Intro
HistoryHistory
Enriching and Supporting the Lives of Artists
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a non-profit arts organization that supports visual artists living and working in Oklahoma and promotes public interest and understanding of the arts. OVAC achieves this mission through publications, education, exhibitions, fundraising and Oklahoma’s only Virtual Gallery. Established in 1988, OVAC serves approximately 3,500 artists every year with in-depth programs.
OVAC History Timeline
1988
• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition incorporated July 20, 1988 by founder John McNeese and signers Laura Warriner and Mark Briscoe.
• 1st issue of Cross Currents newsletter
• beneficiary of Jewel Box Theatre performance
• First grant from State Arts Council of Oklahoma for expansion of newsletter
• Slide registry established
• Membership expanded to over 80 people.
• Board Members: Mark Briscoe, Jerry Brown, Marie Dawson, Nicholas Kyle, John McNeese (Secretary/Treaurer), Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President)
1989
• 501(c)3 status received from the IRS
• Received grant from State Arts Council of Oklahoma to fund the start up costs of a slide registry
• 1st Artist Award of Excellence for $1,000 given to a visual artist, James Seitz of Seminole, juror Murray Smither, Delahunty Gallery, Dallas, TX
• 1st annual Distinguished Achievement Award to the VisionMakers exhibition, at the time organized by the State Arts Council of Oklahoma
• Classen Arts Center closes, OVAC office moves to 6431½ N. Ollie
• First Annual Meeting held
• Arts Dialogue established; program to expand public interest and art awareness
• Board Members: Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President), Nicholas Kyle (Secretary/Treasurer), Mark Briscoe, Jerry Brown, Jon Burris, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Nona Jean Hulsey, Linda Warren, Georgia Williams
1990
• OVAC hosts forum on public funding for artists at City Arts Center in OKC
• OVAC takes on the VisionMakers exhibition from State Arts Council of Oklahoma
• Laurie Spencer receives $1,000 Artist Award of Excellence, juror Barry Whistler of Dallas, TX. Carla Cain, OKC receives $,1000 Media Award of Excellence in photography and Cathey Edwards receives $1,000 Media Award of Excellence in Film and Video, juror Tom Southall, Fort Worth, TX.
• First 12x12 Art Show & Sale held at Pickard Art Gallery as a fundraiser for OVAC.
• OVAC assists Arts Council of Oklahoma City with “Phantom Galleries” project, setting up exhibits, performances and installations in vacant storefronts.
• Annual Meeting held at City Arts Center in OKC
• Sudden Opportunity Fund established
• Distinguished Achievement Award to J.R. and Fran Witt
• A Show of Support, an exhibition of small works to benefit the OVAC grant and awards fund raises over $5,500, held at the Crain Wolov Gallery in Tulsa
• OVAC Newsletter changes to Cross Currents format in July of 1990
• Board Members: Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President), Nicholas Kyle (Secretary/Treasurer), Jerry Brown, Jon Burris, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Cecil Lee, James Seitz, Byron Shen, Gael Sloop, Teresa Valero, Linda Warren, Ann Weisman, Georgia Williams
1991
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial I announced, held at Hulsey Gallery at the Norick Arts Center, juror Jim Waid, Artist, Tucson, AZ. Three $1,000 awards of merit given to Carol Beesley, George Bogart and Rebecca Friedman.
• $1,000 award for art criticism to John Pickard for his article, “A Postcard: Reflections on Oklahoma Art.” Juror Patrice Clark Koelsch, Executive Director, Center for Arts Criticism, St. Paul, MN. Honorable Mentions given to Janice McCormick and R.G. Allison.
• $1,000 Artist Award of Excellence given to David R. Gill, Lawton, juror Myra Morgan, Kansas City, MO.
• Distinguished Achievement Award to Virginia Myers, founder of Living Arts of Tulsa.
• OVAC partners with State Arts Council of Oklahoma to present VisionMakers exhibition, held at Oklahoma City Art Museum at the Fair Grounds, juror John Perreault, Senior Curator, American Craft Museum. Five $1,500 awards of merit given to D.J. Lafon, V’Lou Oliveira, Tom Pershall, David M. Roberts and Eliza Tillie Woods.
• 2nd Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at HTB offices (now the OK Commerce Dept)
• OVAC sponsors an exhibition of works by Oklahoma artists at the Hickory Street Annex in Dallas, TX
• Board Members: Jerry Brown, Betty Bowen, Jennie Curtis, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee, Roger Runge (President), James Seitz, Jan Semrod, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary/Treasurer), Ann Weisman, Georgia Williams (Vice President)
1992
• Stephanie Grubbs, Edmond, receives the $1,000 Media Award of Excellence in Fiber, juror Morgan Clifford, St. Paul, MN.
• 3rd Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Oklahoma School of Science and Math.
• Board Members: Dennis Belindo, Richard L. Bohanon, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Jennie Curtis, Marie Dawson, Kathi Ann Goebel, Sam Joyner, Nick Kyle (Vice President), D.J. Lafon, Cecil Lee, O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge (President), Anne T. Skupin, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary), Ann Weisman
1993
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial II held at Hulsey Gallery, Oklahoma City University, juror William G. Otton, President, Wichita Center for the Arts. Three $1,000 Awards of Merit given to Debra Hensley, Byron Shen and Troy Wilson.
• Edgar Heap of Birds receives the $2,000 Artist Award of Excellence and Paul Medina receives the $1,500 Media Award of Excellence in Sculpture, juror Betty Moody, Houston, TX.
• Distinguished Achievement Award to Alexandre Hogue for his lifetime of achievement and his inspiration to other Oklahoma artists.
