The American

Oklahoma sculptor Shan Gray and his team are set to build "The American," a 17-story bronze sculpture in the Tulsa area. And community leaders are hopeful it will become one of the main tourist destinations in the region.

"This monument encompasses all the elements of the economic opportunities we are striving to attract with Vision 2025," said Mayor Bill LaFortune. "It greatly enhances our potential to bring in more tourism, more event s, and it is very positive for our existing venues, such as our museums and the Tulsa Zoo."

Potential sites for the bronze monument are at Holmes Peak near the planned Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden in Osage County, Pioneer Plaza on a hill north of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa or River West Festival Park.

Gray is expected to make a final decision on the site location for "The American" in mid-April. "The American Project team has requested an extension of time from leaders here in Tulsa," Gray said. "Our engineers tell us that further tests must be done to be really sure the site will support this massive structure," he concluded.

Shan Gray, a resident of Edmond, Oklahoma, is recognized nationally for his style and talent. "The American," a 176-foot tall bronze monument will stand on a four-story concrete and limestone base, depicting a young Native American brave with his hair being blown across his face. His right arm is raised as a bald eagle, wings spread, lands on his shroud-covered forearm. The total height will approach 22 stories.

"The monument symbolizes all of America's cultures and their struggles," says Gray. "The warrior displays cultural endurance, and the winds of change through adversity and conflict are represented in his blown hair. The American bald eagle symbolizes America," he added.

According to Gray and his team, "The American" is projected to rival America's other icons and monuments, such as the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty in tourism popularity. And, much like the Washington Monument, an elevator system will whisk visitors up inside the bronze structure to an observation area in the brave's head. The complex will include a museum feature, concessions, restrooms, and ample parking in a landscaped setting.

Completion of The American Project is scheduled to be unveiled in April 2007 as a crowning project of the centennial celebration of Oklahoma's 100th anniversary of statehood.

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