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Beyond the Trail of Tears Cultural Arts

Beyond the Trail of Tears Cultural Arts

by Renee Fite

City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media


Art and music define every culture, as expressed by the individuals who create it. The Beyond the Trail of Tears Cultural Arts District Board is working to empower Adair County artists who are creating art in many mediums which reflect their experiences, from basket weaving to painting. Bringing their art to the attention of the community and beyond is one way the non-profit group is helping them tell their story - which is also the story of Adair County.


Members met on February 5 to discuss plans for their first fundraiser, a gala and art auction set for June 1 at the Rustic Pearl. Corporate tables will be available and individuals tickets as well.


“We’re telling our story. This is our hometown,” said Faith Phillips, founder of the organization. “I’ve lived here forever and the story is often lopsided.”


She was joined by board members Jessica Green, B.J. Latta, Joshua Sam and the newest member Levi Keeler.

New arts group is set to empower Adair County artists


Steve Garrett recording his podcast


Beyond the Trail Cultural Arts District board hosted their inaugural Gala fundraiser in  2024.

photo: Renee Fite

“Our artists tell our story better than most. I’m excited to highlight the people telling our story. On the tribal side our art is vital to our culture,” Phillips said.

 

And she’s excited to tell people how beautiful the city is,” said Phillips.

 

Keeler, owner of Consulting and Counseling for Community Change, said art expresses things like nothing else can.

 

“Art makes total sense to express what the needs of the community are. I know value is using art as a healthy coping measure,” Keeler said.

 

Keeler was invited to join the board after speaking to one of Phillips classes when she was teaching English and Creative Writing at Stilwell High School.


“I’d brought him in to talk to students about restoring your culture and how to fill holes in healthy ways when roots are ripped out,” she said.


The students were in the midst of the pandemic and working on the Death Capital of the World podcast.


“We’re encouraging people, if you learn about your culture it changes

 the whole narrative of who are you and where you come from,” said Phillips.


Latta, who works at Stilwell High School and makes tie dyed clothing and items, said they launched the group to give back to the community.

 

“A community without art is behind the caveman,” said Latta. “We have so many talented artists, and this gives us a way to bring attention to them and promote their art - them.”


For Green, art can be a unifier.

 

“Art can be an equalizer of have and have nots. We want every aspect of our arts community to be represented,” said Green.

 

Phillips said, “No dividing lives with art.”

 

“We saw all of the art that is here and want everyone to celebrate,” she said.

 

“Art changes the world,” said Keeler.


The goal of the cultural arts group is to empower and change the world for all artists in Adair County for the better.

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