Hugh Pickens signs construction contract for museum honoring his late wife

Hugh Pickens and Rick Scott Construction Inc. signed a construction contract on Friday for the Dr. Pickens Museum of Turquoise Jewelry and Art.

The museum is in honor of his late wife, Dr. Sunday J. Pickens, and will display her collection of turquoise jewelry as well as paintings, fiber art, and sculptures by Oklahoma and Native American artists.

The museum will be located about three miles west of Ponca City on U.S. Highway 60. It will be approximately 16,000 square feet in size and is designed by architect Caveh Masum and the firm amoARCH out of Houston, Texas.

Pickens said the final design documents are expected to be complete by the end of the year with construction beginning in 2019. The museum is expected to open in late 2020.

Pickens said he chose Rick Scott Construction as the construction manager for the museum for several reasons. The company built the Standing Bear Museum and Education Center, the Conoco Museum, and the renovation of the Pioneer Woman Museum.

“Our team is excited to work with architect Caveh Masum, AIA, NCARB, Senior Principal and Design Director of amoARCH, along with Hugh Pickens, to make this a world class facility for thousands to enjoy each year,” Rick Scott, president of the company, said.

Stephanie Austin, Executive Vice President and Pickens signed the construction agreement Friday morning.