RED EARTH NAMES RAY "DUCK" GARCIA AS 2025 HONORED ONE
Oklahoma City, OK - Red Earth, Inc. is proud to announce Ray "Duck" Garcia as the 2025 Red Earth Honored One, a prestigious recognition awarded annually to a Native artist whose lifetime achievements and contributions have significantly impacted Indigenous arts and culture.
A highly respected artist and cultural ambassador, Garcia’s work has been instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional Native art forms while also inspiring new generations of Indigenous artists. Known for his masterful craftsmanship and deep-rooted storytelling through his art, Garcia has dedicated his life to sharing the beauty and traditions of Native culture with audiences worldwide.
"We are honored to recognize Ray 'Duck' Garcia for his extraordinary contributions to Native art," said Chelsey Curry, Executive Director of Red Earth, Inc. "His dedication, skill, and passion for preserving and evolving Indigenous artistic traditions have left an enduring impact on our community. He truly embodies the spirit of the Honored One distinction."
As the 2025 Red Earth Honored One, Garcia will be recognized during the Red Earth Festival, where he will be celebrated for his artistic legacy and cultural contributions. The festival, a premier event for Native art and culture, will take place in Oklahoma City, showcasing the works of artists from across the country and featuring dance, storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences. The festival will take place March 21-23, 2025, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The festival features a juried art market showcasing Indigenous artists from across the country, along with dance performances and cultural demonstrations that highlight the vibrancy of Native traditions.
General admission day tickets are $20 and include access to the Red Earth Art Market, general admission seating for the Red Earth Dance Showcases, and full access to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. A $45 three-day ticket is also available, providing attendees with the opportunity to experience the festival and museum throughout the weekend. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge with a paid adult.
Red Earth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an Allied Arts member agency. This project was supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts along with Chickasaw Nation, KFOR, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oklahoma City Community Foundation, The James H. & Madalynne Norick Foundation, Tinker Federal Credit Union and Native American Center for Cancer Health Excellence (NACCHE). Red Earth’s mission extends beyond the festival, encompassing education, a museum collection, and fine art markets, all aimed at advancing the understanding and continuation of Native American culture and arts.
For more information about the Red Earth Festival and Ray Garcia’s recognition as the 2025 Honored One, please visit www.RedEarth.org or contact Red Earth, Inc. at (405) 427-5228.
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The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides hundreds of grants to organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural sector, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.