Choctaw Artist Norma Howard inducted into Native American Artists Hall of Fame

Choctaw/Chickasaw artist Norma Howard was posthumously inducted into the Native American Artists Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 18, 2024, during the 2024 Native American Artists Hall of Fame Gala at the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art in Durant, Oklahoma.

Howard’s husband, David, accepted the award. Members of Howard’s family were on hand for the presentation. Cherokee artist Traci Rabbit and Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen were also honored at the gala.

A resident of Stigler, Oklahoma, Howard began drawing at an early age but didn’t launch her career in the art world until her mid-thirties. She was a self-taught watercolorist and painted images of personal reflection and true-to-life Native American heritage.

She was well known for her paintings, which were highly sought after and collected by art lovers nationwide. Her work has been featured across the country and won many awards.

Howard passed away on April 30, 2024, at the age of 65.

Norma Howard’s family pose for a photo with Chief Gary Batton during the opening of the special art exhibit at tribal headquarters, honoring the work and legacy of the late Choctaw artist.

The Howard family was also honored with a reception at the Choctaw Nation Tribal Headquarters in Durant on June 7 and presented a certificate of appreciation for Howard’s many contributions to the Choctaw culture through her artwork and love of Choctaw history.

The reception honored Howard and her contribution to the Choctaw Nation and its history and culture through her outstanding talent illustrating the Chahta Spirit of Faith, Family and Culture.

A special temporary exhibit of Howard’s art is currently on display in the front lobby of the tribal headquarters in Durant. The exhibit is free and open to the public.