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Missouri artist Sabra Tull Meyer created a relief for the plaque commemorating the 200th anniversary of Sacagawea’s visit to Fort Osage. Meyer has long been interested in early American history and is perhaps best known for the Lewis and Clark monument in Jefferson City. That bronze sculpture marks the explorers’ June 4, 1804, stop in what became Missouri’s capital. Meyer lives in Columbia, Mo.
| 1 How did you get involved in the project to commemorate Sacagawea’s stop at Fort Osage? |
A member of the Kansas City group was a former resident of Jefferson City and had long been involved with the Lewis and Clark Task Force. Her first thought was the Lewis and Clark monument, which is how they contacted me. |
| 2 It took seven years to finish the Lewis and Clark monument in Jefferson City. As an artist, what is it like to spend so much time on the same project? |
Some years ago, I read Stephen Ambrose’s book, ‘Undaunted Courage,’ and I found it absolutely fascinating. I’ve always been interested in history, and that (the Lewis and Clark expedition) was just an incredible journey. So when they contacted me about the project, I was already interested, which is a good thing because it took so long. But, any time you create something of that size in the public domain, you can just expect it will take some time to get it all worked out. |
| 3 What was it like to return to this same period to create the relief of Sacagawea? |
In doing research for the figures, I had seen many artists’ renderings of Sacagawea. Often, people will come to the monument and ask why she isn’t included. Well, it’s because the monument portrays a specific day in history, and Lewis and Clark didn’t meet Sacagawea and her husband until the following fall. Actually, I’ve been hopeful ever since the monument was installed that funding would become available to add Sacagawea to a hillside facing the monument. |
| 4 Did you have to do additional research after the plaque was commissioned? |
I contacted an Indian cultural center and emailed them photographs of the clay model relief I had done. They had a group of Shoshone Indians make suggestions so Sacagawea would resemble that particular tribe as much as possible. |
| 5 What kind of feedback did you receive? |
That she should look younger. Sacagawea was barely 16 when she embarked on this incredible journey. Considering she was pregnant in the beginning and then carried a baby the rest of the way, she’s a pretty incredible woman. |
