This past year Hefestus Fine Arts had the pleasure of working with artist, Janie Semple Umsted on a very unique dedication plaque for the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art, located on campus at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Like all of Janie’s art, this dedication plaque perfectly captures the mission and inspiration behind the museum and is sure to inspire future generations.
Janie sculpted the original plaque out of clay at her studio and gallery, The Iron Horse Gallery, in Durant, Oklahoma. Once Janie finished the original plaque in clay, her and her husband, Gus, brought it down to our foundry, Hefestus Fine Arts, in Springtown, Texas, so we could make a rubber and plaster mold and send it through The Lost Wax Process to pour a bronze casting.
The plaque was cast in approximately 12 pieces/panels, then skillfully welded together and chased to match Janie’s original details. The most exciting part of this project was the patina; together Janie and Jimmy Hill curated the perfect finishing colors through heat and chemical application. Once complete, the plaque was delivered to Southeastern Oklahoma State University and installed at the entrance of the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art.
The plaque reads, “Semple Family Museum
This museum is dedicated to the beauty, preservation, & study of Native American Art. The project was inspired by the proud Choctaw heritage of the Semple Family & the influence on the history of the Choctaw Nation, Bryan County, & the State of Oklahoma. The Semple Family’s ancestry includes two Choctaw Chiefs. Peter P. Pitchlynn came to Oklahoma Territory on the Trail of Tears, served as Principal Chief from 1864-1866 & had a major role in building the national tribal government system. William F. Semple served as Principal Chief from 1918-1922, served in the Oklahoma State legislative & was very influential in the establishment of Southeastern Normal School. Additionally, his sister, Dr. Anne R. Semple was awarded Poet Laureate of Oklahoma in 1945 & Southeastern’s Heritage Award in 2009. This museum is the realization of a dream to create a home for Southeastern’s Native American Art Collection. It is the Semple Family’s desire that this museum will inspire future generations to hold sacred its enduring beauty. Founders – Frank and Robin Semple Foundation, Janie Semple Umsted, Sarah Semple Brown, Robert W. and Anne D. Semple Family, Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In loving memory of Allen William Semple Jr. 1943-2016.”
“The Semple Family Museum of Native American Art, funded by a gift from the Semple family, is located north of the Fine Arts Building and Russell Building on Montgomery/Dunlap Drive. It serves as the permanent home of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s extensive Native American Art Collection that represents 26 federally recognized tribes and 80 plus artists.” Southeastern Oklahoma State University, “Semple Family Museum of Native American Art,” https://www.se.edu/semple-family-museum-of-native-american-art/, ©2022 Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Every visit with Janie Semple Umsted is full of creativity; we love working and visiting with her and her husband, Gus. Another unique and more recent project with Janie involved casting medallions for the Inaugural Spirit of the Hawk Gala and Native American Artist Hall of Fame at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
For the full video of the Semple Family Museum Dedication Plaque going through The Lost Wax Process, visit Hefestus Fine Arts on YouTube.
Stay tuned as Janie Semple Umsted has some very exciting upcoming projects!