Photo caption: Yatika Fields Starr describes his mural at the dedication on June 16. John Pickard/Northern Oklahoma College

A mural by Osage/Muscogee Creek artist Yatika Starr Fields was dedicated June 16 at the Northern Oklahoma College Cultural Engagement Center in Tonkawa.

The 20 by 50 feet mural is a result of a collaboration between Pickens Museum and NOC.

“When Cheryl Evans said they were looking for an artist to paint a mural for the engagement center, I immediately recommended Yatika,” said Hugh Pickens, Executive Director of Pickens Museum in a news release. He said Pickens Museum already has 10 paintings by Fields in its permanent collection. “Yatika was delighted to have the opportunity to paint a mural that will inspire Native American students at NOC.”

NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans said the mural will complete the fourth phase of a project designed to enhance the Cultural Engagement Center.

Fields appreciated those who attended the dedication at NOC.

“This is pretty spectacular,” he said in the release. “To see this project come to fruition is pretty amazing and I appreciate all of you that are here today to enjoy it.”

As Fields pointed out the different aspects of the mural and explained their significance, he also discussed the overall atmosphere of the mural.

“I see this as welcoming for students who enter this place,” he said. “This is a gathering place for students and I hope they see it as a warm place where they can enjoy the art and find their place. This is such a great opportunity for me to give back.”

Fields thanked former NOC Native American Student Success Specialist Ted Moore, who brought Fields to Northern. 

“Ted had a vision for my work and was instrumental in bringing my work here,” he said. 

Fields also thanked Hugh Pickens who has been a supporter of Fields’ work.

“I appreciate Hugh so much because he wants people to see his collections,” he said. “It’s not about just collecting art but it’s getting it out where the public can see it.”

He also thanked the NOC community.

“I have been blessed to get to know the NOC community during this process,” he said.  “Ted and Anna (Roland, current NASNTI Title III Grant Director), Dr. Evans, Sheri Snyder, the list goes on. I have been able to leave something that is greater than me.”

In describing the mural, Fields said it’s a picture within so many pictures.

“There is so much symbolism in this mural,” he said.  “When students look, they can see so many shapes and colors that can mean different things.”

Also speaking on Wednesday was sculptor John Free who displayed a bronze at the CEC entitled “Osage Warrior in the Enemy Camp.” A small bronze is located in the CEC, a much larger monument version is located on the north side of the Vineyard Library.

“My father had designed the smaller version,” Free said. “Hugh then commissioned the larger version.”

“The piece represents the partnership between man and horse,” he said.  “The two blend together as if one.”

The CEC opened in 2017 and includes contemporary learning spaces where students, faculty, and/or tribal leaders can meet; individual study or collaborative projects can be conducted; culture-based learning activities and community/cultural events can be provided; professional development can be held; and small group or individual tutoring can occur. Northern is continually striving to support the Native American student population.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever-changing world.

NOC, a public two-year community college, serves nearly 5,000 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students, about 60 percent receive financial aid and/or scholarships. Over 80 percent of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

NOC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science. The associate degree fulfills lower-division coursework which is applicable towards a bachelor’s degree.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu.