Shiloh Thurman: Director, Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve - Epi. 211, Host Dr. Mark Sublette

Today's guest was Shiloh Thurman and he's the Museum Director of the Woolaroc Museum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Now, might have not heard of this museum, but it's always been a personal favorite of mine. The Woolaroc is a hidden gem of a museum up in northeastern Oklahoma, an hour out of Tulsa and I encourage you, if you're in that area, to go see it as it's not your run-of-the-mill educational institution.

I don't say that in a bad way at all. It's not normal because it has herds of regional animals surrounding the museum including (but not limited to) bison, elk, and water buffalo. They are a big part of the experience, as well as the old cabin that oil tycoon Frank Phillips used as his home.  It's filled with great J. H. Sharp paintings and antique textiles and it's just an amazing thing to see. The museum itself has a great collection of Frank Tenney Johnson and William R. Leigh paintings, as well as some amazing first-phase, second-phase, and third-phase chiefs blankets. 

Shiloh has got a story to match. Here's a kid who grew up in Bartlesville and basically did every single job in the building in order to work his way up the ladder. He eventually became the director/curator and has been thriving ever since. It's a fun and interesting story. 

Plus, I want to promote this museum because I happen to like it. Shiloh Thurman on Art Dealer Diaries episode 211.