A portrait honoring the Shoshone leader who gave Pocatello its name now hangs inside City Hall, the result of a donation from a local artist whose work has spanned decades.
Tal Sampson, a Pocatello artist, presented a print of his Chief Pocatello artwork to city officials during a council meeting Thursday. Mayor Mark Dahlquist and council members recognized Sampson for the contribution, which is now displayed in the Council Chambers at 911 N. Seventh Ave.
The artwork shows a young Chief Pocatello alongside a buffalo, with details reflecting the clothing and adornments of the era. Sampson created the print from an original oil painting he completed and later gifted to descendants of Chief Pocatello during a January ceremony at the oldest church in Fort Hall.
Family Approval and Additional Donations
After presenting the original to the chief’s family, Sampson received permission to produce prints for distribution. In addition to the city donation, he provided a print to the Fort Hall Business Council. A third print will be placed on display at the Idaho State Capitol, where state officials and visitors will have access to view it.
According to city officials, the new print joins an earlier Sampson oil painting of Chief Pocatello that already hangs in the chambers. That older work earned Sampson the Idaho State University President’s Award in 2006. Sampson has returned to the subject multiple times over his career, refining the image with each iteration.
Recognition from City Leadership
Dahlquist praised the donation as both an artistic and historical contribution to the city’s public spaces.
“We are grateful to Tal Sampson for sharing his talent and for this meaningful contribution,” the mayor said. “Artwork like this not only enhances our public spaces but also connects residents and visitors to the rich history of Pocatello.”
City officials described the portrait as a reflection of the region’s heritage and a visual reminder of the prominent Shoshone leader whose name the city carries. Chief Pocatello led his people during a period of significant change in Southeast Idaho, and his legacy remains central to the area’s identity.
Viewing Details for the Public
Residents and visitors who wish to see the print may do so during regular business hours at City Hall. The Council Chambers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The artwork is part of ongoing efforts to preserve and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the Pocatello area. Sampson’s body of work has contributed to local understanding of the Shoshone presence in the region and the leadership of figures like Chief Pocatello.
What Comes Next
The print will remain on permanent display in the Council Chambers, where it will be visible during city council meetings and public visits. The additional print at the state capitol will provide statewide exposure to the artwork and its subject.
City officials did not announce plans for additional art donations or installations, but the reception of Sampson’s work suggests continued interest in honoring the region’s indigenous history through visual art. The Council Chambers now house two of Sampson’s portrayals of Chief Pocatello, marking the space as a gallery of local heritage.