2026 Native American Artists Hall of Fame
Meet our 2026 Hall of Fame Honorees
Paul King
Paul established career goals in the seventh grade, Major League Baseball or graphic designer. Although the MLB career didn’t materialize, he did become graphic designer/illustrator after receiving his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Southeastern Oklahoma State University/Durant and his Graphic Design diploma from Oklahoma State University, Institute of Technology/Okmulgee.
King has been recognized and honored on all levels during his educator tenure, and now he has returned to his artist roots with this 2012 retirement. He exhibits his Choctaw culture and sport art in Oklahoma art markets since that time.
Merlin Little Thunder
Merlin Little Thunder was born in 1956 to George and Connie Little Thunder who were active in the small tight-knit Cheyenne community of Fonda. He was raised on his family’s Indian allotment where his Grandma, Daisy Old Bear, showed him how to gather wild foods and medicines from the land.
He showed an early gift for drawing, sparked by an uncle who was also an artist; and by the time he attended Canton high school, he was already earning money with his art. He also played football and basketball for the school, conditioning himself by running nine miles home after practice. His athleticism became local legend in Canton when he won the state championship for the two-mile run in 1974 and 1975.
Jon Tiger
Jon Tiger is a Muscogee artist, storyteller, cultural organizer, and Heneha of the Eufaula-Canadian Tribal Town whose life and work are rooted in memory, responsibility, and community.
A lifelong resident of Eufaula, Oklahoma, Tiger was raised by his grandmother, Susie Scott, whom he called “Mom.” Her enduring instruction—“Never forget your ancestors”—became a guiding principle that continues to shape his art, his service, and his commitment to preserving Muscogee history.
2026 Native American Artists
Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, November 14 | 6 p.m.
Southeastern Ballroom – 1408 North 5th St. Durant, OK
Join us for the 2026 Hall of Fame Celebration
Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
To register your sponsorship or request more information, please contact: Semple Family Museum of Native American Art email sfm@se.edu or call 580-745-2046
Platinum Sponsorship | $10,000
Platinum Sponsor
- Premier recognition as Presenting Sponsor in all event materials
- Logo placement on event invitations, program, website & social media
- Acknowledgment during the ceremony
- 8 VIP tickets with reserved seating
- Special pre-event reception with the honorees
- Exclusive media spotlight in press releases
Gold Sponsor | $5,000
Gold Sponsor
- Logo placement on event invitations, program, website & social media
- Acknowledgment during the ceremony
- 6 VIP tickets with reserved seating
- Invitation pre-event reception with the honorees
Silver Sponsor | $2,500
Silver Sponsor
- Logo placement on event invitations, program, website & social media
- Acknowledgment during the ceremony
- 4 VIP tickets with reserved seating
Friend of the Museum | $1,000
Friend of the Museum
- Name listed in the event program and website
- 2 VIP tickets with reserved seating
Explore Further
Event Parking
Event Parking Locations
Parking will be available on the loop, Einsteins Brother Bagels shop, welcome center, private parking area, museum, across from stadium.
Contact US: sfm@se.edu or call 580.745.2118
