Will’s grandmother is an amazing lady. Her work will be featured at the State Capitol. Here’s the link to the article but I am including it below as well since I am unsure how the Arts Council archives their web pages.

Mary Spurgeon -Reflections on Western Ways

(Governor’s Gallery - 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.