By: Journalist Hayden Grubbs (OU)
Picture of the ceiling in the House of Representatives Chamber
From the picture provided above alone, it is almost enough to entirely close the discussion of this topic as a whole.
Though with some doubt, this OP-ED will offer the doubters some clarity as to the structural greatness that is the Oklahoma State Capitol.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Capitol took place on July 20, 1914. The ceremony was attended by 5,000 people. Those 5,000 got to witness the start of the tremendous journey for Oklahoma.
This history paved for the beautiful building that the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature takes place in twice a year. O.I.L. gets what feels like total access to the state capital, and because of this, it has allowed me to see the beautiful architecture in the building.
The artwork that is housed within the capital, each a piece that highlights a celebrated Oklahoman, gives delegates figures to look up to even in their most down moments during session.
Oklahoma has so much diversity in its history, and the artwork is a way to highlight that.
An example is the painting of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher. Ada was an educator, lawyer, and activist who helped establish the groundwork for the Brown v. Board of Education ruling and allowed African-American students to attend Oklahoma’s universities.
A painting of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher by Mitsuno Ishii Reedy, as photographed by The Oklahoma Arts Council
While the artwork is beautiful, they are accents to the main event of the capital’s architecture.
The styles of the ceilings and walls are akin to a Greco-Roman (or neoclassical) architectural style. With colors so bright, looking at the architecture that surrounds delegates helps uplift them.
The capital building never expires on charm as it has so much to see, O.I.L. can be tiring but never is that related to the building where the session is held.
Session would not be the same without the capital, so it is about time the O.I.L. Reporter provides a prospective of appreciation for the building itself. Anyone who can appreciate the capitol building should.