After lung transplant, Holden slates show of works
ENID — A few weeks ago H. Holden, well-known Kremlin artist, was so sick from lung disease he thought he might die.
July 2, he had lung transplant surgery and six days later was released from the hospital.
“He was off the ventilator the next day, in intensive care for three days and regular care three days,” said his wife, Edna Mae Holden. “We are staying in the city and have to have it checked every couple of weeks to make sure it isn’t being rejected.”
While sitting around, Holden has been sketching and plans a retrospective show to display examples of all of his work from his early days to the present. Titled “The Cowboy Way,” it will be held in the Gaylord-Pickens Museum in Oklahoma City. The show opens Aug. 6 at Oklahoma Heritage Association in Oklahoma City and will conclude at the end of November. Western singer R. W. Hampton will sing at the show Aug. 26.
There will be 30 bronzes and 15 paintings from his career on display, Edna Mae said.
“He is borrowing back some pieces to show the evolution of his career,” she said. “This is the first time there has ever been a show like this. All of his work, he is the only one in the show.”
Holden is well-known for his attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. When healthy, he spent much of his free time roping and staying close to the cowboy way of life, according to a prepared release by the museum.
There will be examples of 40 years of Holden’s painting, sculpting and drawing, some from very early in his career. A micro studio has been set up in the Holdens’ Oklahoma City residence, and he is attempting to start drawing again. Edna Mae Holden said it probably will take another month or two before he can work on larger items.
“He is working on some local things,” she said. “It’s been a while since he has been able to work, and he is weak and unsteady, but now he is sketching to get back in it.”
Even when Holden was ill he could sketch on his lap. She said there are thousands of photos and material from his more than 40 years as an artist. A half-size statue of Boomer, which commemorates the 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run, will be in the show as well.
An opening reception will be 5-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the museum. The reception is free to museum members and free with paid admission to non-members. Reservations must be made with Core Baker at (405) 523-3212 or clb@okalhomaheritage.com.
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