Historical Society, and shared the vision of his
project. "Because of some of the really fascinating
events that have happened in our state – like
the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express – I really
wanted the historical society's involvement."
Williams would then meet with representatives
from individual counties, including the local
historical society and sponsors, and discuss the
subjects that they thought represented their county
best. "We would narrow the subjects down to
about three choices," Williams said. "From there
I'd look at the subject from an artistic perspective
while also wanting diversity as a whole. I didn't
just want historical landmarks – I wanted variety,
which is why people are also featured."
One of these people was an American Indian girl
in honor of Nebraska Hall of Famer Susette La
Flesche, a writer and artist of the Omaha tribe born
in 1847 whose father was a French fur trader and
whose American Indian name, Inshata Theumba,
meant "Bright Eyes." Other people-related
paintings focused on Mari Sandoz in Sheridan
County and of attendees coming to hear Theodore
Roosevelt speak when he visited Dodge County in
1912.
Additional works, such as the Pawnee County
painting "Rock Island Station," were based off of
a historical photo while others, like the aptly titled
"Familiar Scene" revealing a train pulling into a
town, are nostalgic of many Nebraska counties
across the state.
American bison are featured in Keya Paha
Top: "Familiar Scene" – Merrick County
Oil, 15 by 30 inches.
Bottom left: "Niobrara State Park" – Knox County
Oil, 9 by 12 inches.
Left: "Laura" – Sarpy County
Oil, 18 by 24 inches.
MARCH 2017 • NEBRASKAland 31
