OCCC’s first art gallery to be located in new building

By Lana Steverson, News Writing Student

An art gallery will be included in the new Visual and Performing Arts Center that is scheduled to open this fall, said Dianne Broyles, Communications and Arts department director.

Broyles said this is very exciting for the department because the college currently does not have a gallery.

The college has quite a large art program, but no place to display the work that is being done, she said.   

Art professor Mary Ann Moore said, currently, any art that the professors or students want displayed has to be shown in the middle of the Main Building or in the foyer of the Theater.

Art students are very proud of the work they have done and love to show it off, Moore said.

Because of that, it is important to them to have it displayed because it generally expresses what they feel.

Art student Julie Colston said she wishes the gallery were available now.

“This is my last semester here so I won’t get my art displayed formally,” Colston said.

Moore said the lack of a gallery makes teachers and students look forward to the future.

In the new gallery Moore said, the department will have the capacity to display all kinds of art. Moore said there will be displays from faculty, adjunct professors and art from all over Oklahoma.

Professors also are hoping to have some art displayed from other countries, Moore said.

The gallery also will give the art students a venue for their graduation portfolios, Moore said.  

Broyles said the building is expected to be open and ready for use by August. 

Moore said she and her colleagues are excited to finally get the art gallery.

“It’s something we have always wanted,” Moore said.

Header