Five Moons
The Vintage Garden includes bronze depictions of Oklahoma’s renowned American Indian ballerinas: Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, Moscelyne Larkin, Maria Tallchief, and Marjorie Tallchief. When these dancers began their careers, Europeans dominated ballet. These women, due to their talent, dedication and determination, went to the top of their field and brought recognition to Oklahoma and Native American artistry. Each sculpture depicts the ballerinas in the ballet she considered to be her signature piece.
The Five Moons are a gift of Charles and Peggy Stephenson and Billie and Howard Barnett.
The Five Moons were created by two local artists, Monte England and Gary Henson. England worked on two sculptures before his death in 2005, at which time Henson completed the unfinished project. Henson was already well known as the point-up artist for “The Great Spirit” sculpture, located on the southeast corner of 21st and Peoria in Woodward Park. With the installation of the Five Moons on the northeast corner of 25th and Peoria, Henson’s work will mark both the north and south perimeters of the Woodward Park corridor. Henson is a second generation sculptor and artist. His mother, Inez Running Rabbit, is an acclaimed painter and sculptor.