SEIAA History

Originating in 2004 as the Cherokee Artists Association (CAA), which included the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, CAA later expanded its membership to include all tribes and non-Indigenous supporters, focusing on Southeastern Native American artwork. 

The Southeastern Indian Artists Association (SEIAA) started in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the home of the Cherokee Nation capital. It originally began in 2004 as the Cherokee Artists Association (CAA) and only included members from the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee, and Keetoowah Band of Cherokee. After several years of activity and growth in the Tahlequah community, CAA expanded its membership to include Native American Indigenous and non-Indigenous members alike. Thus, CAA became SEIAA, an Indigenous artists association designed to promote Southeastern Native American art and history, as well as provide support for business, research, and networking in the arts industry and beyond.

With 21 years of community involvement, SEIAA members have participated in traveling art shows, juried and non-juried art exhibitions, art business workshops, pop culture conventions, archeological conferences, numerous art markets, and much more; promoting Southeastern Native American art within the greater arts world.

SEIAA is a 501(c) nonprofit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of Southeastern Native American art through collaborative member efforts. Members consist of, but are not limited to, Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, scholars, teachers, and professionals of all fields brought together by their combined understanding of the importance of Southeastern Native American art.

Our Mission

The Association shall promote full member artists and their artwork, both traditional and contemporary, and strive to bring member artists to the attention of wider audiences. The Association shall strive to influence the aesthetic discourse and increase art-related communication in the area of its influence. The Association will aim to educate the public about both traditional and contemporary art forms, and professional and experienced artistic expertise will be made available through the Association members to communities and other constituencies.

2025 – 2026 SEIAA Officers

President – Mary Lupton (Cherokee Nation)
Vice President – Beth Anderson (Cherokee Nation)
Secretary – Candice Byrd-Boney (Quapaw, Osage, and Cherokee Nation)
Treasurer – Shelley Patrick (Muscogee Nation)
At-Large #1 – America Meredith (Cherokee Nation)
At-Large #2 – Robbie Atabaigi (Absentee Shawnee)
At-Large #3 – Diana Folsom (Choctaw Nation)