TAHLEQUAH – For Cherokee National Treasure Troy Jackson, every piece of art is personal. That connection shone through as his sculpture Battle of a Nation earned Best of Show at the 2025 Cherokee Homecoming Art Show.
Cherokee Nation citizen and Cherokee National Treasure Troy Jackson earned Best of Show at the 2025 Cherokee Homecoming Art Show.
The CN citizen’s artistic career began at an early age. With a grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he attended a commercial art class at Bacone College. Soon after, he began freelance painting. Jackson then finished his undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University in ceramics, and later, his master’s degree at the University of Arkansas.
“I consider myself to be very fortunate that my journey as an artist began at a very early age and never having an issue with what I wanted to be,” Jackson said. “I’ve been told that in everyone’s life, God throws down sparks of passion for careers. I just happened to pick mine up. The battle, however, was where my art needed to be and how to get there. Having come from a practical-minded family, making a living was what mattered most.”
Jackson said the meaning behind his winning piece, “Battle of a Nation,” is that important things are worth fighting for, and that nothing comes easy. The piece tells a headstory of both the Cherokee Nation and the United States as a whole.
“The sculpture itself is divided into two media,” Jackson said. “Clay and steel. Clay represents God-made and identifies as one of the most abundant natural substances in existence. It’s warm, life-like quality gives me the ability to express a more vulnerable state of humility through symbolic work. The cold touch of steel represents man-made products. It signifies strength in our society and promotes man’s quest for discovery and ingenuity. Although these two interpretations clash in many different ways, they help to form our society and give man the opportunity to weigh progression as either good or evil.”
Jackson said his work is the result of his experiences. During his creative process, he first imagines an image in his head, then tries to replicate it to perfection.
Winning best of show, he said, always feels humbling. He hopes that viewers of his work will see not only the craftsmanship but also feel and understand what he is trying to express.
“My goal is to produce Cherokee art through the 21st century,” Jackson said. “Or at least as far as I can. Documentation is very important for culture and perhaps one day my work will contribute a few answers to the profound existence of Cherokee people.”
Jackson said the Cherokee Nation has been supportive to his and the community’s artwork. He is encouraged to teach pottery under the National Treasures’ Mentorship program and the Artists’ Recovery Act program, giving him a chance to share his knowledge and experience.
“My advice to young artists is first of all, and most important, develop a driving passion for their art,” Jackson said. “And finally, never give up.”
For more information, visit homecomingartshow.com.