The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, will feature the fiber artistry of award-winning Chickasaw artists, Tyra Shackleford and Margaret Roach Wheeler, April 5 – May 19.
A meet the artist reception has been set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at the Heritage Center.
Ancient handwoven techniques, looms, artifacts, history, culture and family are the tools by which the two women produce award-winning art. While many women may spend their entire lives researching their family history, hoping to discover who they are, both Tyra and Margaret seem to know the answers to their lives and what inspires them.
Every piece they produce tells a story – their story. They will share those stories in their own words and
through their art when their show, “Textiles Transcending” opens in April.
One of Shackleford’s new pieces is Twin Turkeys. She was inspired and created her own pattern, based
off two pieces of art: an Eagle design, and a Mississippian shell gorget that had a southeastern design.
“I take my inspiration from the weaving techniques themselves, pre-historic artifacts, Mississippian
iconography, and Chickasaw culture and stories. Everything I create relates in some way to my culture
and provides me a way to share my culture with the world,” Shackleford said.
Married and a mom of two
young children, ages 2 and 10, she balance her home life, work at the Chickasaw Nation and art. She
said she probably won’t be a full-time artist until she retires, but her exhibit calendar is filled through all of this year and already has dates for 2019-2021.
For Wheeler, who has been a working artist for more than 40 years, this show is her biography. She is a
Chickasaw-Choctaw descendant. One of her pieces includes poles that are near 7-feet tall, with cloth
featuring images of her mother (at age 93), herself and her granddaughter (at age 3). It includes Irish
lace, a Mexican brass lantern and other found objects. It is a tribute to the women in her family.
“It’s work that I’ve done about me and my family. It’s a tribute to my parents. I’m a storyteller, that’s what I do,” she said. “My family was my inspiration for this show. It’s about being an independent free woman in today’s world.”
Both women were raised in different eras and with different mindsets, but, as Chickasaw artists, each are
deeply committed to their cultural history. Wheeler was surprised earlier this month with the Oklahoma
Governor Arts Award for her work. In 2017, she was one of six artists selected by Chickasaw Nation Gov.
Bill Anoatubby , to collaborate on an ensemble for Miss Oklahoma Triana Browne to wear in the Miss
America “Show Us Your Shoes” parade. The outfit was to spotlight Browne’s Chickasaw culture.
Wheeler’s contribution included a blanket she created on her vintage loom at her studio (Mahota Studio)
in Sulphur.
Wheeler will share this and many other stories at the reception. Both women will also talk of their
friendship and how they find inspiration from their heritage. Shackleford will share stories about her
upbringing, including being a member of the Chickasaw Dance Troupe and how her father’s artistic
abilities have influenced her. It was her desire to have a show with Wheeler and this will be the first time
they have exhibited together and the first time for the Heritage Center to feature textile artists.
Reception will start at 2 p.m. There will be an introduction of the artists. Refreshments will be
available.