OKLAHOMA CITY — The First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City has donated approximately 300 works of art by the Shepherd sisters, who were longtime members of the congregation, to the Oklahoma Historical Society, marking one of the most significant art collection gifts for the OHS in recent decades.
The pieces, created by sisters Nellie, Nettie and Leona Shepherd, represent a remarkable chapter in Oklahoma’s early artistic history. With this donation, the OHS now holds the most extensive collection in the world of art by the three sisters.
“Nellie was one of Oklahoma’s earliest professional woman artists, and we are honored to preserve the work of Nellie and her sisters for future generations,” said Karen Whitecotton, deputy director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “Nellie’s portrait of Chickasaw citizen and traditional Native American storyteller Te Ata still hangs in the Oklahoma State Capitol as part of the Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection.”
“We’re grateful that the Oklahoma Historical Society can preserve and share these important works,” said Jan Robinson, member of First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City. “Many are sketches and studies that deserve professional care and public access beyond what the church could provide.”
Nellie Shepherd attended the Academy of Art in Cincinnati before studying in France. A portrait that she painted of her sister Lottie was selected for the 1910 Paris Grand Salon and won an honorable mention.
After returning from France, Nellie studied in Chicago and Kansas City before returning to Oklahoma in 1917. Nellie worked primarily with oils and painted mostly portraits.
The Shepherd family’s ties to Oklahoma date back to the 1800s when the family moved to the Oklahoma City area during the Land Run of 1889. The Shepherd Historic District in Oklahoma City is named after the family, as it was the location of their homestead. Shepherd Mall is also named for them.
The First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City retains a collection of art by the Shepherd sisters, but the OHS is now preserving the majority of works that fall outside the church’s mission.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
