08/27/2026
A little clarification about our new City seal
We’ve seen a lot of conversation today about the two versions of our new City seal, and we want to clear up a few things.
We have spoken with Emaline Wiles, and we appreciate the opportunity to have that conversation with her.
Most importantly, the City of Heavener has never altered either version of the seal that was provided to us. We received two completed versions as part of this project, and our intention from the beginning has been to use both of them.
Emaline’s artwork has not been rejected, replaced or set aside. In fact, her version is already being used by the City. It has been incorporated into our official City website, magnets for our police vehicles, and City uniforms. You will continue to see it used.
You will also see the alternate version used in other places. There was never meant to be a competition between the two designs or a decision that one artist’s work was somehow “better” than another’s. We simply received two versions that we felt could each serve the City well in different applications, and we are proud to use both.
This project started with artwork from Heavener High School students and continued through the work of talented people with ties to our community. The last thing we ever wanted was for something intended to celebrate Heavener and its talent to leave anyone feeling hurt or unappreciated.
We’re proud of the hometown talent that went into this project, including Emaline’s contribution, and we hope that as both versions begin appearing around town, they can be seen for what they were intended to be: a fresh look for our City that was inspired and created through the talents of people from our own community.
There was never any intention to take credit away from an artist or diminish anyone’s contribution. We simply want to use and enjoy both versions that were provided to us and move forward celebrating the people who helped make them possible.
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