Cherokee Blog

The annual Cherokee Blue Ridge Run returns to the Cherokee Fair Grounds on September 7–9, with a jam-packed lineup that promises lots of “motorcycles, music, and cool stuff!” This three-day festival includes concerts, bike shows, stunt shows, artists, vendors, flat track, bike games, factory demo rides, tours, food trucks, and more.

At any age, artists bring their own perspective and experience to their craft. In addition to learning from those who came before, makers within the same generation can impact each other’s work. “Renewal of the Ancient: Cherokee Millennial Artists” will open September 1 at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. This new exhibit features more than 60 works from 18 artists who are members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, ages 40 and under.

The Kananesgi Fashion Show on Saturday August 25, 2018, 5–8pm, will showcase contemporary and traditional Cherokee designs by enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with custom fabrics created by the artists. Vendors will also be selling their work. Come meet the makers, place custom orders, and enjoy some food after the show. 

Generations of Cherokee artists are represented at the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the nation’s oldest Native American Cooperative that preserves and promotes the traditional arts and crafts of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While the shop is open year round, the annual Open Air Indian Art Market provides visitors an opportunity to meet many Cherokee artists who are members of Qualla Arts and Crafts, and watch them create their masterpieces.

Though the sport of Lacrosse came from stickball, there many big differences between the two games. For one, Cherokee stickball players do not wear any sort of padding or protective equipment. They don’t even wear shirts. Stickball is not a game for the faint of heart. Learn all about how the game is played by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians today in North Carolina.