Tatanka

by Bruce Gueswel

"Tatanka" a Corten-steel, origami-style bison by artist Bruce Gueswel. Acquired in loving memory of Neal McCaleb (1935-2025) through the Edmond Visual Arts Commission (EVAC) in partnership with Terri and Caleb McCaleb. Neal McCaleb (1935–2025) was a distinguished Chickasaw engineer and public servant whose extensive career spanned state government, federal leadership, and tribal advocacy. Born in Oklahoma City on June 30, 1935, McCaleb earned a civil engineering degree from Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) in 1957. Throughout his life, McCaleb received honors such as induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and multiple recognition from his alma mater, including OSU’s Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Award. His passing left behind a legacy marked by infrastructure innovation, tribal advocacy, and steadfast public service.

Bruce Gueswel sees possibility in every flat sheet of steel. What began in 1994 with a stained-glass figure named Mary grew into a fascination with turning simple planes into sculpture. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric sketches and empowered by modern CNC technology, Gueswel developed Metal Origami—a style where precision meets imagination, and cold steel folds into graceful, faceted forms.

Worktype: Nature & Animal Sculptures