About The GALLERY!
Tribes Gallery is distinguished for its expertise in the field of American Indian Art. Located in Norman, Oklahoma, Tribes, is considered a treasure where people can indulge themselves in the history, culture and celebration of First American, southwest and Oklahoman art. A fixture in Norman since 1990, Tribes has evolved into a much broader range of styles and mediums than when it first opened, and has been described as a visual feast where within the walls one will find historical, abstract, contemporary, traditional and pop art original paintings.
A vast array of pottery, baskets, textiles, beadwork, bronzes, alabaster carvings, cultural items, books, contemporary and traditional hand crafted jewelry can also be found here.
Up and coming artists are afforded the opportunity to grow and gain valuable information for a professional career while working beside some of the most seasoned and recognized artists in the industry.
Meet the Team
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Gallerist, Creative Director + Appraiser
Leslie Pate is the sole proprietor of Tribes Gallery, Native American Art Calendar, Inc. and Tribes Appraisers. With more than 35 years of experience in the art industry, specializing in American Indian & Southwest Art, she is a valuable resource to many throughout Oklahoma and across the nation. Her journey with the arts began in her teens as she ventured to gallery shows & events with her parents. Although she maintains Degrees in GIS, Psychology & Geography, her 6 year apprenticeship under the tutelage of Doris Littrell, paved her way into the world of a Gallerist & Appraiser.
In the rare chance Leslie isn’t working, you can find her spending quality time with family.
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Social Media Marketing + Gift shop curator
Terren Mattox, Leslie’s daughter, is our social media and marketing manager, gift shop curator and vibe maker. The family jokes that the Gallery is the first place Terren went after she was born— she considers it one of life’s greatest gifts to have been raised in Tribes Gallery and to have the honor to call so many of our artists close friends. Her work with the gallery, as well as being a multidisciplinary artist and florist keeps her busy. When she’s not working, Terren loves spending time with her husband, Jake, baking and cudling up with their pets and a good book!