10/13/2026
ACT announces Tahlequonia winners; vote for Peoples Choice next week at Bluebird Gallery, Wed - Sat. 10 -5
The Arts Council of Tahlequah is pleased to announce Troy Jackson took Best of Show at the annual Tahlequonia Art Competition and Sale, Friday, October 2 at the new Arts Council of Tahlequah Bluebird Gallery and Studio.
The annual Tahlequonia show added 3D this year along with Art and Photography categories and hope to add a stained-glass category in 2027. Jackson was awarded $150 for Best of Show with his clay and steel piece, “The Joining.”
Tahlequonia closes Saturday, October 17 at 5 p.m. which gives people Wednesday - Saturday from 10 - 5 to view the exhibit and vote for a favorite People’s Choice.
“We appreciate all the artists who participated in Tahlequonia, and guests who attended the opening reception to christen our new Bluebird Gallery and Studio,” said Renee Fite, ACT president. “We look forward to making many more amazing memories, and sharing the love of art with all who wonder what they’re missing wander our way.”
Making the evening its best, Freddy Ferrell with Insurance Professionals of Oklahoma, Holly Kirk with Skin Spa and Boutique, Josh Hutchins Attorney at Law and Dr. Seth Moore, Chiropractior.
Arts Council of Tahlequah announces Tahlequonia winners; a week left to vote for People's Choice
Congratulations to all artists for bringing beauty to the Bluebird.
Jean Havens placed first and second place in Photography for “Blazing Winter Sunset in Illinois,” and “Jacob’s Ladder,” and receives $100 for first place, and $75 for second place. Robert Hails placed third with an untitled piece and received $50.
First Place in the Art category went to Karen Housley for her watercolor, “Janis’s Chair,” receiving $100. Becky Lucht placed second in Art with her scratchboard piece, “The Silver Mesa Saddle,” and earned $75. Troy Jackson also placed third in art with, “Journeys End,” clay and steel piece and received $50.
Julie Gowling Hayes won first in Oil/Acrylic Art with “Out to Pasture,” receiving $100 and second place with “Red Rock and Junipers,” receiving $75. Third place went to Madeline McBride for, “In Extreme,” receiving $50.
ACT also established a newcomer award, “Arts Council of Tahlequah Merit Award,” given to an amazing, emerging artist, Reece Hoover.
People’s Choice will enjoy the title and $100, vote this week for a favorite. Tahlequoia closes Sat. Oct. 17 and a new exhibit of members art will be available..
Other artists and photographers featured in the show are Bryn Smith, Erynn Crittenden, Peggy Hague, Diana Gordineer, Ken Brown, Austin Troyer and Renee Fite.
Along with art for sale, there are ‘how to’ art books for children and adults, art supplies, smudge sticks, handblown vintage Bluebirds of Happiness and more. For more info call 918 457-0235 or 918 457-7345.
CUTLINES: Jean Havens receives a check for winning first and second place in Photography from Renee Fite, ACT president, with board members, from left Matt Anderson, Fite, Havens, aery Crittenden and Peggy Hague. Bryn Smith photo]
Reece Hoover earned the ne , wcomers award, “Arts Council of Tahlequah Merit Award,” and receives a check from Renee Fite, ACT president and with board members Matt Anderson, Erynn Crittenden and Peggy Hague sharing congratulations. Bryn Smith photo
Karen Housley receives a check from Renee Fite, ACT President for placing first in Art, with board, from left, Matt Anderson, Fite, Housley, Brynn Crittenden and Peggy Hague. Bryn Smith photo
ACT Board members at Tahlequoia, from left, Bryn Snith, Peggy Hague, Matt Anderson, Renee Fite and Erynn Crittenden. Not pictured Drew Haley.
