The Muscogee (Mvskoke) Nation on Saturday will celebrate the grand opening of the Mvskoke Waters Gallery, the first tribally owned art gallery in the Tulsa metropolitan area, with its inaugural exhibition, Mvskokvlke: Road of Strength.
The exhibit highlights the enduring journey of the Mvskoke people, shaped by history, community, and strength passed down through generations. “The Muscogee people have always moved forward with resilience, carrying our identity, traditions, and sovereignty with us,” said gallery organizers.
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Mvskokvlke: Road of Strength explores the ways Mvskoke continue to uphold their sovereignty not only politically, but also through culture, language, and art. Each work reflects the deep connections the community maintains with the land, ancestors, and one another. “Despite forced removal, assimilation policies, and repeated attempts to erase our presence, our traditions and stories continue to thrive, carried forward with intention and care,” the gallery said in a statement.
The exhibition features works by more than 20 Muscogee artists. Co-curator and Muscogee artist Bobby C. Martin called the project “an honor and a labor of love. The Muscogee Nation has long been known for its abundance of talented artists, artisans and makers. The opening of the Mvskoke Waters Gallery marks the start of a new chapter in giving voice and opportunity to our artists.”
Organizers said the exhibition is “both a reflection and a celebration of where we have been and a reaffirmation of who we are today. It is a reminder that we are still here, sovereign and strong.”
The gallery, located at Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks, will host the official grand opening of Mvskokvlke: Road of Strength on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.