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Senator Chuck Hall unveils Capitol artwork from Perry artist

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Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry and his wife, Amy, pose for a photograph in front of a newly completed painting by Perry artist Holly McHughes. Pictured from left to right: Amy Hall, Sen. Chuck Hall, Kilane George Grant, Nizhoni Jo Childs and artist Holly McHughes.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, recently commissioned a painting from longtime Perry artist Holly McHughes to hang in his office at the state Capitol.

McHughes painted a striking four-foot by five-foot canvas that beautifully showcases the finest elements of Oklahoma and honors the rich Native American heritage that defines the state. The artwork features five-year-old Kilane George Grant, a Pawnee resident and an enrolled member of the Otoe Missouria tribe who also has ties to the Ponca, Pawnee and Sac and Fox tribes. McHughes, a member of the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes, said she encountered the child at a tribal event in Red Rock and was inspired by him and included him in the painting as a symbol of the future of Indigenous culture in Oklahoma.

On Wednesday, March 12, Hall invited McHughes, Grant and his mother, Nizhoni Jo Childs, to the state Capitol to see the finished painting prominently displayed in his office and to tour the other artwork showcased throughout the Capitol.

“I’m proud to exhibit this remarkable local artwork in my state Capitol office,” Hall said. “Holly McHughes has captured the essence of Oklahoma in a way that honors our rich history and pays tribute to our Native American tribes. This painting beautifully reflects our identity and the values we hold dear. It was an honor and a privilege to have Holly, Kilane, and Nizhoni visit the Capitol to see the finished piece in person.”

McHughes shared that she hopes to paint Grant at various stages of his life as he grows up to create a visual journey of his development. The painting titled “Oklahoma Muse” is McHughes’ first artwork in the state Capitol.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have my art featured in the state Capitol because the state’s collection showcases so many beautiful works from Oklahoma’s most talented artists,” McHughes said. “I wanted this piece to highlight the very best of Oklahoma, both past and present, and there’s no more fitting place than our historic Capitol for it to be displayed."

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For more information, contact Sen. Chuck Hall at (405) 521-2628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov