Resources Gallery
The word museum has classical origins. In its Greek form “mouseion”, it meant “seat of the Muses” and designated a philosophical institution or a place of contemplation. We have come to know museums as repositories of educational material, and we hope this website reflects that. In addition to articles, photos and videos found throughout this website, there are others that need to be included in a collection of their own. You will find links to those on this page.
The Five Finalists
Five finalists were chosen from a field of over 50 artists to submit models to be considered for the Standing Bear statue. The collection (pictured below) can be viewed at the Standing Bear Museum.Denny Haskew, NSG
Sculptor Denny Haskew resides in Loveland, Colorado where he is actively engaged in the art industry. He received his degree from the University of Utah, then served two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Since 1987, Denny has created and placed dozens of monumental compositions, spanning the full spectrum of the figurative genre. Over 50 monumental public placements include the Smithsonian Institution, DC.; the Gilcrease Museum, OK.; City of Cerritos, CA.; City of Little Rock, AR; and the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA.Dave McGary
Dave McGary (1958-2013) was an American Postwar & Contemporary sculptor who conjured up vivid and thought-provoking historic figures for over three decades. Yet sometimes the most powerful element of his work was the unseen. Motion and momentum are captured in every piece. His exquisite depictions of Native Americans occupy places of honor in an array of prestigious settings, including the Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Capitol National Statuary Hall, and many other prestigious museums and institutions. Just as important as any of the formal accolades, McGary gained the respect and affection of the Native American tribes and families depicted in his work.Lawrence M. Ludtke
Lawrence M. Ludtke (1929-2007) was a disciple of Classical sculpture in a time of pervasive abstract modernism, He imbued his creations with a sense of movement and realism through his attention to detail, anatomy, and proportion.
As a skilled athlete who played professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, Ludtke brought to his art a fascination with musculature and motion that empowered him to capture the living essence of his subjects.
Ludtke, a Fellow in the National Sculpture Society (US) and a Corresponding Member of the Royal Academy of British Sculptors, became well-known for his portrait and figurative art. He also created significant liturgical art, most notably a life-size Pietá for St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and a Christ and Child for Travis Park Methodist Church in San Antonio.Joy Saylors
JO SAYLORS (1932-2018) was a longtime resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Her work has been exhibited around the world and is highly collectible. In addition to many sculptures in private collections, she has monumental works on display in Ponca City and in Oklahoma City. Jo is perhaps best known for her sculptures of children but her bronzes also feature wildlife and Native American subjects. Her work can be seen throughout Ponca City and at the Standing Bear Museum.
Jo was a rare talent, and her hands molded a number of impressive statues. She used her talent to accent history and public places.Oreland C. Joe, Sr.
Selected Artist - Oreland C. Joe, a Southern Ute/Navajo from Kirtland, N.M., said in a statement he accompanied with his 18-inch model that he wanted to show Standing Bear leading his people "with the beliefs of heart. " "I envision him as a man who loved the traditional way of Ponca life but yet had to live in a changing country," Joe said.Cordelia Clapp, RN, BSN
Cordelia Clapp, RN, BSN (Pawnee) is a nationally recognized nurse educator with a passionate interest in decreasing violence against women, sexual assault among children and eliminating behavioral health disparities among tribal communities.
Cordelia has built her expertise during more than 30 years of nursing and currently continues extensive work related to domestic violence including work with the Department of Justice/Office of Violence against Women as a SAFESTAR Forensic nurse trainer.
Based on her leadership in the area of violence against women, Ms. Clapp was appointed by the U.S. Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales with the Bush Administration to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence against Women.
She received the Local Impact Award at the National Indian Health Board 21st Consumer Conference for her outstanding efforts in the improvement of health care delivery for American Indians/Alaska Natives.
She was also awarded the Louis B. Russell, Jr. Memorial Award in Washington, D.C. - given to an individual who has rendered outstanding service to minority and underserved populations, spreading the American Heart Associations’ message about heart disease prevention in the minority community, notably for American Indians. The award’s recipient is an active AHA member/volunteer who is willing to give freely of self to benefit others.
In 2006, Ms. Clapp was asked to be the opening presenter of the U.S. Department of Justice American Indian Alaska Native Heritage Month at the “The Great Hall” in Washington, DC. Ms. Clapp has served on numerous Health Boards and currently serving as the Pawnee Nation College Board of Trustees for the past 8 years.
She has opened numerous conferences and Native events from Palm Springs, Calif., to Rochester Minn., and especially here in Oklahoma with the native signing of The National Anthem, The Lord’s Prayer and God Bless America. Her openings are now being passed on to her granddaughter and great-granddaughter who are by her side, sharing the stage with her in full regalia, honoring their culture, the flag, the land and their Creator God.