of sketches, memories and photos.
Then, in 2012, Williams decided that he wanted to
use this same method in his own state. "I wanted
to do a variety of periods and subjects to celebrate
Nebraska's 150 years," Williams said. "I wanted to
capture the spirit of Nebraska."
Starting with his home county of Merrick,
and setting up a temporary studio in the former
boyhood home of writer and photographer Wright
Morris, he dove into the project that will debut at
the Nebraska State Historical Museum in Lincoln
on March 1, 2017. "This was exciting for me
artistically instead of being locked in to one type of
painting," he said.
To accomplish this goal, Williams met with
Mike Smith, then-director of the Nebraska State
Above: "James Moore, Pony Express
Rider" – Cheyenne County
Oil, 12 by 16 inches.
Opposite Page: "Early Harvest" –
Thurston County, Honoring Inshata
Theumba (Bright Eyes)
Oil, 30 by 20 inches.
28 NEBRASKAland • MARCH 2017
