Tulsa International Airport Arts
and
Culture Public Art Display
Curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios
This exhibit celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and creative resilience of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Through a thoughtfully curated selection of historical artifacts, family heirlooms, and contemporary works of art, it highlights the enduring legacy of the Muscogee (Mvskoke) people.
Each display case focuses on a specific theme:
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Culture: Honoring the historical roots of the Muscogee Nation, showcasing maps, historical information, and literary works.
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Connection: Tying the past to the present through family traditions and heirlooms that tell stories of resilience and love.
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Continuous: Demonstrating the unbroken thread of Muscogee creativity through textiles, beadwork, and traditional art forms.
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Contemporary: Innovating today to inspire tomorrow, featuring modern Muscogee artists and creators whose work reimagines tradition for a new generation.
The backdrop of the exhibit displays the Hastain's Township Plats of the Creek Nation, representing the original allotment lands that became Tulsa, a visual reminder of the U.S. government’s assimilation policies under the Dawes Act. This policy, while deeply disruptive, could not extinguish the vibrant cultural and artistic identity of the Muscogee people.
Together, these elements tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Display Case 2
"Connection"
Tying the Past to the Present through Family and Tradition
This case highlights the deeply personal connections that sustain Muscogee culture and traditions. Featuring heirlooms such as beadwork and a cookbook passed down from the artist’s grandmother, Mvskoke hymnals from a great-grandfather, and a painting by the artist’s aunt, family pictures, these items reflect the enduring bonds of family and the importance of preserving cultural identity. Additional contributions, like stickball sticks and shell shakers, emphasize the shared traditions that continue to unite the Muscogee people across generations.
Please click on links below to learn more
A heartfelt mvto (thank you) to John Brown and Britteny Cuevas-Brown for the donation of the stickball sticks, and to Jamie Creek-Bennett of Mvskoke Threads for providing the turtle shell shakers. Your contributions honor the traditions of the Muscogee people and enrich this exhibit by sharing the tools and symbols that connect us to our heritage.
Display Case 3
"Continuous"
The Unbroken Thread of Muscogee Creativity
This case showcases the enduring artistic traditions of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. From intricate textile displays and moccasins by Jamie Bennett and Irene Creek, to a vibrant ribbon background and a commemorative Fife Collection brochure, these items reflect the continuous thread of creativity that connects generations. Each piece honors the past while embodying the resilience and innovation that define Muscogee artistry today.
Please click on links below to learn more
A sincere mvto (thank you) to the Fife Collection and to Jamie Bennett of Mvskoke Threads. Your generosity in sharing these remarkable items, including textiles, moccasins, and other cultural artifacts, honors the artistic legacy of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Your contributions ensure that the unbroken thread of creativity continues to inspire and connect us all.
Display Case 4
"Contemporary"
Innovating Today, Inspiring Tomorrow
Please click on links below to learn more
This exhibit was curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios and made possible by the Tulsa International Airport Arts and Culture program. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and creativity of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Through artifacts, heirlooms, and contemporary works of art, the exhibit highlights the enduring legacy and unyielding spirit of the Muscogee people.
A heartfelt mvto (thank you) to the artists, contributors, and the Tulsa Airport Arts and Culture team for their dedication to sharing these stories and honoring Indigenous voices.
