Williams Unveils Two Murals for Oklahoma’s Centennial
CENTENNIAL MURALS: From left, Co-chair of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Centennial celebration Sharon King Davis, Tulsa Ballet President Candace Conley, Mayor Kathy Taylor, artist Linda Allen, grandson of Will Rodgers Kem Rodgers and President, Chairman and CEO of Williams Steve Malcolm attended the April 23 unveiling of two centennial murals in the Williams Center Green. The murals were the first two of seven to be unveiled to the public.
ALICIA SHRUM for GTR Newspapers
Williams announced the unveiling of two mosaic murals by Tulsa artist Linda Allen in celebration of the Oklahoma Centennial. The murals are placed on the Williams Center Green at Third Street and Boston Avenue and are the first two of seven being created by Allen.
Sponsored by Williams, the murals celebrate the heritage of Oklahoma and Tulsa through bright-colored, tiled historic images. They stand seven feet tall and measure four feet wide.
“These murals are a beautiful way to celebrate our state’s past,” said Steve Malcolm, president, chairman and CEO of Williams. “We are proud to present them to the citizens of Tulsa.”
“Will” is a depiction of Will Rogers modeled from a famous photo. Kem Rogers, grandson of “Oklahoma’s favorite son,” made comments at the unveiling.
“To me, Will Rogers epitomizes what an Oklahoman should be,” Allen said. “It is the same strength of character he had that makes our state so great.”
The other mural is called “Ballerina” and features a gracefully posed dancer. Allen said she wants this piece to represent all forms of art that have made Oklahoma’s history so rich and future so promising. Candace Conley, president of the Tulsa Ballet board, will represent the arts community at the event.
“I am honored to play a part in celebrating Oklahoma’s centennial,” Allen said. “Everyone in my studio is genuinely proud and excited about this project.”
George Shahadi, director of corporate real estate for Williams, said the murals will be placed on the Green, right before the pedestrian bridge.
“The murals will create a beautiful gateway for employees, citizens and visitors to the Williams Center,” Shahadi said.
Sharon King Davis, co-chair of Tulsa’s celebration of the Oklahoma Centennial, will welcome guests at the unveiling while the Jazz Ensemble from Williams’ adopt-a-school, McLain High School of Science and Technology, perform. Malcolm, along with Mayor Kathy Taylor, will make comments at the unveiling.
The remaining five murals will be unveiled throughout the year and early next year, said Shahadi. Themes for those pieces include a Jazz musician, Tulsa skyline, the Arkansas River, Council Oak tree and Oklahoma’s energy history.
Updated 05-23-2007
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