CHEROKEE WOOD CARVER WILLARD STONE BORN
Stone, born at Oktaha, Oklahoma (OK), attended Bacone College (1936-39). Starting in 1961, he gained notoriety for his stylized human & animal figures and produced pieces for: The National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians (1964); OK Historical Society (1965); and National Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (1966). In 1969, he illustrated Cherokee Spirit Tales. Honors: Outstanding Indian Award, Council of American Indians (1969); and Distinguished American Citizen & Honorary doctorate, OK Christian College (1974 & 1976). He won 10 juried competition awards at the Five Civilized Tribes (FCT) Museum and was Master Artist in 1973. Inducted into the OK Hall of Fame in 1970, his works are found at: Gilcrease collection; Willard Stone, FCT, and Cherokee National Museums; U.S. Department of the Interior; and Smithsonian Institution. He died on March 5, 1985, in Locust Grove.
Sources:
David C. Hunt, “Stone, Willard (1916-1985),” The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture (okhistory.org) Stone, Willard | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture (okhistory.org)
Wikipedia
Photo: White House, between 1993 and 2001. Lady of Spring," n.d Walnut, 27.5" x 5" x 5.5." Public Domain. ource: Lady of Spring - Willard Stone (archives.gov)
Indigenous America Calendar 