The Cotton Street Gallery, known for showcasing regional art and history, recently paid tribute to the Poarch Creek Indians efforts in supporting the arts and local communities. The Tribe was honored by the gallery, located in Andalusia, for their ongoing contributions to Alabama’s cultural landscape. This recognition highlighted the Tribe’s commitment to preserving their rich heritage.

The Poarch Creek Indians Regalia and Traditional Art Reproduction celebrated the rich history of handcrafted regalia and traditional art. Items displayed included Pow Wow and Princess regalia, basketry, quilts, reproduction pottery, and copper medallions, as well as arrowheads on loan from the Covington County Historical Museum. The Emmy Award–winning documentary The Forgotten Creeks, also aired continuously at the gallery during the exhibition.

“We were thrilled to showcase the Poarch Creek Indians and reinforce their importance to the state’s history and future, ” said Sue Wiggins, owner of the Cotton Street Gallery.  “We are grateful to those who took the opportunity to learn about the Tribe and their cultural preservation.”

Sponsored events included a meeting of the Covington Historical Society at the Gallery to hear Stephen Potts speak on the history of the Poarch Creek Indians and a day for people to bring arrowheads and artifacts to be evaluated by local arrowhead expert Bobby Davis of Red Level, Ala.  Other events such as making arrowheads (knapping) and atlatl (also known as a spear-thrower or throwing-stick) exhibition are in the works. The Andalusia Public Library also participated by featuring books on Native American history and specifically Alabama Native American history.

Cotton Street Gallery looks forward to working with the Poarch Creek Indians in the future to help share their heritage and rich history in Alabama and especially Covington County. 

The Cotton Street Gallery is located at 104 North Cotton Street in Andalusia. For more information on the gallery, visit cottonstreetgallery.com.