A 20x50 foot mural, created by Osage Artist Yatika Starr Fields was dedicated Wednesday at the Northern Oklahoma College Cultural Engagement Center in Tonkawa.
The mural at NOC is a result of a collaboration between Pickens Museum and NOC. “When Cheryl Evans said they were looking for an artist to paint a mural for the engagement center, I immediately recommended Yatika,” says Hugh Pickens, Executive Director of Pickens Museum adding that Pickens Museum already has ten paintings by Fields in its permanent collection. “Yatika was delighted to have the opportunity to paint a mural that will inspire Native American students at NOC.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Hugh Pickens and the Doctor Pickens Museum,” said NOC president Dr. Cheryl Evans. “This mural will complete the fourth phase of the project and will enhance the Cultural Engagement Center. We are grateful for friends such as the Pickens who continue to support our college.”
Fields appreciated those who attended the dedication at NOC.
“This is pretty spectacular,” he said. “To see this project come to fruition is pretty amazing and I appreciate all of you that are here today to enjoy it.”
“This mural truly represents the beauty of art,” he said. “It can mean so many different things to people, that’s what makes it special.”
As Fields pointed out the different aspects of the mural and explained their significance, he also discussed the overall atmosphere of the mural.
“I see this as welcoming for students who enter this place,” he said. “This is a gathering place for students and I hope they see it as a warm place where they can enjoy the art and find their place. This is such a great opportunity for me to give back.”
Fields thanked former NOC Native American Student Success Specialist Ted Moore, who brought Fields to Northern.
“Ted had a vision for my work and was instrumental in bringing my work here,” he said.
Fields also thanked Hugh Pickens who has been a supporter of Fields’ work.
“I appreciate Hugh so much because he wants people to see his collections,” he said. “It’s not about just collecting art but it’s getting it out where the public can see it.”
He also thanked the NOC community.
“I have been blessed to get to know the NOC community during this process,” he said. “Ted and Anna (Roland, current NASNTI Title III Grant Director), Dr. Evans, Sheri Snyder, the list goes on. I have been able to leave ...
