Oklahoma artist champions new monument

By Darl DeVault
Special to Guthrie News Page

In the year since its unveiling the Del City Women’s Veterans Monument has engaged the art community. Oklahoma’s most famous illustrator and fine art painter, Mike Wimmer, sought out the monument as a visitor. The following is his prepared statement:

“Being a professional artist in Oklahoma for 30 years, I am always on the lookout for Oklahoma artists producing national quality artwork for Oklahoma public art projects, Wimmer said. “We have much to be proud of and I know that praise for a job well done is greatly appreciated by the artist.”

“Also, as the chairperson of Oklahoma City University’s art department, I keep our students informed of great local art so they can witness firsthand, the successes of artists making their mark nationally right here in Oklahoma.”

“For these reasons I advocate visiting the new “Women’s Veterans Monument” in Del City that was dedicated last year during Veterans Day celebrations at their Patriot Park. This ambitious public art project more than doubles the size of the wooded park, the site of several veterans’ memorials and monuments since 1995, on the east lawn of the Del City Community Center.”

“The seven life-size images in bronze that Luther, Okla. artist Randell has captured celebrates the poise, dignity and strength of the women serving in our Armed Forces.”

“These bronze statues form a symbolic circle of the five military branches of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, surround the flag of United States, as they hand-in-hand combine their force and look to the horizon with protective diligence.”

“This latest national caliber patriotic expression of common language of figurative realism is apropos to give honor to the common women who stand up with uncommon valor to serve and protect their nation, community and family. The artist captured every figurative detail in meticulously representing and honoring the achievements of real women in their chosen branch of military service.”

“The monument is designed in the form of a circle with benches that allow the centered and focused reflection of those who wish to visit.”

“There is also a very poignant recognition to the sacrifice and service of those mothers and soldiers who served in the National Guard. A very approachable monument of First Sergeant Rebecca Edwards is just north, where we will find her dressed in her 45^th Infantry fatigues, conversing with the future, a young girl looking up with admiration.”

“I look with admiration at what Joel Randell sculpted and will share with our students that this may be that monument that defines women soldiers for the ages. For that, I thank everyone involved in the creation of this beautiful monument to the women who serve, protect and inspire all of us.”