OKMULGEE – The College of the Muscogee Nation’s Indigenous Media Club (IMC) hosted its inaugural Art Market on June 5 in the college’s lecture hall. 19 vendors sold items such as beadwork, ribbon skirts, stickers, plants, handmade crafts, lemonade, and Indian Tacos. The market also offered a silent auction. For IMC, this year’s market was a success, and the organization plans to host it annually.
The idea for the art market came about in the 2025 fall semester, when IMC members discussed plans for the academic year, including budgeting and club activities. Members expressed interest in hosting an art market at CMN, and that no such event had ever been held on campus.
“Students saw this as an opportunity to create a new community event by inviting local artists to CMN to showcase and sell their artwork, handmade goods, and other creative products. The event would also provide students, employees, and community members with an opportunity to engage with local Indigenous artists while supporting small businesses and cultural expression,” stated IMC.
IMC President Nathan Dunson (Mvskoke/Seminole) said their overall goal was to support the community by providing vendors with an opportunity to market their merchandise.
The silent auction items were donated by the vendors. These items included a finger-woven bracelet, beaded earrings, quill earrings, a beaded wristlet keychain, ribbon skirts, a leather belt, a beaded lanyard, a heart-shaped garden bed, lye, custom-made purses, and artwork.
“It was great to see so many vendors showcase their talents and creativity on campus, as well as the community coming out to support local artists. Indigenous representation is a topic often discussed in our club meetings, whether in film, literature, or personal forms of expression. The CMN Art Market featured a wide variety of merchandise that reflected Indigenous perspectives, providing meaningful examples of cultural representation and artistic expression,” stated IMC.
IMC was really excited to see all the unique crafts and artwork made by CMN students, employees, and the community. They also explained how they were excited to buy gifts for their family.
Dunson added that he couldn’t wait to hear the community’s feedback and that this would give IMC a chance to adjust and grow.
“The event was a great success! CMN employees, students, and community members had the opportunity to shop for unique merchandise and experience the welcoming social atmosphere of an Art Market. In addition, the Indigenous Media Club, Unkind Artist Club, and Environmental Science Club were all able to raise funds during the event. These proceeds will help support future club activities and events, including opportunities to host community-centered gatherings like the CMN Art Market,” stated IMC.
IMC would like to thank all the vendors, volunteers, and the Unkind Artist Club for participating and for their dedication to making this event possible. “Your contributions helped make the event a success, and we are grateful for your support.”
To be more up to date with other events, you can follow CMN’s Facebook page at College of the Muscogee Nation.
