Complementary colors often found in Chickasaw ribbon skirts were the inspiration for Scarlet Thompson’s winning entry in the Chickasaw Nation Butterfly Art Contest.
Scarlet’s entry features bold blues and golden yellows, vivid shades of magenta and purple, all accented by white and black. The 15-year-old’s original creation is the featured artwork of the 2026 Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference.
Scarlet, of McAlester, Oklahoma, studied traditional ribbon skirts and other aspects of Chickasaw culture while attending Chickasaw Arts Academy.
She wanted the design to reflect her love of art and her pride in her Chickasaw heritage, which she said comes from her father Randy’s side of the family.
“I really wanted to put some cultural designs in it. I got a lot of inspiration from the Chickasaw Arts Academy,” Scarlet said.
“I feel really proud to be Chickasaw. It’s a special part of who I am, and I’m thankful to be connected to such a strong and meaningful culture. I love learning about our traditions, history and the values that have been passed down through generations. Being Chickasaw makes me want to keep growing in that knowledge and understanding so I can carry it forward and honor where I come from,” she said.
Drawn using markers and colored pencils, the design features subtle details, including two arrow-like symbols on the lower wings and two bird-like figures on the upper wings, as well as concentric circles.
She was pleased to learn she had won the Chickasaw Nation Butterfly Art Contest and happy that her art will be displayed at the Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference in May.
An influential dynamic woman and role model in her life is her mother, Tiara Thompson.
“My mom really inspires me. She works so hard for our family and has been through so much with my little brother, Azrael. He has had four open-heart surgeries, and through everything she’s stayed strong and never given up,” Scarlet said.
Seven-year-old Azreal was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) shortly after his birth. He has spent much of his life facing medical appointments and hospital stays. Tiara wrote two books, a children’s book, “Azrael the Heart Warrior: The Complete Journey,” and “The Making of a Heart Mom: Navigating HLHS with Faith, Love, and a Warrior’s Spirit” to help other families struggling with HLHS.
“She advocates for kids with HLHS and helps other families going through the same thing,” Scarlet said. “Even through all of that, my mom and dad still made sure I got to do what I love.”
Scarlet was a dedicated dancer for many years until an injury sidelined her. She now focuses her creative energy on visual art.
“Through Azreal’s illness, they kept me in dance, and I was able to compete and practice at least 10 hours a week. That meant a lot to me because even during really hard times, they still showed up for me and supported my dreams.”
The experience has taught her perseverance, determination and the importance of family.
“It’s made me really grateful and taught me how important it is to stay strong, work hard and keep going no matter what life looks like,” Scarlet said.
Scarlet’s family includes her parents, Randy and Tiara, and her brothers, Azreal and Legend. She is homeschooled and cares for a menagerie of pets.
About the Chickasaw Nation Butterfly Art Contest
The Chickasaw Nation hosts the Butterfly Art Contest each year, where female Chickasaw citizens, ages 14 to 18, create unique butterfly art pieces for consideration to serve as the artwork for the annual Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference. This conference salutes the valuable contributions, talents and skills of Chickasaw women.
The winning butterfly design also represents the Chikasha Ihoo Empowerment Series, an event highlighting accomplishments and perspectives of Chickasaw women.