Capitol Exhibition on May 13 to Feature Historic Gift of Works by Acclaimed Oklahoma Native Artists

A special opening reception on Wednesday, May 13 at 4:00 p.m., will give Oklahomans the chance to view a new exhibition in the Betty Price Gallery at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Showcasing works recently gifted to the people of Oklahoma from The Howard L. and Mary Ellen Meredith Collection, the new exhibition features a historic donation by daughters America Meredith and Samonia Byford of more than 10 artworks created by some of the most influential and highly recognized Native artists connected to the state.

Artists whose works were gifted include:

• Benjamin Harjo, Jr. (Absentee Shawnee/Seminole)

• Norma Howard (Choctaw Nation/Chickasaw/Mississippi Choctaw)

• Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings (Kiowa Tribe/Na'ishq Apache/Gila River Pima)

• Ruthe Blalock Jones (Shawnee Tribe/Delaware/Peoria)

• Shan Goshorn (Eastern Band Cherokee)

• Doc Tate Nevaquaya (Comanche)

• Jane Osti (Cherokee Nation)

• Juanita Pahdopony (Comanche)

• Jeri Redcorn (Caddo Nation/Potawatomi)

• Dick West (Southern Cheyenne)

Also included in the exhibition are new acquisitions of artworks created by Robert Bonaparte, an important figure in Oklahoma's abstract art history, and John Newsom, whose painting, "Prairie Tales," was the inaugural gift of the nonprofit Friends of the Oklahoma Arts Council in collaboration with Ken and Mary Ann Fergeson, Jarrod Fergeson and Anna Cox, and numerous donors.

The Oklahoma State Art Collection was established in 1971 through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to acquire and preserve artwork that reflects significant artistic achievement by artists connected to Oklahoma. Rotating exhibitions of the collection are displayed in the Betty Price Gallery located on the second floor at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

NOTE: The Betty Price Gallery is closed May 1-May 12 in preparation for the exhibition.