Statue made by Cherokee National Treasure unveiled at Cherokee Cultural Pathway

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation has unveiled the tribe's final large-scale art installation at the Cherokee Cultural Pathway in downtown Tahlequah.

The nearly 6-foot-tall sculpture, "The Spirit of Giving" depicts Selu, a Cherokee corn woman, and was created by Cherokee National Treasure Jane Osti.

The statue was created using red earthenware clay and carved and sculpted using multiple methods in honor of the stories and traditions of Cherokee people. Decorated with friendship designs and the symbol for corn, the statue represents the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and respect for life, harmony and the balance of nature.

Osti's piece is the last of five large-scale art installations along the pathway, joining the works of fellow Cherokee National Treasure Eddie Morrison and Cherokee artists Tama Roberts, Karen Sixkiller and Rebecca Kunz.

As part of its rotating exhibitions, the pathway is also currently hosting "Keli Gonzales: Drawn to Culture." The exhibit features 11 large-scale reproductions of Gonzales' work, demonstrating her unique and vividly rendered reflections on Cherokee identity today.

For more information on Cherokee Nation exhibits and events, go to www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.