Tag: art

The Heart of Art at The University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is renowned for its successful athletic programs, particularly in football, softball, and gymnastics. However, it also excels in the arts, showcased by the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, highlighting both artistic and educational pursuits.

If you have heard of the University of Oklahoma at all, it’s probably because of our football team, which has won several national championships. Or maybe you’ve heard about our softball and gymnastics teams, also national champions.

But the “university on the prairie” is also a leader in the arts.

I was a student there and met my husband in the 1970s.

I took these photos during visits to the campus in Norman, Oklahoma, about 30 miles south of Oklahoma City.

The Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art

From the acclaimed Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism to more than 6000 works by Native American artists,the museum’s holdings are vast, varied and nationally significant.

Thomas Brent Smith, Director, in Sooner Magazine, Summer 2025
cabinet, chairs, sculpture
Hester Hall, home of the College of International Studies
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“State of Grace”, artist Robert Taylor
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Native American pottery
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“The Guardian”

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 

The Sam Noble Museum at The University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation and education.

Sam Noble Museum

They may not be “art”, but the natural history museum exhibits are informative and inspirational.

Exploring the HEART of learning

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The University of Oklahoma also has two medical campuses, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. After my years in Norman, I attended the medical school in Oklahoma City, which is where I became

Dr. Aletha
a rearing horse statue

Madrid, New Mexico: A Ghost Town Adventure

This post describes a visit to Madrid, New Mexico, while attending a unique wilderness medicine conference in Santa Fe. It highlights the area’s artistic vibe, mentioning that the film “Wild Hogs” was shot there. Additionally, it shares an enjoyable sunset horseback riding experience nearby.

Updated November 15, 2025

My husband and I  were in Santa Fe, where I attended a medical conference on wilderness medicine. I don’t practice in the wilderness, but this conference offers fascinating lectures on topics not covered at any other event.

No other medical conference I’ve attended teaches the management of spider, tick, snake,bear, and shark bites, by speakers who have climbed Mount Everest and hiked Antarctica, among other exotic places.

Wild Hogs-the movie

 As with Santa Fe and Taos, art rules in Madrid. Walking around, you may feel like you are on a movie set- and in a way, you are.

The 2007 movie Wild Hogs was filmed here. ( an affiliate link)

Veteran actors John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy, and Tim Allen portray middle-aged men who take a motorcycle trip through New Mexico to California. Along the way they find adventure they weren’t expecting, including encountering a motorcycle gang made up of midlife men who don’t like outsiders. But it’s all in fun and good for a lot of laughs.

The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video to rent or buy.

Madrid, New Mexico

Nestled on the northeast side of the Sandia Mountains is Madrid, New Mexico. Sitting midway along The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, Madrid is categorized as a ghost town even though this small village of about 400 residents is bustling during the summer months with shops, restaurants, and galleries catering to the many visitors along this ancient path.

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And at nearby Los Cerrillos, you can go horseback riding at the Broken Saddle Riding Co.

a man and woman both on horses
We enjoyed a sunset horseback ride while visiting Santa Fe and Taos in New Mexico.

Exploring the HEART of health in New Mexico

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Also from our New Mexico trip

The Art and Science of New Mexico

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must see for those interested in  Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

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