18th painting in NBC Oklahoma Artist Series features work by Starr Hardridge
The painting will be available to see at various NBC locations in December and January.
PRESS RELEASE NOV 8, 2022
Contact: Lillie-Beth Brinkman, NBC Oklahoma communications director, at 405-748-9182 or lbrinkman@nbcok.com.
NBC Oklahoma has unveiled the latest painting in its popular NBC Oklahoma Artist Series – “Little Brother of War” by Starr Hardridge. The painting depicts what Hardridge imagines as the very first stickball game between land animals and sky animals in a struggle for balance between the earth and sky. Stickball was one of the first mass cultural sports in North America, dating back to the Mississippian mound builder cultures that occupied Oklahoma and across what is now known as the United States long before settlers arrived. Seven Native American tribes in Oklahoma maintain national stickball teams.
“We’re happy to welcome Starr Hardridge to the NBC Oklahoma Artist Series,” said NBC Chairman Ken Fergeson. “I have been a longtime fan of his work and am excited to share this painting with our friends and customers.”
Hardridge grew up in Oklahoma and is an enrolled member of the Muscogee Nation. The painting measures 36 x 48 inches and is acrylic on Venetian plaster on canvas. Southeastern woodland beadwork inspires Hardridge’s artistic technique, and his meticulous dot-by-dot application evokes beaded artwork.
Hardridge’s work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and is included in the art collection of the Oklahoma State Capitol building. He has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design. He also studied at the Nedaii/Verdon Atelier of Decorative Painting in Penne De Agenais France.
The public can see the original painting as it travels to NBC’s various locations between now and the end of the year. Stop by our banks in these communities on these dates to see the painting and pick up a poster of the work.
ALTUS, 123 W Commerce, on display from Nov. 14 through 29
KINGFISHER, 801 S Main, on display from Dec. 5 through 9, coinciding with a holiday open house from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
ENID, 3202 W Owen K. Garriott on display from Dec. 12-16.
OKLAHOMA CITY, 6301 N Western, on display from Dec. 19 through 30.
OKLAHOMA CITY, 13401 N Pennsylvania, on display in January.
NBC OKLAHOMA ARTIST SERIES
“Little Brother of War” is the 18th commissioned work of the NBC Oklahoma Artist Series, started by Ken Fergeson and NBC Oklahoma. Each year, NBC selects an Oklahoma artist to create an original work of art, which is then exhibited at each of the NBC bank locations in Altus, Enid, Kingfisher and Oklahoma City. The bank also reproduces the artwork on a limited number of prints, posters and postcards available to customers at NBC locations. Learn more about the series, its artists and how NBC supports the arts at nbcwigwam.art.
ABOUT NBC OKLAHOMA
NBC Oklahoma is a $900 million state bank with seven locations across Oklahoma. It is an Oklahoma-owned bank. Member FDIC.
ABOUT NBC OKLAHOMA’S ART EFFORTS
NBC has a collection of private art on display at each of its banks. The bank also has the Wigwam Gallery in Altus, used to promote Oklahoma artists and art and to host events for some nonprofit institutions. NBC Chairman Ken Fergeson has a lifelong interest in art and a personal mission to support artists and the arts as an essential part of strong communities.
For information about the gallery, current exhibits or NBC Oklahoma’s art, contact Jarrod Fergeson, director of NBC’s art collection, at jfergeson@nbcok.com or (405) 748-9100.