As a way to bring Oklahoma history to campus, OCCC dedicated the sculpture “Downstream Drifters” Monday near the college’s Main Building entrance.

The artwork is a composition of four different bronze pieces arranged in a three-dimensional fountain with running water.

The composite bronze sculpture, depicting a man driving cattle through a dangerous river, was designed and created by southern artist John Rule. It was donated to the college by cattleman Jack Turner, Rule’s longtime friend, OCCC President Jerry Steward said during the dedication.

The date on the installation is July 2018, the date the fountain was installed, Steward said.

“Jack, thank you for caring about Oklahoma City Community College.  We greatly appreciate what you have done for OCCC.

“We count on people like you and are so blessed call you our friend”

The sculpture has been resting northeast of the entryway since last summer. The horse and rider weigh about 500 pounds, and the steers weigh about 200-300 pounds each, Steward said.

Next to it are benches that members of the OCCC community can sit on.

This is the first of Rule’s pieces created in monument size. Rule’s ornate saddle and leather work has been featured in several publications including the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Travel Guide.

Turner is a third generation Oklahoman. He said he gave the statue to OCCC because he feels very close to the college, and he wanted to honor his family.

“Well, I was on the first board [of regents of OCCC], and my grandfather was a pioneer. It just was the right thing to do,” he said.

Turner is an OCCC  President’s Partner, one of a group of donors who invests to support the work and vision of the college, Steward said.