Kern County Taps its history
November 27, 2011
In downtown Taft, the new Oilworker Monument pays tribute to “those who supplied the energy to build a nation.” It was unveiled in 2010 and features life-size brass sculptures of laborers.
‘First Lady of Las Vegas’ Helen J. Stewart Inspires Artist
November 27, 2011
To Las Vegas history buffs, she’s Helen J. Stewart. But to artist Benjamin Victor, she’s just Helen.
First Lady of Las Vegas Helen J. Stewart Statue Dedication
December 7, 2011
First Lady of Las Vegas Helen J. Stewart Statue Dedication at Noon on 12/03/2011 at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Kern County’s Rich Oil Field of History
November 27, 2011
Anywhere else, linking an aromatic cup of coffee and a gooey glob of oil would quickly kill a restaurant. Not so in Taft, Calif., the Taft Crude Coffee House is a popular stop for hot coffee or iced mocha.
Oilworker Monument to Become a Family
September 15, 2011
Oilworker Monument Becomes a Family
September 15, 2011
In a little over month, two new figures – a mother and young boy bringing lunch to one of the figures working on the the derrick — will be unveiled at the bronze monument on Sixth Street at Rails to Trails. A miniature of the new figures was unveiled on Wednesday at the Taft Chamber of Commerce.
Aberdeen Artist, Museum Collaborate on Statues
July 24, 2011
The Dacotah Prairie Museum’s efforts will be displayed in California when Ben Victor’s sculpture of a pioneer mother and son is installed. The lifesize statue is a second component for a monument to oil workers that Victor, artist in residence at Northern State University, previously did for Taft, Calif.
Nominations Sought for Arts Awards
March 1, 2011
The Aberdeen Area Arts Council biennially recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding contribution to the arts in Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
Putting the Finishing Touch on RI Trooper Statue
November 22, 2010
Sculptor Benjamin Victor puts a coat of paste wax Monday on the bigger-than-life bronze statue of a state trooper that he created for the new R.I. State Police Public Safety Complex.
Exploring Visual Arts
November 8, 2010
Benjamin Victor, who in 2005 became the youngest artist ever to have a sculpture in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, invited the ensemble to visit his studio. He had met them at a small Friday evening gathering at the Jewish Synagogue scheduled especially for the ensemble.
Trooper Statue Measures up to Mission of RI State Police
October 30, 2010
With a commission from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, South Dakota artist Benjamin Victor is crafting in bronze an 8-foot, 3-inch statue to stand on a 4-foot, 3-inch pedestal on the plaza in front of the new Rhode Island State Police Public Safety Complex.Read full story.
New Sculpture Represents Diversity
October 27, 2010
A new sculpture representing different ethnicities was donated to the university and unveiled earlier this month. The 10,000-pound bronze sculpture, titled “Where Cultures Meet,” resembles the world with 10 life-size figures, five male and five female, from different ethnicities. The 12-foot sculpture took eight months to complete.
Monument Unveiled, Celebrated
October 19, 2010
Every Oildorado Days has its signature event. The 2010 Diamond Jubilee edition will always be remembered for its oilworker monument dedication that attracted an estimated 2,000 people to the corner of Fifth and Supply Row Friday, October 15.
New Monument Honors Taft Oil Workers
October 16, 2010
Downtown Taft’s imposing new centerpiece features tough-as-bronze figures that stand 8 feet tall and wear historically accurate, 1910-era dress.
New Monument Honors Taft Oil Workers
October 15, 2010
The audience at the dedication saved their biggest applause for the man who created the sculpture, Benjamin Victor, who was selected for the job after a nationwide search. Born in Taft, Victor and his family moved when he was young to Bakersfield, where he graduated from Foothill High before going on to Northern State University in South Dakota.
Read full story.
Project Excites Sculptor
October 15, 2010
In one of Aberdeen sculptor Ben Victor’s newest works, 10 Northern State University students and faculty are enshrined forever in bronze.