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Three artists to be inducted into Native American Artists Hall of Fame at Semple Museum Gala

October 6, 2022

Three renowned artists will be inducted into the Native American Artists Hall of Fame at the Spirit of the Hawk Gala on Oct. 14.

This is the inaugural fundraising gala and Hall of Fame induction for the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Poteet Victory, Margaret Wheeler, and the late Enoch Kelly Haney will be inducted at the event on Friday, Oct. 14, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Southeastern Hallie McKinney Ballroom and Courtyard, at 4th Avenue and University Blvd.

Enoch Kelly Haney was an internationally recognized Seminole/Muscogee artist from Oklahoma. He served as principal chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma from 2005 until 2009 and previously served as a member of both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature. In addition to thousands of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, perhaps he is best known for creating a bronze sculpture that crowns the top of the Oklahoma State Capitol, called The Guardian.

Poteet Victory is one of the most in-demand and collectible contemporary Native American artists in the world. Victory’s work is abstract and his Cherokee-Choctaw influence shines through his paintings. After more than thirty years of painting, Victory remains as authentic as ever and still has that Southeast Oklahoma charm. He is a Southeastern alum from Idabel.

Margaret Roach Wheeler is a nationally known Chickasaw/Choctaw weaver and Native American fashion designer. Her work has been widely recognized for her scholarship in researching designs and techniques which existed prior to conquest and incorporating design elements into her woven garments. She draws her inspiration from Southeastern Tribal designs and designed by Native American artists. Margaret’s company is the first tribally-owned textile company in the United States.

In addition to Friday’s events, on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4:30-6 p.m., a meet the artists event will be held at the Semple Family Museum, located at 430 Montgomery. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit, https://www.se.edu/2022/09/spirit-of-the-hawk-gala-hall-of-fame-awards-ceremony/