Masterpiece Moments: American Artist at the Table Celebrates Community Commitment to the Arts
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art Advocates will be celebrating famous American artists during a Masterpiece Moments event Saturday, April 28, at the Wes Watkins Center.
An American Artist at the Table will combine artists’ talents and the community’s commitment to the arts in a fun-filled night.
“We are focusing on American artists and we are creating tablescapes ranging from Audubon to Jasper Johns,” said Jeri Seefeldt, Masterpiece Moments chairperson and OSU Museum of Art Advocate. “We will go down Route 66 on our way across the US with food and exciting entertainment.”
The tables will celebrate 25 American artists through elaborate decorative settings designed by Art Advocates and supporters of the arts, said Jill Webber, who serves alongside Judi Baker as co-chair of the Art Advocates. The tables will be inspired by some locally-known artists such OSU alumni Desmond Mason as well as international icons like Norman Rockwell and Frederick Remington.
One table, a whimsical creation by budding American artists in Denise Ferrell’s third grade class at Skyline Elementary School in Stillwater, was made possible through a recent partnership between the Art Advocates, the museum, Prairie Arts Center, and Skyline Elementary School. The partnership resulted in hands-on art experiences for public school students, illustrating the Art Advocates’ commitment to expand the museum’s reach in the community and provide transformational art experiences to as many people as possible.
“We believe art education is a vital component of one’s intellectual development,” Webber said. “It is important to allow a person to be creative and to develop the functions of their right brain hemisphere through personal interaction and exposure to the arts.”
The evening will include a silent and live auction, entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and more, with proceeds supporting the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art’s exhibitions and educational programming.
Since opening its doors almost five years ago, the OSU Museum of Art has seen more than 25,000 visitors. In addition to housing OSU’s permanent collection of art, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions and public programming throughout the year.
“Masterpiece Moments is a creative way and opportunity to support art education for our community,” Webber said. “Communities that provide art education and support the arts always enhance their viability.”
The OSU Museum of Art Advocates play a vital role in expanding the museum’s reach in the community through their advocacy, volunteer work, and contributions. Their second Masterpiece Moments event will celebrate and promote the OSU Museum of Art’s commitment to education and community outreach.
“Research shows that exposure to the arts is as important as core curriculum,” Seefeldt said. “Art may be the one thing that will keep a student in the classroom.”
To purchase tickets for Masterpiece Moments, visit osugiving.com/MasterpieceMoments