Gary Hawk has received countless awards and notes of recognition for his artistic abilities. He is a former Kansas artist of the year, and his works have been displayed in the Kansas Governor’s Mansion in Cedar Crest, and on a Christmas ornament in the White House.
“But this is my first resolution,” the Iola artist said.
Hawk will be in Topeka Monday to be honored by the Kansas Senate for his role with the “Coins For the Cabin” campaign.
Hawk was commissioned by the state to create a painting of Higley Cabin in rural Smith County.
The cabin was home of Dr. Brewster Higley, who penned a six-verse poem, “My Western Home,” in 1872.
The poem was published a year later in the Smith County Pioneer, and set to music later that same year by Daniel Kelley and the Harlan Brothers, where it became known as the song “Home on the Range.”
The song quickly became a national treasure, and was declared by President Franklin Roosevelt as his favorite.
In 1847, “Home on the Range” was adopted by the Kansas Legislature as the official state song, and Higley Cabin was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Pete and Ellen Rust, who owned the land on which the cabin sits, opened the area for the public to enjoy.
But time has taken its toll on the old cabin.
“It’s been used as everything from a home to a chicken coop,” Hawk said. “It’s in pretty rough shape.”
An effort save the cabin was spearheaded last year by the Smith County Rotary Club, area farmers and the Rusts.
Among the fundraisers will be sales of Hawk’s painting of Higley Cabin, which he painted by using photographs of the structure.
“I’d never seen it in person before,” Hawk said.
As part of the “Coins for the Cabin” fundraiser, Hawk’s original painting was auctioned off in May. Other reprints are now available for purchase. A 16-inch-by-20-inch print sells for $75. Framed orders also are available, Hawk said.
Hawk will be honored via Senate resolution, along with El Dean Holthus, for their leadership with “Coins for the Cabin.” Holthus is a nephew of the Rusts. Others know him as the father of Kansas City Chief broadcaster Mitch Holthus.
“This project has been a long, drawn-out affair,” Hawk said, “but it’s been exciting to see it turn out like this.”
