Governor's Gallery
Mary Spurgeon
Reflections on Western Ways
August 7 thru October 6, 2006
Oklahoman
Mary Spurgeon’s exhibit Reflections on Western Ways is reminiscent
of the great western artists of the past. Like famed painter and sculptor
C.M. Russell, Spurgeon actually worked as a cattle hand growing up
with her pioneer parents living near Dodge City, Kansas. Russell worked
as a cattle hand in Montana, which in turn would become the inspiration
for his world-renowned western scenes. Unlike many western artists
such as Frederic Remington who only visited the frontier, Russell and
Spurgeon engrossed themselves within the lovely and often harsh land.
Her exhibit focuses upon the partnership between man and horse and
how important horses were to the survival of men during the time of
the Old West. Horse and man traveled together, worked the lands together,
and played together. Horses were so vital to the western lifestyle
that horse thieves were often put to death for their crimes. Even in
today’s technologically advanced society, a horse performs tasks
a machine may be incapable of and is essential to the success of many
working farms.
Spurgeon survived through some of America’s most historically
tumultuous times, including the devastating dust storms of the 1930s,
the Great Depression, and World War II during which time she married
her long-time love, Bill. Together, they raised four children in a
large ranch home they built themselves from 70-year old bridge timbers.
After much success as a painter, Spurgeon began sculpting at the age
of 72. Her work can be found in galleries across the country. Her Wyatt
Earp statue will be the first work in a series that will be placed
along the Dodge City Trail of Fame. A recent nominee to the Cowgirl
Hall of Fame, Spurgeon lives on a ranch near Gate, Oklahoma, close
to an area settled by her husband’s grandparents. Her independent
spirit is a testament to the genuine nature of this cowgirl’s
amazing life.
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact
Scott Cowan or Karen Sharp at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov
The Governor's Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the State Capitol outside the Blue Room and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00.
Past Governor's Gallery Exhibits