OC’s art gallery featured local artist Reian Williams

Fine artist Reian Williams displayed his work throughout March.

April 1, 2021

Oklahoma Christian University’s art gallery takes pride in the wide range of art and artists it hosts. In March, the gallery displayed the work of a local fine artist, Reian Williams. Gallery Director Daniel Lawrence found Williams’ work at a gallery in Edmond and met with the artist to observe the work he produces. Lawrence felt that Williams’ paintings were a wonderful representation of the fine arts, particularly with his attention to detail in portraiture. 

Although Williams originally studied architecture, he honed his craft for his first love, portraiture, and it has since served him well. 

“Art is an Emotion. Whether it is from the artist or the viewer, it is meant to give a message,” Williams said. “We can each get our own different messages as well as our own different emotions, but it is a sense of depth in our perception toward relevance."

Amy Beauchamp, chair of OC’s Art and Design Program, enjoyed seeing Williams’ art in the gallery.

“If you visited the gallery, you saw how he captures the emotion and life in the movement he gives each of his subjects - particularly in the facial expressions and the eyes,” she said.

Beauchamp ensures the gallery provides an educational benefit as well. Whenever OC has an exhibit, they invite the artist to come to campus and give an “Artist Talk.” There, the artist talks to students about his or her journey in the arts as well as other tips and tricks such as networking and securing client work.

“The students find immense value in hearing the perspective of a like-minded designer who has had their share of struggles and triumphs,” Beauchamp said. “Someone who encourages pushing through the hard days and creative blocks to create incredible work, and the satisfaction that comes from that.”

Reian Williams’ art was featured in the OC art gallery through March, free for anyone to view. His Dr. Anthony Fauci piece is one of three that will be delivered to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., after leaving OC.