Art of the Oklahoma State Capitol: The Senate Collection

Exploring Oklahoma through paintings and sculpture, Art of the Oklahoma State Capitol examines the history of the state from the Indian Territory period through the twentieth century and beyond. Focusing on the art collected by Senator Charles Ford and sponsored by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, it reveals—through the vision of talented artists from around the state—the personalities of those who have shaped Oklahoma’s past and present.

Art of the Oklahoma State Capitol is divided into five sections, each detailing different aspects of the Oklahoma experience. The first section, “Oklahoma’s People,” features portraits of the famous as well as the ordinary men and women who challenged themselves and those around them to improve life for the citizens of the state and of the nation. The next section, “Oklahoma’s Beauty,” examines the state’s ever-changing landscape, from the Tall Grass Prairie to the flatland of the Panhandle. The section “Living History” presents paintings of historical scenes, both international and local. Sections on bronze sculpture and nineteenth-century lithographs by McKenny and Hall round out the book and demonstrate the depth of the Senate Collection.

Senator Ford has personally selected each work of art in this unique collection. Showcasing works by Charles Banks Wilson, Mike Wimmer, Linda Tuma Roberston, and many others, this book highlights some of the more prominent contemporary artists working in Oklahoma.