OC’s Art Gallery displays student art for the 106th show

Work created in Elements of Visual Thinking is on display to the public through August 30.

Each year, Oklahoma Christian University’s Art Gallery displays works by both accomplished artists and current students in the Art and Design program. Located in the Garvey Center and open to the public, the first show of the fall began last week with student art created in last semester’s Elements of Visual Thinking class. OC Chair of Art and Design Amy Beauchamp and Professor of Art and Design Michael O’Keefe organized the show.

O’Keefe, who taught the students in Elements of Visual Thinking described his passion for the design class and how the art pieces reflected that passion.

“It is all about the ability to solve problems,” he said.

For students, this could not be a more true statement as they tirelessly worked on their projects. Afterward, a peer-led vote was made to select 24 pieces, from more than 50, to be displayed in the gallery. Work by students Trinity Ownby and Joel Crawford were selected.

Art collage credited to Trinity Ownby

“It means a lot for it to be in here. It means that my peers and my teachers can see how hard I worked on it and can appreciate that, too,” Ownby said.

Trinity has five pieces hung in the gallery, each with their own themes. Of the pieces, her final project was her favorite.

Crawford was also proud to have his art on display.

Art piece credited to Joel Crawford

“It meant a lot to go and see that I got something that actually worked,” he said.

Crawford had two pieces displayed. His favorite was in 3-D, which was a twist on the requirements and the common 2-D approach he often takes.

The OC Art Gallery has now held 106 art shows with a variety of art displayed since 1999. The student show will run through Aug. 30 and is free to the public. The next show in September will feature work by a brother-sister artistic duo who create abstract art.

To learn more about the OC Art and Design Program’s Graphic Design degree, led by O’Keefe, visit the website here.