Iron sculpture depicts earliest settlers

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Local artist Cheryl Rutledge is of Cherokee and Choctaw descent, and recently offered the Parks Commission an art sculpture to honor the indigenous people of Eureka Springs.

Rutledge’s metal artwork is a modern “totem” of the lives of the original inhabitants. She said she enrolled in a metal sculpture class at ESSA that inspired her, and with encouragement from friend Becky Newhart of ESSA, who is derived from Otoe-Missouria blood, Rutledge envisioned a design she believes honors and blends well with this area. 

“It was more work than I ever thought it would be,” she said.

The 12-ft. tall work is welded and forged, and Rutledge explains, “At the top of the sculpture is a drop of water dripping from a stalactite to represent the karst topography and the springs of Eureka. 

“Under this are four hands representing indigenous people – healers, teachers, friends and family – reaching out in anticipation and reverence of the sustaining life of water found abundantly in this area. Under this is the profile of a life-size American bison standing on prairie grass that was once part of this area and held importance of the people.

The layers of various gauges of metal are symbolic of the layering in the sediments of our rock bluffs. Along the back are eagle feathers on a staff, a symbol of strength and a spiritual connection to nature and a higher power.

“I wanted this sculpture to honor a proud people,” Rutledge said. “The important aspects of their lives and the connection that Eureka once had and still has to all of its history. This was a work of love and dedication.” 

The Eureka Springs Parks Commission could vote on approving the art installation in Basin Park at its next regular meeting.