Rena recently returned home to Oregon from the annual Artesian Arts Festival, where her beautifully crafted pucker-toe moccasins were on display for more than 10,000 patrons. Featured among the more than 100 artist entries this year, Rena enjoyed displaying her work while sharing stories behind her work and the Chickasaw heritage.
"I imagined dancing with my Chickasaw ancient ancestors as I created these moccasins," said Rena. "Talking to people about our traditions of dance was one of the highlights for me at this year's festival."
Hosted by the Chickasaw Nation, the annual Artesian Arts Festival is held each spring in Sulpher, Oklahoma to spotlight prominent First American artists from across the country. The show features a vast array of original, diverse art such as paintings, basketry, jewelry, sculpture, metalworking, bead work, textiles, pottery and more.