“The JHCC&KM Gift Shop prides itself on having a variety of wares made by Keetoowah members. We also are proud of supporting our community—most of our wares were made by generations of Keetoowah families within our fourteen districts," - gift shop manager Raelie Grayson.
By Marilyn Craig | John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum Marketing Manager
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A pair of Keetoowah brothers each entered several categories in the Five Civilized Tribes Museum Student Art Show. When the winners were announced, both boys received awards and recognition for several pieces. Both Pettit boys are homeschooled through the Epic Charter school curriculum.
It’s no surprise the boys are becoming award winning artists, considering the boys’ parents are also traditional native artists. Their dad, the late Tommy Leigh Pettit, was a prolific Keetoowah artist who made carved canes and walking sticks, rock carvings, stickball stick earrings, carved wooden boxes, beadwork and copper jewelry including pendants and bracelets.
Their mom, Waylie Pettit is also an artist who makes jewelry, including earrings made of fish scales (they’re beautiful) pine needle baskets, and has her own line of soap, Sassy Pig Soaps. It has 100% all natural ingredients including lard, coconut oil, goat milk, natural mica colors, and lye.
The oldest brother, Levi Thomas-Edward Pettit, a sophomore, won the Florence Hart McIntuff award for "Connection", the deer bone ring set. This was the highest level of the show ...this award/grant only goes to the best in show of traditional pieces only.
Levi also got second place in sculpture/woodworking for "Little Turtle", a clay figure. In addition, he received an honorable mention for "Earthen Journey" for his clay necklace. He also received honorable mention for cultural arts division for "connection" the ring set.
Younger brother Ely Sequoyah-Charlie Pettit, a freshman, won the Frances Rosser Brown award, the second highest overall of the show for “Daksi, Time to Dance" traditional turtle shell dance rattle. He also got second place in his grade category in cultural arts for "Daksi Daksi, Time to Dance". Ely also received an Honorable mention in painting/drawings category for "No Going Back". All their stuff is for sale at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, OK until March 31.
You don’t have to travel to Muskogee to purchase the Pettit family’s art. The Keetoowah Museum gift shop has many of their items for sale. “The JHCC&KM Gift Shop prides itself on having a variety of wares made by Keetoowah members. We also are proud of supporting our community—most of our wares were made by generations of Keetoowah families within our fourteen districts," said gift shop manager Raelie Grayson.
The gift shop is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. and Saturdays by appointment. For more information, visit the JHCCKM Facebook page, tribal website, or call 918-871-2866
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