By Staff Writer

A hub for Native American art and community.

Oklahoma’s legacy of Native American art stands out in our state but in one Norman gallery, it stands tall. Tribes Gallery has been an authentic art hub in the Norman community for nearly 35 years, a community staple at 512 W. Main St.

Local resident Leslie Pate owns Tribes Gallery, as well as Native American Calendar, Inc. and Tribes Appraisers. Pate’s lifelong journey in art and entrepreneurship is inspired by her father, who instilled in her a passion for business.

“My father was a builder and developer. He put me in a real estate academy during my senior year of high school. I graduated and earned my real estate license in the same month; I had to wait until I turned 18 to take the state exam, which fell in the same week as graduation,” said Pate.

While attending the University of Oklahoma, Pate began assisting a prominent American Indian/Southwest gallery with events in Oklahoma City. When a six-year apprenticeship became available under Doris Littrell, a renowned gallery owner and expert in Native American art, Pate seized the opportunity.

Though Pate studied geography and geographic information systems (GIS), her passion for art led her to run her own gallery, even after considering a move to Washington, D.C. The opportunity to give her daughter a childhood surrounded by friends and family won out.

The gallery has changed addresses, most recently from 24th Ave to its current location three years ago, but remains something the public returns to again and again. She describes the gallery as family-friendly, with children welcome.

When asked what she wants people to feel upon visiting the gallery, she said she wants patrons “to enjoy the evolution of art through each generation.” 

“With the vast inventory of fine art and the gift boutique… from the historical works on paper, textiles, cultural items, jewelry and pottery to the current artists, (I want visitors) to have a better understanding of our Indigenous community through the arts,” Pate explained.

When Boyd Street Ventures (BSV) founder James Spann reached out about showcasing art in his business location at 331 W. Boyd St., Pate recognized the potential for a partnership. Featuring live art at home games and events is the result of that connection.

The BSV Collection also features art for sale.

 “For each home game, we have live art at BSV cheering on the Sooners at the tailgate. His gracious offer affords the gallery the ability to promote local artists to those who might otherwise never see their works,” said Pate.  “All works in the 3,000 square-foot location are available for purchase, with Tribes Gallery donating 10% of sales to the endowment fund.”

 The Norman Economic Development Coalition has formed a similar partnership, with the NEDC Collection pieces for sale through Tribes Gallery.

 “This style of gallery is different and more involved than your standard gallery. Most have an assumption that this is easy, but the reality is long hours, extensive knowledge and research of all tribal cultures and history,” she explained. “Expectations are higher, as each painting has significance pertaining to the tribal affiliation depicted.”

Tribes Gallery is a Made in Oklahoma retailer, carrying artisan products from around the state, which are sold in its gift boutique.

“I support other small businesses across the state and across the nation,” said Pate. “We have a wonderful selection of unique items, from hand-dyed and stamped silk and linen scarves and bandanas to spa products, Pendleton gifts, Bedre chocolates, teas, coffees, unique pet items, books, journals, turquoise and more. If you are seeking something special associated with the region, we probably carry it.”

Known for its calendars featuring Native American art, this year marks three decades of the gallery’s signature product – the Annual Native American Calendar. A calendar signing & Holiday Market will take place Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 at Tribes Gallery.

“I will have more than 20 artists with new works during that weekend,” said Pate. “This event kicks off our holiday events and shows with several events and live art each weekend until Christmas Eve. Small Business Saturday [the Saturday after Thanksgiving] is another weekend we will have live art and festivities.”

Find event announcements at facebook.com/Tribes131. More information about Pate’s work and Tribes Gallery is also available at tribes131.com.