The long house in Farmington is set to host a unique art exhibition on June 11, featuring the work of three talented Cherokee artists. The event, which will take place at 4 p.m., promises to be a family-friendly experience, with no admission fee. Hosted by local historian Dr. Ryan Johnston and the Johnston Center, the exhibition will showcase the artistic talents of Roy Boney Jr., Christopher Coursey, and Mary Lupton.
About the Artists
Roy Boney Jr., a Cherokee Nation Citizen, is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and writer. He is also the manager of the Cherokee Language Program, leading efforts to preserve and revitalize the Cherokee language. Boney’s educational credentials include a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Studio Arts. His work has been shown nationally and internationally, and he is the liaison representative for the Cherokee Nation to the Unicode Consortium. Boney’s visual artwork may be familiar to fans of comic book art, as he created the variant cover artwork for Marvel Comics’ Amazing Fantasy starring Spider-Man for #1000. He is also credited with the variant cover artwork for Venom #8 and Marvel Voices: Heritage. Boney is a graphic novelist and has worked on several documentary films, including the National Park Service production Trail of Tears. “I am the writer, director, producer, and animator of several short animated films spoken in the Cherokee and Muscogee languages,” Boney said. “I have worked on several documentary films, notably serving as illustrator on the National Park Service production Trail of Tears. I am also a contributing author in the book ‘American Indians and the Mass Media’ and I have contributed art & articles to ‘Indian Country Today’ magazine.”
Mary Lupton: A Painter and Digital Artist
Mary Lupton, a Cherokee Nation Citizen, is a contemporary Cherokee painter and digital artist based in Oklahoma City. She has been creating art since early childhood and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2023. Lupton’s work often explores themes of nature, space, and the human figure, integrating Cherokee and Southeastern Mississippian elements to tell abstract and vibrant stories. Lupton’s recent accolades include 2nd Place in Painting at the 2023 Cherokee National Holiday Art Show, the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Trail of Tears Art Show, a Merit Award in Painting at the 2023 Cherokee Homecoming Art Show, and an Honorable Mention in Painting at the 2024 TOTAS. In addition to her studio practice, Lupton serves as an illustrator for Holiday House and as Secretary for the Southeastern Indian Artists Association (SEIAA) for the 2024–2025 term. “My work is a collection of vibrant images that emerge from my imagination and dreams,” Lupton said. “Through acrylic paintings, ink and alcohol marker drawings, and digital creations in Procreate, I transform these visions into tangible expressions that create a dialogue, drawing people in and resonating with their hearts.”
Christopher Coursey: A Self-Taught Artist and Filmmaker
Christopher Coursey, a Cherokee Nation Citizen, is a self-taught artist, filmmaker, and writer from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He has emerged as a dynamic voice, translating Indigenous experiences into mixed media, with his ever-expanding portfolio encompassing painting, sculpture, and cinema. Coursey’s creativity is rooted in cultural relevancy, and his art often reflects his tribal roots and the landscapes of northeastern Oklahoma. “I always try to incorporate things that involve emotion, earth, femininity, and animals, and things like that; and a lot of those things relate to Cherokee principles,” Coursey said. After contributing to two feature-length films, “Cherokee Word for Water” (2013) and “Wildfire: Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse,” Coursey launched his directorial efforts through his own Native Fable Movie Production company. His first short drama “The River Woe” (2022) tells of a Cherokee man losing his job and navigating survival through tradition and language, featuring an exclusively Native cast and crew, including Cherokee First Language speaker Marlene Glass Ballard. Coursey has continued to push creative boundaries. In social media posts and interviews, he announced the production of new short films, such as the horror-themed “Siren of the Wood” and “Bison Quest,” aiming for all-Native teams and culturally authentic storytelling. His film, “The River Woe,” has been submitted to numerous festivals and has received private screenings, and he plans a broader release via YouTube.
Upcoming Events and Exhibitions
The Long House exhibition will be a unique opportunity to learn about the art and culture of the Cherokee Nation. The event will take place on June 11 at 4 p.m. and will last for two hours. There will be no admission fee, making it accessible to everyone. View the artworks of Roy Boney Jr., Christopher Coursey, and Mary Lupton on display at the Long House. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your cultural horizons, appreciate fine art in mixed media, and learn about Long House and its designation as a historic site by the National Park Service on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
About the Hosts
The exhibition is hosted by local historian Dr. Ryan Johnston and the Johnston Center. The Johnston Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Ryan Johnston is a renowned expert on Cherokee history and culture, and his involvement in the exhibition is a testament to his commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of the Cherokee people.
Getting Involved
To learn more about the exhibition and the artists, visit their websites or social media pages. The Johnston Center is also involved in various cultural events and activities, and you can stay updated on their website or social media channels. The exhibition is a unique opportunity to engage with the art and culture of the Cherokee Nation. Don’t miss this chance to expand your cultural horizons, appreciate fine art in mixed media, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people.
