharing the rich history and culture of the Chickasaw people with all
Valorie Walters is Under Secretary for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Culture and Humanities.

Wyas Parker

Accomplished Chickasaw pianist and guitarist
As an award-winning musician, Parker has been playing instruments since he can remember.

Zach Garcia

Attributes his strong work ethic and determination to his Chickasaw heritage
Zach is an award-winning musician, a honor student, and has been a part of the Chickasaw Nation's Chikasha Apihchi Ikbia youth leadership program.