Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts
Mission Statement
To provide an educational environment for the advancement of Native art and culture.
Overview
OICA is dedicated to providing a professional learning environment where graduates are prepared to become professional artists and educators in the Cherokee Nation and beyond. OICA will support community cultural revitalization and preservation and will provide classes and outreach programs to enrich and foster an appreciation of not only Cherokee arts and traditions, but all native arts and culture.
Our Associate in Fine Arts Degree program is unique in our partnership with the Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University. This partnership allows for an exchange of cultural traditions and artistic insight on multiple levels. Our students will experience firsthand the legacy of Cherokee artisans, as well as contemporary artists from the region, through our partnerships, visiting artists, and gallery programs.
In addition, our students will explore both native and world culture and the importance of art as a human phenomenon. The sum of the educational experiences and partnerships will develop a strong visual voice, exceptional craftsmanship, and a broad understanding of speaking visually.
OICA Board Members
- Juanita Wilson, Chair
- Carmaleta Monteith, Vice-Chair
- Yona Wade, Secretary
- Albert Crowe, Treasurer
- Diamond Brown
- David Smith
- Nikki Nations
- Amelia Haynes, Student Member
OICA Staff
- Jeff Marley, Program Coordinator; email: j_marley@southwesterncc.edu
- Brian Kane, Program Instructor; email: b_kane@southwesterncc.edu
- Frank Brannon, Adjunct Instructor
- Julie Jacobson, Adjunct Instructor
- Phyllis Jarvinen, Adjunct Instructor
- Beth Johnson, Adjunct Instructor
Contact
Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts
70 Bingo Loop Rd
PO BOX 920
Cherokee, NC 28719
Telephone: (828) 497-3945
On the web: http://www.southwesterncc.edu/finearts/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OICANC
