Artist with Bakersfield roots chosen to create Haggard bronze in Muskogee, Okla.

Oct. 26—Seven months ago the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame announced that it would commission a bronze sculpture honoring the life and music of one of Oildale and Bakersfield's greatest singer-songwriters.

That honoree, of course, is the late country music legend Merle Haggard. And the future site of the life-size bronze? Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA, the namesake of one of Haggard's most famous songs, "Okie From Muskogee."

On Thursday, after a months-long nationwide search, the Hall of Fame announced the name of the artist it has chosen — and in a stroke of incredible kismet, they have decided to honor yet another celebrated Bakersfield son.

Benjamin Victor, a graduate of Foothill High School's class of 1997, is known for being the only living artist to have three works in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.

In 2005 at the age of 26, Victor became the youngest artist ever represented in the Hall. And last year, his sculpture was chosen to grace the Kern County World War II Memorial at Jastro Park in downtown Bakersfield.

"Our committee has had the vision to honor Merle Haggard with a memorial statue at the Civic Center in Muskogee," Derek Gibson, chairman of the search committee, said in a news release.

"We are proud to have raised the funds privately by like-minded 'Okies,' and are ready to roll," Gibson said. "In my opinion, Ben Victor is the finest sculptor today," capable of capturing the Oildale-born singer "in a way that will honor Merle for generations to come."

The Merle Haggard Statue Committee was made up of community and industry leaders in Muskogee, according to the release. Victor, who currently lives in Boise, Idaho, has become known nationally for his beautiful works, specifically his unique brand of detailed results in sculpting skin and faces.

"I'm so excited about being chosen to do this," Victor said in a phone interview Thursday.

"I was raised listening to Merle's captivating songwriting and remarkable voice as far back as I can remember," Victor said.

To be an artist with Bakersfield roots chosen to honor another Bakersfield artist, there's just something beautiful about that, he said.