Editor’s Note: Azbell writes a regular column for the Mvskoke News titled, “Chewing the Cud.”
– Hesci readers … it has been quite some time since our last Chewing the Cud article. When you get older, time just seems to slip away like sand between your fingers. With summer coming to an end and the kids going back to school, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on a very compelling project that is in the works: a bronze statue of Will “Sonny” Sampson. As a volunteer with Okmulgee Main Street in downtown Okmulgee, our Economic Vitality Committee came up with the idea to have an art placement in the historic district adjacent to the Creek Council House.
After much deliberation, the Committee recommended a statue of Will Sampson to honor his career as an actor, artist, rodeo cowboy, and local Muscogee legend. It is also in line with Okmulgee’s new designation as a Film Friendly City Reservation Dogs, Sarah’s Oil, and more. Right now, the final location has not been officially determined, but the size and design have been predominantly settled. The statue will be 1.25 times the size of Will who stood 6’7 in height. The statue will be based off a classic picture of Mr. Sampson with creative details added to the design highlighting his illustrious career.
He is probably most famously connected to the movie, “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” as Chief Bromden but also had roles in other movies including “The Outlaw Josie Wells”. Whether sitting aside Jack Nicholas or standing next to Clint Eastwood, Will Sampson never seemed out of place. He was a true Hollywood Star that many Natives throughout the country looked up to and aspired to be.
The project is a collaboration between Okmulgee Main Street, College of the Muscogee Nation Extension, Muscogee Nation Tourism, and the Muscogee Nation Cultural Center & Archives Department among others. Right now, we are entering a full fundraising mode. The total project cost is approximately $250,000.00 with an initial desire to produce a maquette which is a small version of the larger statue which will be used for fundraising purposes. The maquette production and artist fees are right at $30,000.
The committee has selected Kenneth Johnson to design and produce the statue. Kenneth is a Mvskoke citizen and an amazing artist who has produced award winning sculptures and public art throughout the United States. Plan is to go through three rounds of design with a goal of having the statue in place by the 50th anniversary of the Mvskoke Festival in June of 2026.
With that said, we need your help. We want this to be a grassroots initiative, funded by the people who knew Will Sampson and called him a friend. To donate, you have two options. You can go to Okmulgee Main Street (okmulgeemainstreet. com) and click on the donation tab or you can donate via the College of the Muscogee Nation (cmn.edu). Make sure you tag #WillSampson in the donation line. OMS has a wonderful page dedicated to the project with interesting facts and pictures about Mr. Sampson so please stop by and visit the site. You can also use the QR code to go directly to the site and donate. Help us make this project a reality.
