Sculptor & Western Artist Harold Holden showcasing at OSU Foundation

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Oklahoma State University Foundation will host an opening reception for nationally renowned Western artist Harold T. Holden in recognition of his artist showcase, “The Cowboy Way,” at the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery on Oct. 18, 5:30-7 p.m. The exhibition will run from October through December at the OSU Foundation.

Holden is best remembered amidst the OSU community for his kneeling cowboy memorial statue created following the 2001 plane crash that took the lives of 10 members of the OSU family.

Known for his captivating sculptures and paintings depicting the West, Holden is a native Oklahoman whose ranch upbringing in Enid, Oklahoma, provided his first exposure to the “cowboy way of life,” a motto that has followed him throughout his career as he captured Western images through bronze and paint.

After a year of study at OSU, Holden attended the Texas Academy of Art in 1961 before pursuing a career in commercial art. At night, he worked on his private collection of sculptures and paintings before becoming a professional artist in 1973.

"I have been fortunate to be able to make a living in art portraying a subject matter that I have always loved: the West,” Holden said. “I am honored to have a show at OSU, home of the Cowboys. I have always been drawn to OSU. As a child, one of my heroes was Frank Eaton, the original Pistol Pete. I can recall sitting on his lap and holding his gun when I was about 5 during Cherokee Strip Days in Enid.”

Today, Holden’s work can be seen everywhere, from a U.S. postage stamp to the Oklahoma State Capitol. In addition, throughout his career, Holden has been commissioned to create 20 public monuments, including the aforementioned kneeling cowboy sculpture housed in OSU’s Gallagher-Iba Arena, “We Will Remember.”

Holden’s artistic genius has been recognized through many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Sculpture Society, Distinguished OSU Alumni Award, Professional Member of the National Sculpture Society, May Fair Arts Festival Celebrated Artists, Oklahoma Governor’s Art Award, and serving as the featured artist in several shows and exhibitions.

Named in honor of the Foundation’s former board chairman, the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery showcases Oklahoma and OSU artists. It strengthens the connection between Oklahoma State University and the OSU Foundation. The gallery is open to the public and free of charge Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.