Works eligible for these awards also will be eligible for awards in their respective category. Winners will be announced during the awards reception.

Bill Rabbit Legacy Award – $300
This award is for original works in any medium or category honoring the work of Cherokee National Treasure Bill Rabbit. This award is sponsored by Rabbit Studios in honor of Bill Rabbit’s artistic achievements and legacy. He was a self-taught artist and U.S. Veteran whose work is featured in the Cherokee Heritage Center’s Trail of Tears exhibit and his paintings are prized throughout the nation. Works eligible for this award also will be eligible for awards in their respective category.

Betty Scraper-Garner Elder Award – $200
This award is for original works in any medium or category by an artist 55 years of age or older. Betty Scraper-Garner, a 1993 Cherokee National Treasure in Basketry, taught three generations of weavers in her family. Her daughter, Cherokee National Treasure Vivian Cottrell, and grandchildren honor her legacy through this award. Works eligible for this award also will be eligible for awards in their respective category. 

Emerging Artist Awards – 1st $600, 2nd $400, 3rd $200
Three awards are given for original works in any medium or category from Cherokee artists who have shown work in less than three previous Homecoming shows. Eligible artists cannot have won any previous Homecoming awards. Works eligible for this award also will be eligible for awards in their respective category.

Merit – $250
This award is given to artists for their high quality and commendable pieces of honorable mention. There are total of 15 awards given across all categories.