• OVAC turns five, awards and grants given totals over $25,500
• 4th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Gene Barth, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Jennie Curtis, Ronald J. Duncan, Don Finch, Kathi Goebel, Sam Joyner, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (Vice President), O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge (President), Betty Ann Sisson, Anne T. Skupin, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary), Ann Weisman
1994
• Two challenge grants received from the Phillips Petroleum Foundation & Kirkpatrick Foundation
• Annual meeting held in Guthrie
• OVAC moves office to Stage Center
• Annual Meeting held in Guthrie
• Maxine Richard receives $2,000 Artist Award of Excellence and DJ Lafon receives $1,500 Media Award of Excellence in Drawing and Printmaking, juror Jesús Bautista Moroles, Artist, Rockport, TX.
• 5th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Kirkpatrick Center.
• VisionMakers held at Oklahoma City Art Museum, juror Matthew Kangas, Independent Critic and Curator, Seattle, WA. Five $1,500 Awards of Merit given
• Grants and Awards given totals over $38,500, plus over $10,000 in artist honorarium
• October 3: OVAC moves office to Stage Center
• Board Members: Gene Barth, Thomas Batista, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Rebecca Lowber Collins, Ronald J. Duncan, Don Finch (Vice President), Kathi Goebel, Sam Joyner, Robbie Kienzle (Secretary), Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick, David Phelps, O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge, Betty Ann Sisson, Maxine Warren, Ann Weisman
1995
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial III held at City Arts Center in OKC and then traveled to Ardmore’s Goddard Center, juror Sandy Ballatore, Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Jeff Dodd, George Oswalt and Tom Poolaw
• May 5-6: Artist Weekend and Business of Art seminar sponsored by OVAC, held at City Arts Center
• Annual meeting at City Arts Center
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Gloria Abella De Duncan, Don Longcrier and Sunni Mercer, juror Mia McEldowney, Seattle, WA.
• 6th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Kirkpatrick Center.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Rebecca Lowber Collins, Ronald J. Duncan, Kathi Goebel, Robbie Kienzle (Secretary), Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick, Sunni Mercer, David Phelps (Vice President), Roger Runge, Toby Thompson, Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace, Maxine Warren, Ann Weisman
1996
• John McNeese one of 14 individuals and 3 corporations to receive a 1996 Governor’s Arts Award
• John McNeese resigns after serving as Executive Director since OVAC’s formation
• Sunni Mercer of Bethany selected to new directorship
• VisionMakers held at Kirkpatrick Center in OKC and then travels to Bartlesville Museum in Price Tower, Bartlesville, juror Ruth Deyoung Kohler, Director, John Michael Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan, WI. Awards of Merit given to Janet Massad, V’Lou Oliveira and Chris Ramsay
• Three $1,500 Fellowship Awards given to Marty Avrett, Stillwater; Jennifer Gerard Cocoma, OKC; and Dawna Wallis, Tulsa, jurors Kaleta Doolin, Director, Contemporary Culture Inc and Columbia Art Center, and Alan Govenar, President, Documentary Arts, Dallas, TX.
• Business of Art Seminar held at McAlpine Center, OKC
• 7th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Nancy Anderson, Betty Bowen, Ronald J. Duncan, Kathi Goebel, Richard Jenkins, Will K. Jones, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick (Secretary), Sunni Mercer (Vice President), Tom Pershall, David Phelps (Treasurer), Roger Runge, Toby Thompson, Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace (President-elect), Maxine Warren
1997
• Business of Art seminar: The Professional Slide Registry at Enterprise Square
• New logo designed by Resource Design Associates
• Annual meeting held at Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art
• Community Partnership Grant established
• First Open Studio Tour held as a fundraiser
• OVAC establishes first website for announcements and program materials
• Cecil Lee takes over as Editor of Cross Currents
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial IV held at City Arts Center, Kathy A. Albers, Albers Fine Arts Gallery, Memphis, TN. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to John Cox, Wendy Mahsetky-Poolaw and Corazon S. Watkins.
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Randy Wallace, OKC; Corazon Watkins, Norman; and John R. Hood, Stillwater, juror Donald E. Knaub, Wichita, KS.
• Grants and awards to artists totals over $65,000
• 8th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Nancy Anderson, Ronald J. Duncan, Robert French, Richard Jenkins, Will K. Jones, Cecil Lee, Randy Marks (Treasurer), Janice McCormick (Secretary), Tom Pershall, Roger Runge, Ira Schlezinger, Gail Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (Vice President), Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace (President), Maxine Warren, John White, Richard Ray Whitman
1998
• OVAC and Women’s Resource Center partner for Business of Art seminar
• Sarkey’s Foundation Grant of $20,000 for growing the organization
• Endowment established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
• Reserve account created to even out cash flow.
• Grants and awards given to artists totals over $70,000
• Over 280 members
• First Community Arts Partnership Grants awarded to Brad Beesley, Norman; and Gwen Ingram, Drumright.
• VisionMakers held at City Arts Center, juror Bruce W. Pepich, Director, Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Art. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Bryce Brimer, Patrick Synar and George Wilson
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Dortha Killian, Norman; Clint Shore, OKC; and Rebecca Friedman Wheeler, OKC, juror Robert McClain, Houston, TX.
• 9th Annual 12x12 fundraiser changes to a curated exhibition coupled with silent auction held at Laura Warriner’s new gallery at 1 NE 3rd in OKC. Event is Co-Chaired by Randy Marks and Gail Sloop.
• Board Members: Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Ronald J. Duncan (Vice President), Christiane Faris (Secretary), Robert French (Treasurer), Cecil Lee, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason, Sebastian Mendes, Janice McCormick, Ira H. Schlezinger, Gael Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (President), Tom R. Toperzer, Maxine Warren, John White
1999
• Biennial V expands to include drawing in addition to painting.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial V held at City Arts Center, juror David S. Rubin, Curator of 20th Century Art, Phoenix Art Museum. Three Awards of Merit given to Norman Akers, Wendy Mahseky-Poolaw and George Wilson.
• Sunni Mercer resigns from Director position. Sue Moss Sullivan and Randy Marks serve as temporary co-directors.
• July 1: Julia Kirt takes over as Executive Director
• Annual Meeting held at the home of Randy Marks
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Mark Lewis, Tulsa; Burt Harbison, OKC; and P. S. Gordon, Tulsa, juror Don Bacigalupi, Director, San Diego Museum of Art.
• 10th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at The Gallery of Laura Warriner.
• Board Members: Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, John Cox, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos, Gloria De Duncan, Christiane Faris (Vice President), Robert French (Treasurer), Will Gumerson, Janice McCormick, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason, Ira H. Schlezinger, John Seward, Gael Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (President), Maxine Warren
2000
• VisionMakers held at City Arts Center, juror Darrel Sewell, Robert L. McNeil Jr., Curator of American Art and Head of American Art Dept, Philadelphia Museum of Art. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Pamela Husky, Jaymes Dudding and George Wilson
• Newsletter name changes from Cross Currents to CrossCurrents of Oklahoma
• Cecil Lee resigns from editorial board, Janice McCormick takes over as Editor
• Business of Art Conference becomes the Artist Survival Kit program, committee led by Sue Clancy and Maxine Warren.
• OVAC accepted as a Tier II member agency of Allied Arts, receiving allocations of general operating support for the organization
• Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee hosts A Decade of Excellence, showcasing artists who had won OVAC Awards of Excellence over the last 10 years
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Don Thompson, Tulsa; Kreg Kallenberger, Tulsa; and Dennis Martin, Oklahoma City. Guest Curator: Nancy Hoffman, Nancy Hoffman Gallery, NYC
• 11th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Untitled Gallery.
• Board Members: Gail Kana Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Gloria Abella de Duncan, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (Vice President), Christiane E. Faris (President), Robert French, Will Gumerson, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason (Secretary), Sebastian Mendes, Janice McCormick, Janette Meetze, Audrey Schmitz, Dr. Elliott Schwartz, John Seward, Byron Shen, Sue Moss Sullivan, Maxine Warren, John White (Treasurer)
2001
• Budget tops $100,000.
• OVAC receives grant from Oklahoma City Community Foundation for a second computer and slide scanner, enabling slide registry to go digital.
• Oklahoma Painting and Drawing Biennial VI held at City Arts Center, juror Terrie Sultan, Director and Chief Curator at the Blaffer Gallery, Houston, TX. Three Awards of Merit given to Dennis Martin, David Holland and Nathan Opp.
• OVAC Fundraising Dinner hosted by Chris and Laveryl Lower and Laura and Joe Warriner.
• Exhibit of OVAC grant and award winners held at Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton
• Annual Meeting held at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
• OVAC Email Newsletters begin, listing opportunities for artists.
• Stephanie Ruggles (Winter) hired as OVAC’s Program Assistant.
• 12th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Untitled Gallery.
• Board Members: Jane Ford Aebersold, Gail Kana Anderson (Vice President), Nancy P. Anderson, Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Gloria Abella de Duncan, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (President), Christiane E. Faris, Brent Greenwood, Cindy Mason, Janette Meetze (Secretary), Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz (Treasurer), Elliott R. Schwartz, John Seward, Byron Shen (Vice President), Kathy Stovall, Debby Williams
2002
• OVAC Grants revamped to include Professional Basics, Creative Projects, and Education Assistance Grants for artists.
• Momentum: art doesn’t stand still, an interdisciplinary event featuring artists aged 30 and younger, instigated at Stage Center Theatre, OKC. Jurors: Nikki Williams and Debby Williams.
• Open Studio Tour expands to Tulsa
• VisionMakers held at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, juror Lane Coulter, Independent Curator, Santa Fe, NM. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Ron Fleming, David Phelps and Elia Woods.
• Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Brandon Reese, Stillwater; Steven L. Brown, Chickasha; and Robert Dorlac, Hydro, juror Betsy Senior, Senior and Shopmaker Gallery, NYC.
• 13th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at 410 N. Walker in OKC.
• Board Members: Jane Aebersold, Gail Kana Anderson, Carissa Bish, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (President), Joan Goth, Brent Greenwood, Cindy Mason, J.D. Merryweather, Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz (Treasurer), Elliott R. Schwartz, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Kathy Stovall (Vice President), Suzanne Thomas, Steve Tomlin, Debby Williams
2003
• OVAC Gallery is launched online, created from the Slide Registry.
• Collaborative fundraiser with the Chocolate Factory Theatre Company called “Electric Summer.”
• Momentum held at Stage Center. Curators: Janice Seline, Exhibitions Curator at Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Burt Harbison, Director of Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial VII held at City Arts Center, juror Raechell Smith, founding Director of the H&R Block Artspace at Kansas City Art Institute. Three Awards of Merit given to Ernesto Sanchez, Mark Lewis and John Cox.
• The Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship of $5,000 is established to supplement the awards and grants program. Heidi Mau, Norman, receives the first Fellowship. Juror Patricia C. Phillips, Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts at the State University of New York, New Paltz, is the Executive Editor of Art Journal.
• Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Kristy Lewis Andrew, Tulsa; Michelle Martin, Tulsa; and Chris Ramsay, Stillwater, juror Patricia C. Phillips.
• 14th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at TAPArchitecture.
• Board Members: Jane Aebersold (President), Ellen Berney, Carissa Bish, Richard Bivins, Diana Brown, Sue Clancy, Joan Goth, Brent Greenwood (Vice President), Pam Hodges, Cindy Mason, J.D. Merryweather (Vice President), Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Kathy Stovall, Suzanne Thomas (Treasurer), Steve Tomlin, Teresa Valero, Debby Williams
2004
• Momentum held at Farmer’s Market. Curators: Sue Clancy and Heidi Mau.
• First Momentum Tulsa held at the Matthews Building in the Brady District. Curator: Dr. Michaela Merryday.
• Receive first grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to support exhibition programs.
• Receive first National Endowment for the Arts grant to support the Artist Survival Kit program.
• VisionMakers held at Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery, juror Diane Barber, Visual Arts Director, Diverseworks, Houston, TX. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Jonathan Hils, Phyllis Mantik and Bob Hawks.
• $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship given to Jonathan Hils, Norman. Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Joseph Daun, Oklahoma City; Laura A. Guth, Midwest City; and Gary Hickerson, Oklahoma City. Juror Mark Pascale, Chicago, IL.
• 15th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at The Montgomery building.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Ellen Berney, Carissa Bish, Richard Bivins, Diana Brown, Maya Christopher, Claudia Doyle, Joan Goth, Pam Hodges, J.D. Merryweather (Treasurer), Chris Ramsay, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt (President), Lila Todd, Suzanne Thomas (Secretary), Teresa Valero, Rick Vermillion
2005
• Lori Oden welcomed as new Publications and Marketing Associate.
• Momentum held at 1100 N Broadway. Curators: Dustin Hamby and Troy Wilson.
• Momentum Tulsa held in former Luby’s building. Curators: Bryce Brimer and Sarah Williams Hearn.
• Partnered with Creative Capital, NY-based organization, for an in-depth Professional Development Retreat
• Budget tops $200,000.
• The magazine Cross Currents of Oklahoma’s name changes to Art Focus Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial VIII held at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, juror Elizabeth Dunbar, Curator of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City. Awards of Merit given to John Cox, Bradley Jessop, Sharon McCoy, Kathleen Rivers, Michael Wilson and Larry Preston.
• 16th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Sonic Building.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Diana Brown, Claudia Doyle, Jean Ann Fausser, Skip Hill, Pam Hodges (Vice President), Michaela Merryday, J.D. Merryweather, Dwayne Morris, Chris Ramsay, Kathleen Rivers, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt (President), Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd (Secretary), Teresa Valero, Rick Vermillion (Treasurer)
2006
• Kelsey Karper named Marketing and Publications Manager
• Partnered with Untitled [ArtSpace], IAO Gallery, University of Oklahoma, and University of Central Oklahoma to host the Upgrade! International: DIY Symposium.
• Momentum held at 111 N. Harrison. Curators: Steve Ligget and Dr. Susan Caldwell.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Mathews Warehouse. Curators: Joe Daun and EK Jeong.
• VisionMakers held at Leslie Powell Gallery, juror Mark Masuoka, Director, Bemis Center, Omaha, NE.
• $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship given to Glenn Herbert Davis, Tulsa. Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Kjelshus Collins, Oklahoma City; Martha Avrett, Stillwater; and Sarah Williams Hearn, Oklahoma City. Juror Bill Goldston, ULAE, NYC.
• OVAC invited as featured charity at Tulsa House Beautiful Show.
• 17th annual 12x12 fundraiser held in a former school at 410 Walnut. • Board Members: Thomas Batista, Jean Ann Fausser, Joey Frisillo, Skip Hill, Pam Hodges (President), E.K. Jeong, Stephen Kovash, Michaela Merryday, Suzanne Mitchell, Dwayne Morris, Chris Ramsay, Kathleen Rivers, Ira Schlezinger, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt, Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd (Secretary), Rick Vermillion (Treasurer), Elia Woods
2007
• OVAC invited as featured charity at Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show.
• Budget tops $300,000.
• 800 members.
• Annual Members Meeting held at Artsplace Ponca City
• Momentum held at Downtown Airpark. Curators: Bert Seabourn and Christian Pitt.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Living Arts and Liggett Studio. Curators: Glenn Herbert Davis and Alison Carter.
• Biennial expands to include photography and printmaking.
• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Biennial held at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, juror Catherine Morris, Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Art, Philbrook Museum of Art and independent curator, New York City, NY. Awards given to Chris Small, Stefan Chinov, Narciso Argüelles, David Goodrich, Yiren Gallagher and Frank Wick.
• Tulsa Art Studio Tour Retrospective Exhibit held at Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
• Two $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowships given to Marwin Begaye, Norman, and Brandon Reese, Stillwater. Juror Jed Dodds, Artistic Director, Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD.
• OVAC website is redesigned.
• Jim Eldridge begins work as OVAC’s Americorps member
• 18th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Fred Jones Industries Building.
• Board Members: Cathy Deuschle, Elizabeth Downing, Jean Ann Fausser (Treasurer), Joey Frisillo, Skip Hill, Jonathan Hils, Pam Hodges (President), Eunkyung Jeong, Stephen Kovash (Vice President), Suzanne Mitchell, RC Morrison, Richard Pearson, Kathleen Rivers, Ira Schlezinger, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd, Rick Vermillion, Sydney Bright Warren, Elia Woods (Secretary)
2008 (through June)
• OVAC celebrates 20th Anniversary!
• Momentum held at former furniture store. Curators: Paul Medina and George Oswalt.
• Art 365, OVAC’s new exhibit, opens at Untitled [ArtSpace] and then travels to Tulsa, Cedar Rapids, IA and Houston, TX. Curator: Diane Barber, Visual Arts Curator and Co-Executive Director, Diverseworks, Houston, TX.
• OVAC collaborates with Oklahoma City Museum of Art and International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum for Photo Slam event.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Living Arts, Liggett Studio and Oklahoma Equality Center. Curators: Sunni Mercer and Jennifer Barron. Features addition of Momentum Spotlight.
Enriching and Supporting the Lives of Artists
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a non-profit arts organization that supports visual artists living and working in Oklahoma and promotes public interest and understanding of the arts. OVAC achieves this mission through publications, education, exhibitions, fundraising and Oklahoma’s only Virtual Gallery. Established in 1988, OVAC serves approximately 3,500 artists every year with in-depth programs.
OVAC History Timeline
1988
• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition incorporated July 20, 1988 by founder John McNeese and signers Laura Warriner and Mark Briscoe.
• 1st issue of Cross Currents newsletter
• beneficiary of Jewel Box Theatre performance
• First grant from State Arts Council of Oklahoma for expansion of newsletter
• Slide registry established
• Membership expanded to over 80 people.
• Board Members: Mark Briscoe, Jerry Brown, Marie Dawson, Nicholas Kyle, John McNeese (Secretary/Treaurer), Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President)
1989
• 501(c)3 status received from the IRS
• Received grant from State Arts Council of Oklahoma to fund the start up costs of a slide registry
• 1st Artist Award of Excellence for $1,000 given to a visual artist, James Seitz of Seminole, juror Murray Smither, Delahunty Gallery, Dallas, TX
• 1st annual Distinguished Achievement Award to the VisionMakers exhibition, at the time organized by the State Arts Council of Oklahoma
• Classen Arts Center closes, OVAC office moves to 6431½ N. Ollie
• First Annual Meeting held
• Arts Dialogue established; program to expand public interest and art awareness
• Board Members: Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President), Nicholas Kyle (Secretary/Treasurer), Mark Briscoe, Jerry Brown, Jon Burris, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Nona Jean Hulsey, Linda Warren, Georgia Williams
1990
• OVAC hosts forum on public funding for artists at City Arts Center in OKC
• OVAC takes on the VisionMakers exhibition from State Arts Council of Oklahoma
• Laurie Spencer receives $1,000 Artist Award of Excellence, juror Barry Whistler of Dallas, TX. Carla Cain, OKC receives $,1000 Media Award of Excellence in photography and Cathey Edwards receives $1,000 Media Award of Excellence in Film and Video, juror Tom Southall, Fort Worth, TX.
• First 12x12 Art Show & Sale held at Pickard Art Gallery as a fundraiser for OVAC.
• OVAC assists Arts Council of Oklahoma City with “Phantom Galleries” project, setting up exhibits, performances and installations in vacant storefronts.
• Annual Meeting held at City Arts Center in OKC
• Sudden Opportunity Fund established
• Distinguished Achievement Award to J.R. and Fran Witt
• A Show of Support, an exhibition of small works to benefit the OVAC grant and awards fund raises over $5,500, held at the Crain Wolov Gallery in Tulsa
• OVAC Newsletter changes to Cross Currents format in July of 1990
• Board Members: Roger Runge (President), Laura Warriner (Vice President), Nicholas Kyle (Secretary/Treasurer), Jerry Brown, Jon Burris, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Cecil Lee, James Seitz, Byron Shen, Gael Sloop, Teresa Valero, Linda Warren, Ann Weisman, Georgia Williams
1991
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial I announced, held at Hulsey Gallery at the Norick Arts Center, juror Jim Waid, Artist, Tucson, AZ. Three $1,000 awards of merit given to Carol Beesley, George Bogart and Rebecca Friedman.
• $1,000 award for art criticism to John Pickard for his article, “A Postcard: Reflections on Oklahoma Art.” Juror Patrice Clark Koelsch, Executive Director, Center for Arts Criticism, St. Paul, MN. Honorable Mentions given to Janice McCormick and R.G. Allison.
• $1,000 Artist Award of Excellence given to David R. Gill, Lawton, juror Myra Morgan, Kansas City, MO.
• Distinguished Achievement Award to Virginia Myers, founder of Living Arts of Tulsa.
• OVAC partners with State Arts Council of Oklahoma to present VisionMakers exhibition, held at Oklahoma City Art Museum at the Fair Grounds, juror John Perreault, Senior Curator, American Craft Museum. Five $1,500 awards of merit given to D.J. Lafon, V’Lou Oliveira, Tom Pershall, David M. Roberts and Eliza Tillie Woods.
• 2nd Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at HTB offices (now the OK Commerce Dept)
• OVAC sponsors an exhibition of works by Oklahoma artists at the Hickory Street Annex in Dallas, TX
• Board Members: Jerry Brown, Betty Bowen, Jennie Curtis, Marie Dawson, Pat Gallagher, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee, Roger Runge (President), James Seitz, Jan Semrod, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary/Treasurer), Ann Weisman, Georgia Williams (Vice President)
1992
• Stephanie Grubbs, Edmond, receives the $1,000 Media Award of Excellence in Fiber, juror Morgan Clifford, St. Paul, MN.
• 3rd Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Oklahoma School of Science and Math.
• Board Members: Dennis Belindo, Richard L. Bohanon, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Jennie Curtis, Marie Dawson, Kathi Ann Goebel, Sam Joyner, Nick Kyle (Vice President), D.J. Lafon, Cecil Lee, O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge (President), Anne T. Skupin, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary), Ann Weisman
1993
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial II held at Hulsey Gallery, Oklahoma City University, juror William G. Otton, President, Wichita Center for the Arts. Three $1,000 Awards of Merit given to Debra Hensley, Byron Shen and Troy Wilson.
• Edgar Heap of Birds receives the $2,000 Artist Award of Excellence and Paul Medina receives the $1,500 Media Award of Excellence in Sculpture, juror Betty Moody, Houston, TX.
• Distinguished Achievement Award to Alexandre Hogue for his lifetime of achievement and his inspiration to other Oklahoma artists.
• OVAC turns five, awards and grants given totals over $25,500
• 4th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Gene Barth, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Jennie Curtis, Ronald J. Duncan, Don Finch, Kathi Goebel, Sam Joyner, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (Vice President), O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge (President), Betty Ann Sisson, Anne T. Skupin, Gael Sloop, Maxine Warren, Laura Warriner (Secretary), Ann Weisman
1994
• Two challenge grants received from the Phillips Petroleum Foundation & Kirkpatrick Foundation
• Annual meeting held in Guthrie
• OVAC moves office to Stage Center
• Annual Meeting held in Guthrie
• Maxine Richard receives $2,000 Artist Award of Excellence and DJ Lafon receives $1,500 Media Award of Excellence in Drawing and Printmaking, juror Jesús Bautista Moroles, Artist, Rockport, TX.
• 5th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Kirkpatrick Center.
• VisionMakers held at Oklahoma City Art Museum, juror Matthew Kangas, Independent Critic and Curator, Seattle, WA. Five $1,500 Awards of Merit given
• Grants and Awards given totals over $38,500, plus over $10,000 in artist honorarium
• October 3: OVAC moves office to Stage Center
• Board Members: Gene Barth, Thomas Batista, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Rebecca Lowber Collins, Ronald J. Duncan, Don Finch (Vice President), Kathi Goebel, Sam Joyner, Robbie Kienzle (Secretary), Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick, David Phelps, O. Gail Poole, Roger Runge, Betty Ann Sisson, Maxine Warren, Ann Weisman
1995
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial III held at City Arts Center in OKC and then traveled to Ardmore’s Goddard Center, juror Sandy Ballatore, Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Jeff Dodd, George Oswalt and Tom Poolaw
• May 5-6: Artist Weekend and Business of Art seminar sponsored by OVAC, held at City Arts Center
• Annual meeting at City Arts Center
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Gloria Abella De Duncan, Don Longcrier and Sunni Mercer, juror Mia McEldowney, Seattle, WA.
• 6th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Kirkpatrick Center.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Betty Bowen, Jerry Brown (Treasurer), Rebecca Lowber Collins, Ronald J. Duncan, Kathi Goebel, Robbie Kienzle (Secretary), Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick, Sunni Mercer, David Phelps (Vice President), Roger Runge, Toby Thompson, Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace, Maxine Warren, Ann Weisman
1996
• John McNeese one of 14 individuals and 3 corporations to receive a 1996 Governor’s Arts Award
• John McNeese resigns after serving as Executive Director since OVAC’s formation
• Sunni Mercer of Bethany selected to new directorship
• VisionMakers held at Kirkpatrick Center in OKC and then travels to Bartlesville Museum in Price Tower, Bartlesville, juror Ruth Deyoung Kohler, Director, John Michael Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan, WI. Awards of Merit given to Janet Massad, V’Lou Oliveira and Chris Ramsay
• Three $1,500 Fellowship Awards given to Marty Avrett, Stillwater; Jennifer Gerard Cocoma, OKC; and Dawna Wallis, Tulsa, jurors Kaleta Doolin, Director, Contemporary Culture Inc and Columbia Art Center, and Alan Govenar, President, Documentary Arts, Dallas, TX.
• Business of Art Seminar held at McAlpine Center, OKC
• 7th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Nancy Anderson, Betty Bowen, Ronald J. Duncan, Kathi Goebel, Richard Jenkins, Will K. Jones, Nick Kyle, Cecil Lee (President), Janice McCormick (Secretary), Sunni Mercer (Vice President), Tom Pershall, David Phelps (Treasurer), Roger Runge, Toby Thompson, Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace (President-elect), Maxine Warren
1997
• Business of Art seminar: The Professional Slide Registry at Enterprise Square
• New logo designed by Resource Design Associates
• Annual meeting held at Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art
• Community Partnership Grant established
• First Open Studio Tour held as a fundraiser
• OVAC establishes first website for announcements and program materials
• Cecil Lee takes over as Editor of Cross Currents
• Oklahoma Painting Biennial IV held at City Arts Center, Kathy A. Albers, Albers Fine Arts Gallery, Memphis, TN. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to John Cox, Wendy Mahsetky-Poolaw and Corazon S. Watkins.
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Randy Wallace, OKC; Corazon Watkins, Norman; and John R. Hood, Stillwater, juror Donald E. Knaub, Wichita, KS.
• Grants and awards to artists totals over $65,000
• 8th Annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Stage Center.
• Board Members: Nancy Anderson, Ronald J. Duncan, Robert French, Richard Jenkins, Will K. Jones, Cecil Lee, Randy Marks (Treasurer), Janice McCormick (Secretary), Tom Pershall, Roger Runge, Ira Schlezinger, Gail Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (Vice President), Tom R. Toperzer, Randy Wallace (President), Maxine Warren, John White, Richard Ray Whitman
1998
• OVAC and Women’s Resource Center partner for Business of Art seminar
• Sarkey’s Foundation Grant of $20,000 for growing the organization
• Endowment established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
• Reserve account created to even out cash flow.
• Grants and awards given to artists totals over $70,000
• Over 280 members
• First Community Arts Partnership Grants awarded to Brad Beesley, Norman; and Gwen Ingram, Drumright.
• VisionMakers held at City Arts Center, juror Bruce W. Pepich, Director, Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Art. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Bryce Brimer, Patrick Synar and George Wilson
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Dortha Killian, Norman; Clint Shore, OKC; and Rebecca Friedman Wheeler, OKC, juror Robert McClain, Houston, TX.
• 9th Annual 12x12 fundraiser changes to a curated exhibition coupled with silent auction held at Laura Warriner’s new gallery at 1 NE 3rd in OKC. Event is Co-Chaired by Randy Marks and Gail Sloop.
• Board Members: Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Ronald J. Duncan (Vice President), Christiane Faris (Secretary), Robert French (Treasurer), Cecil Lee, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason, Sebastian Mendes, Janice McCormick, Ira H. Schlezinger, Gael Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (President), Tom R. Toperzer, Maxine Warren, John White
1999
• Biennial V expands to include drawing in addition to painting.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial V held at City Arts Center, juror David S. Rubin, Curator of 20th Century Art, Phoenix Art Museum. Three Awards of Merit given to Norman Akers, Wendy Mahseky-Poolaw and George Wilson.
• Sunni Mercer resigns from Director position. Sue Moss Sullivan and Randy Marks serve as temporary co-directors.
• July 1: Julia Kirt takes over as Executive Director
• Annual Meeting held at the home of Randy Marks
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Mark Lewis, Tulsa; Burt Harbison, OKC; and P. S. Gordon, Tulsa, juror Don Bacigalupi, Director, San Diego Museum of Art.
• 10th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at The Gallery of Laura Warriner.
• Board Members: Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, John Cox, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos, Gloria De Duncan, Christiane Faris (Vice President), Robert French (Treasurer), Will Gumerson, Janice McCormick, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason, Ira H. Schlezinger, John Seward, Gael Sloop, Sue Moss Sullivan (President), Maxine Warren
2000
• VisionMakers held at City Arts Center, juror Darrel Sewell, Robert L. McNeil Jr., Curator of American Art and Head of American Art Dept, Philadelphia Museum of Art. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Pamela Husky, Jaymes Dudding and George Wilson
• Newsletter name changes from Cross Currents to CrossCurrents of Oklahoma
• Cecil Lee resigns from editorial board, Janice McCormick takes over as Editor
• Business of Art Conference becomes the Artist Survival Kit program, committee led by Sue Clancy and Maxine Warren.
• OVAC accepted as a Tier II member agency of Allied Arts, receiving allocations of general operating support for the organization
• Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee hosts A Decade of Excellence, showcasing artists who had won OVAC Awards of Excellence over the last 10 years
• Three $1,500 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Don Thompson, Tulsa; Kreg Kallenberger, Tulsa; and Dennis Martin, Oklahoma City. Guest Curator: Nancy Hoffman, Nancy Hoffman Gallery, NYC
• 11th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Untitled Gallery.
• Board Members: Gail Kana Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Gloria Abella de Duncan, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (Vice President), Christiane E. Faris (President), Robert French, Will Gumerson, Randy Marks, Cindy Mason (Secretary), Sebastian Mendes, Janice McCormick, Janette Meetze, Audrey Schmitz, Dr. Elliott Schwartz, John Seward, Byron Shen, Sue Moss Sullivan, Maxine Warren, John White (Treasurer)
2001
• Budget tops $100,000.
• OVAC receives grant from Oklahoma City Community Foundation for a second computer and slide scanner, enabling slide registry to go digital.
• Oklahoma Painting and Drawing Biennial VI held at City Arts Center, juror Terrie Sultan, Director and Chief Curator at the Blaffer Gallery, Houston, TX. Three Awards of Merit given to Dennis Martin, David Holland and Nathan Opp.
• OVAC Fundraising Dinner hosted by Chris and Laveryl Lower and Laura and Joe Warriner.
• Exhibit of OVAC grant and award winners held at Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton
• Annual Meeting held at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
• OVAC Email Newsletters begin, listing opportunities for artists.
• Stephanie Ruggles (Winter) hired as OVAC’s Program Assistant.
• 12th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Untitled Gallery.
• Board Members: Jane Ford Aebersold, Gail Kana Anderson (Vice President), Nancy P. Anderson, Ellen Berney, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Gloria Abella de Duncan, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (President), Christiane E. Faris, Brent Greenwood, Cindy Mason, Janette Meetze (Secretary), Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz (Treasurer), Elliott R. Schwartz, John Seward, Byron Shen (Vice President), Kathy Stovall, Debby Williams
2002
• OVAC Grants revamped to include Professional Basics, Creative Projects, and Education Assistance Grants for artists.
• Momentum: art doesn’t stand still, an interdisciplinary event featuring artists aged 30 and younger, instigated at Stage Center Theatre, OKC. Jurors: Nikki Williams and Debby Williams.
• Open Studio Tour expands to Tulsa
• VisionMakers held at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, juror Lane Coulter, Independent Curator, Santa Fe, NM. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Ron Fleming, David Phelps and Elia Woods.
• Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Brandon Reese, Stillwater; Steven L. Brown, Chickasha; and Robert Dorlac, Hydro, juror Betsy Senior, Senior and Shopmaker Gallery, NYC.
• 13th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at 410 N. Walker in OKC.
• Board Members: Jane Aebersold, Gail Kana Anderson, Carissa Bish, Eleanor Carmack, Sue Clancy, Jacqueline Zanoni de los Santos (President), Joan Goth, Brent Greenwood, Cindy Mason, J.D. Merryweather, Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz (Treasurer), Elliott R. Schwartz, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Kathy Stovall (Vice President), Suzanne Thomas, Steve Tomlin, Debby Williams
2003
• OVAC Gallery is launched online, created from the Slide Registry.
• Collaborative fundraiser with the Chocolate Factory Theatre Company called “Electric Summer.”
• Momentum held at Stage Center. Curators: Janice Seline, Exhibitions Curator at Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Burt Harbison, Director of Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial VII held at City Arts Center, juror Raechell Smith, founding Director of the H&R Block Artspace at Kansas City Art Institute. Three Awards of Merit given to Ernesto Sanchez, Mark Lewis and John Cox.
• The Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship of $5,000 is established to supplement the awards and grants program. Heidi Mau, Norman, receives the first Fellowship. Juror Patricia C. Phillips, Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts at the State University of New York, New Paltz, is the Executive Editor of Art Journal.
• Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Kristy Lewis Andrew, Tulsa; Michelle Martin, Tulsa; and Chris Ramsay, Stillwater, juror Patricia C. Phillips.
• 14th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at TAPArchitecture.
• Board Members: Jane Aebersold (President), Ellen Berney, Carissa Bish, Richard Bivins, Diana Brown, Sue Clancy, Joan Goth, Brent Greenwood (Vice President), Pam Hodges, Cindy Mason, J.D. Merryweather (Vice President), Chris Ramsay, Audrey Schmitz, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Kathy Stovall, Suzanne Thomas (Treasurer), Steve Tomlin, Teresa Valero, Debby Williams
2004
• Momentum held at Farmer’s Market. Curators: Sue Clancy and Heidi Mau.
• First Momentum Tulsa held at the Matthews Building in the Brady District. Curator: Dr. Michaela Merryday.
• Receive first grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to support exhibition programs.
• Receive first National Endowment for the Arts grant to support the Artist Survival Kit program.
• VisionMakers held at Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery, juror Diane Barber, Visual Arts Director, Diverseworks, Houston, TX. Three $1,500 Awards of Merit given to Jonathan Hils, Phyllis Mantik and Bob Hawks.
• $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship given to Jonathan Hils, Norman. Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Joseph Daun, Oklahoma City; Laura A. Guth, Midwest City; and Gary Hickerson, Oklahoma City. Juror Mark Pascale, Chicago, IL.
• 15th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at The Montgomery building.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Ellen Berney, Carissa Bish, Richard Bivins, Diana Brown, Maya Christopher, Claudia Doyle, Joan Goth, Pam Hodges, J.D. Merryweather (Treasurer), Chris Ramsay, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt (President), Lila Todd, Suzanne Thomas (Secretary), Teresa Valero, Rick Vermillion
2005
• Lori Oden welcomed as new Publications and Marketing Associate.
• Momentum held at 1100 N Broadway. Curators: Dustin Hamby and Troy Wilson.
• Momentum Tulsa held in former Luby’s building. Curators: Bryce Brimer and Sarah Williams Hearn.
• Partnered with Creative Capital, NY-based organization, for an in-depth Professional Development Retreat
• Budget tops $200,000.
• The magazine Cross Currents of Oklahoma’s name changes to Art Focus Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma Painting & Drawing Biennial VIII held at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, juror Elizabeth Dunbar, Curator of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City. Awards of Merit given to John Cox, Bradley Jessop, Sharon McCoy, Kathleen Rivers, Michael Wilson and Larry Preston.
• 16th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Sonic Building.
• Board Members: Thomas Batista, Diana Brown, Claudia Doyle, Jean Ann Fausser, Skip Hill, Pam Hodges (Vice President), Michaela Merryday, J.D. Merryweather, Dwayne Morris, Chris Ramsay, Kathleen Rivers, Elliott Schwartz, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt (President), Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd (Secretary), Teresa Valero, Rick Vermillion (Treasurer)
2006
• Kelsey Karper named Marketing and Publications Manager
• Partnered with Untitled [ArtSpace], IAO Gallery, University of Oklahoma, and University of Central Oklahoma to host the Upgrade! International: DIY Symposium.
• Momentum held at 111 N. Harrison. Curators: Steve Ligget and Dr. Susan Caldwell.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Mathews Warehouse. Curators: Joe Daun and EK Jeong.
• VisionMakers held at Leslie Powell Gallery, juror Mark Masuoka, Director, Bemis Center, Omaha, NE.
• $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowship given to Glenn Herbert Davis, Tulsa. Three $2,000 Artist Awards of Excellence given to Kjelshus Collins, Oklahoma City; Martha Avrett, Stillwater; and Sarah Williams Hearn, Oklahoma City. Juror Bill Goldston, ULAE, NYC.
• OVAC invited as featured charity at Tulsa House Beautiful Show.
• 17th annual 12x12 fundraiser held in a former school at 410 Walnut. • Board Members: Thomas Batista, Jean Ann Fausser, Joey Frisillo, Skip Hill, Pam Hodges (President), E.K. Jeong, Stephen Kovash, Michaela Merryday, Suzanne Mitchell, Dwayne Morris, Chris Ramsay, Kathleen Rivers, Ira Schlezinger, John Seward (Vice President), Carl Shortt, Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd (Secretary), Rick Vermillion (Treasurer), Elia Woods
2007
• OVAC invited as featured charity at Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show.
• Budget tops $300,000.
• 800 members.
• Annual Members Meeting held at Artsplace Ponca City
• Momentum held at Downtown Airpark. Curators: Bert Seabourn and Christian Pitt.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Living Arts and Liggett Studio. Curators: Glenn Herbert Davis and Alison Carter.
• Biennial expands to include photography and printmaking.
• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Biennial held at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, juror Catherine Morris, Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Art, Philbrook Museum of Art and independent curator, New York City, NY. Awards given to Chris Small, Stefan Chinov, Narciso Argüelles, David Goodrich, Yiren Gallagher and Frank Wick.
• Tulsa Art Studio Tour Retrospective Exhibit held at Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
• Two $5,000 Oklahoma Visual Arts Fellowships given to Marwin Begaye, Norman, and Brandon Reese, Stillwater. Juror Jed Dodds, Artistic Director, Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD.
• OVAC website is redesigned.
• Jim Eldridge begins work as OVAC’s Americorps member
• 18th annual 12x12 fundraiser held at Fred Jones Industries Building.
• Board Members: Cathy Deuschle, Elizabeth Downing, Jean Ann Fausser (Treasurer), Joey Frisillo, Skip Hill, Jonathan Hils, Pam Hodges (President), Eunkyung Jeong, Stephen Kovash (Vice President), Suzanne Mitchell, RC Morrison, Richard Pearson, Kathleen Rivers, Ira Schlezinger, John Seward, Carl Shortt, Suzanne Thomas, Lila Todd, Rick Vermillion, Sydney Bright Warren, Elia Woods (Secretary)
2008 (through June)
• OVAC celebrates 20th Anniversary!
• Momentum held at former furniture store. Curators: Paul Medina and George Oswalt.
• Art 365, OVAC’s new exhibit, opens at Untitled [ArtSpace] and then travels to Tulsa, Cedar Rapids, IA and Houston, TX. Curator: Diane Barber, Visual Arts Curator and Co-Executive Director, Diverseworks, Houston, TX.
• OVAC collaborates with Oklahoma City Museum of Art and International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum for Photo Slam event.
• Momentum Tulsa held at Living Arts, Liggett Studio and Oklahoma Equality Center. Curators: Sunni Mercer and Jennifer Barron. Features addition of Momentum Spotlight.