Oklahoma City Community College and Melton Art Reference Library present

Oklahoma Artists: Pioneers to Present

On View: October 5 - November 9, 2011
The Gallery at OCCC
M - F, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Oklahoma Artists: Pioneers to Present presents a collection of 19 works from the Melton Art Reference Library. It features works by Oklahoma artists, arranged chronologically, from ledger art drawings to the Impressionist style of Nellie Shepherd to contemporary and Native American artists of today.

Each artist has a visual story to tell, whether it be about preserving early Indian art traditions, classic landscapes, portraits and nature, or Native American subjects. Regardless of style, all of these artists were important in the development of art in Oklahoma. Many were teachers, mentoring talented artists and creating in their students an appreciation of art. Others turned to the visual arts from other successful artistic endeavors, such as writing, poetry and music.

The Melton Art Reference Library was established by Howard and Merle Melton to build a private collection of important works of art. The focus of the Library was to promote lesser known and Oklahoma artists; the better known artists were already well-represented and accessible in larger institutions. The Library houses material on all artists who have achieved public recognition through secondary market sales and/or those who have reached recognition through publications. The Library was officially dedicated March 9, 1989 in memory of its co-founder, Merle Buttram Melton.

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) wishes to thank the Melton Art Reference Library for the loan of 19 works of art by Oklahoma artists. This exhibit at The Gallery at OCCC would not be possible without their generous contribution and assistance.

Exhibit Curator: Linda Bosteels
Assistant: Scott Tigert