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By Kelli West

| Chickasaw Country

Chickasaw Country announces two featured artist exhibitions now open through July 10, 2025. Chickasaw artists Kate Wiley and Amy Gantt are showcasing their artwork at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis and the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur.

Kate Wiley debuts as a featured artist at the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center in Davis. A proud Chickasaw citizen, Wiley specializes in abstract paintings using fluid acrylics and resin.

While her work goes beyond traditional Indigenous style, elements of her heritage are evident in each piece. Drawing inspiration from nature and energy present within all people, each painting is a unique expression of these influences.

“I have learned a lot from fluid art,” said Wiley. “It has a mind of its own. There is much less control over how a piece turns out than painting with brushes. I go in with a basic color scheme and design in mind. How the piece turns out sometimes, is not at all what I had envisioned.”

Her exhibition, “An Expression of Movement,” expresses the dynamic energy found through intuitive painting. As a dancer for nearly 30 years, Wiley integrates her love for movement into her paintings.

“I went with the ebb and flow of the paint and created them intuitively,” said Wiley. “I describe my art as dancing on canvas. I love to incorporate beautiful, flowing movement that makes you sway as you follow the momentum of each piece.”

Wiley hopes her art inspires others.

“I really would like people to take away a feeling of freedom and joy from my art,” said Wiley. “I hope to encourage others to try an art form, any kind, to find what you enjoy doing in life and to be free to be who you want to be.”

Amy Gantt, also a Chickasaw citizen, is exhibiting her work at the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur. Gantt is an accomplished artist and educator who specializes in painting, drawing and mixed media. Her exhibition’s overarching theme is an exploration and reimagining of Southeastern symbols.

The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore Gantt’s artwork, which combines various mediums to create layers of visual depth and meaning.

Known for her intricate block prints, Gantt starts by carving a block and printing with ink before adding layers of gouache, watercolor and ink. Recently, she has incorporated text into her collages, including excerpts from old Choctaw hymnals.

Visitors have the chance to experience art that Gantt describes as “bold, graphic and inventive.”

Gantt is currently an Assistant Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Prior to her academic career, she served the Chickasaw Nation for 13 years. Gantt’s work has been widely exhibited in Oklahoma and Texas, where she has earned recognition for her contributions to the art world.

“I enjoy exhibiting my work at various Chickasaw Nation events,” said Gantt. “I appreciate the ways in which the (Chickasaw) Nation supports and champions artists.”

View both exhibitions until July 10, 2025. For more information, visit ChickasawCountry.com.

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