Native American Cherokee sculptor Willard Stone had a native sense of line and form which won him recognition as the foremost wood sculptor in the United States. Although he was of mixed heritage, his Cherokee heritage was most important to him. He sought to preserve this through his art. 

​The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma adopted Stone’s “Exodus.” Stone lived near Locust Grove and the museum dedicated to his work is now located on the site • More than 40 examples of original work of the nationally-known wood-and-bronze sculptor.

Willard Stone was a Non-Government Enrolled Descendant Cherokee American. Although he was of mixed heritage, his Cherokee heritage was most important to him, and he raised his children to be proud of this heritage. He sought to preserve this through his art. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma adopted Stone’s “Exodus” sculpture as that Nation’s logo. He would always find time to represent the Cherokee nation at local, state and national functions. 

 ​He was always encouraging young artists—of all nationalities—to be all they could be. Stone is buried in the Stone Family Cemetery at his home in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Also located on this farm is the “Willard Stone Museum,” which houses the largest collections of his works.

Family gift shop • Open by appointment •
7980 E Hwy 412, Locust Grove, OK •  918.479.6481 www.willardstonemuseum.com 

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“Stone combined the Indian’s love of symbolism with his deep understanding and appreciation of nature, and the result is art that transcends its regional origin and becomes universal in expression. Nature is his source of inspiration, but he renders is in terms of personal interpretation, rather than in terms of imitation. It is this dimension of his work that gives it stature in the ranks of contemporary American art.”

 “A man spends his whole lifetime trying for perfection, but he never makes it . . . this is for God alone.”

Willard Stone Museum  
(918) 479-6481
 info@willardstonemuseum.com