​Native Art Keeps the Spirit of Native American Heritage Alive and Connected to Today’s Society

In my childhood home, art was ever-present. My mother was an accomplished artist and all four of my siblings benefited from her influence. My father was a veterinarian whose family was Choctaw, (one of the five civilized tribes; Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek, and Cherokee). My art has always been influenced by my Native Heritage.

For over 50 years I have been creating art that speaks to the spirit within me.

As an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma, I discovered how to combine my artistic talents with education, inspiring my pivotal decision to become an art teacher.

Teaching Art in Public Schools in three different states gave me the opportunity to educate my students about so many aspects of my art and about the significance of symbolism, design, and spirituality of Native communities.

I have been retired for 20 years and am blessed to have been able to not only continue to create art but also share with my community by volunteering with many organizations to teach art classes, develop programs that support the arts, particularly within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and share my talent whenever asked.

One of my proudest endeavors has been to collaborate with my brother and sister to design and build a world class Native American Art Museum on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Therefore, continuing to keep Native American Heritage alive in our community and beyond.

The Semple Family Museum of Native American Art was established in 2021 and houses a collection of 250 pieces of both early Native American paintings and drawings but also recent acquisitions of more contemporary pieces.

In just five years, the museum has become a popular destination in southeastern Oklahoma. My family and I believe we have created a lasting family legacy and a visual history of more than 30 Indigenous tribes across our nation.

Watch this video! The Semple Family Museum is located on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma.