Oklahoma Arts Council

Capitol art collection aims to educate

Two years ago was the beginning of a program to bring the state Capitol art collection to classrooms through a DVD tour and other Capitol Art online resources.

The Capitol Art Collection includes more than 150 pieces of art intended to provide students a better understanding of the state's history.

Amber Sharples , the visual arts director for the arts council, said she thinks that through art, students will be able to appreciate more what they are learning in the classroom.

“It should provide the student with more context,” Sharples said. “They can only understand so much without seeing the events and people, but when they do, it's like a light bulb goes off.”

The program sparked another to get students to the Capitol to visit art in person.

The Capitol Art Travel Subsidy program helps public schools provide bus transportation to the state Capitol so students will be able to see exactly what they have been studying.

Joel Gavin , the director of communications for the Oklahoma Arts Council, said students who visit get a unique experience of walking through history instead of just reading about it in books.

“Students are so much more engaged in the subject when they are here in person,” Gavin said. “It's something we hope more schools will take advantage of.”

In addition to the many pieces that depict important moments in Oklahoma history, there is also the Betty Price Gallery, which features artwork by Oklahomans.

“Every citizen has their own collection at the Capitol,” Sharples said. “Some piece in here will represent them.

Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Announces Retirement ...

After 20 years of service to the State of Oklahoma, Suzanne Tate, executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council has announced her retirement. Tate’s retirement will be effective November 1.

“It’s been a privilege serving Oklahoma by leading the agency that supports and develops the state’s arts and cultural industry,” said Tate.

Tate joined the state agency in 1991 as deputy director and was selected to take over as executive director in 2007.

During her time as executive director, Tate has focused the agency’s efforts on building Oklahoma’s cultural infrastructure. With Tate’s guidance, the agency has initiated programs such as  Leadership Arts and the statewide Oklahoma Arts Conference to provide professional development for nonprofit arts organizations, community development professionals, artists and others.

Kym Koch Thompson, chair of the Governor-appointed Council said, “In her four years as executive director, Suzanne successfully realized her vision of developing a network of community arts leaders and creating  cultural districts in communities statewide to foster tourism and strengthen local economies. Suzanne’s efforts will continue to serve Oklahoma long after she retires.”

The Oklahoma Arts Council is accepting resumes for the executive director position. More information is available online at  www.arts.ok.gov/about/oacjobs.html .

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