George W. Gardenhire

by Christopher Nick

George W. Gardenhire was born in Marion County, Tennesee in 1841. At the age of ten, his family moved to Lawrence County, Arkansas. During the Civil War, he served for more than four years in Company E, Arkansas Mounted Rifles. After his return to Arkansas in 1866, he married Rebecca James of North Carolina.

Gardenhire moved from Arkansas to Cowley County, Kansas in 1869 where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. On April 22, 1889 he joined the pioneers and came to Oklahoma where he settled in Payne County. He was State organizer of the Alliance political party in Kansas and was the national organizer of the same party in Oklahoma. As a populist, being neither Republican nor Democrat, he used his skills to negotiate a compromise to become the Territorial Council's first President. Gardenhire's most noted accomplishment was establishing Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater.

George W. Gardenhire by Christopher Nick was dedicated on October 2, 2001. The commission was managed by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

The painting is located inside the Oklahoma State Senate Chamber on the fourth floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol and can be viewed daily from 8:30-5:30 when the Senate is not in session.

The Artist

Oklahoma native Christopher Nick was formally trained in fine art techniques at the Atelier LeSueuer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Atelier’s curriculum is focused upon teaching in the tradition of old world masters, particularly, Jacques-Louis David.  After one year at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Nick continued his training with the fellow Oklahoman and national known illustrator Mike Wimmer. Nick has worked closely with publishing houses such as Scholastic and American Greeting. His images have appears on book covers, children books, figurines, textiles, puzzles, ceramics and much more. Former First Lady Cathy Keating chose Nick to paint the Keating's official Oklahoma Governors Christmas Card. Nick has exhibited throughout the United States and his work is among many private collections.