The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art will welcome the community to a Museum Open House from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, celebrating the start of the fall semester with new gallery spaces, two new exhibitions and a refreshed ArtLAB.

The free, daylong celebration invites students, families, faculty, staff and community members to explore the museum’s newest spaces, experience new exhibitions and participate in hands-on art-making activities. The event will also feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the museum’s new gallery spaces.

The new gallery spaces expand opportunities to showcase the museum’s collection and exhibitions, while the refreshed ArtLAB offers visitors new ways to create, explore and connect with art.

“The ArtLAB is a hands-on space for visitors of all ages to dive deeper into the exhibitions, create, explore and have fun,” said Casey Idhe, curator of education. “At the OSU Museum of Art, we're on a mission to foster understanding of exceptional works of art with an aspiration for all to discover a relevance and passion for the arts. What better way to do that than to invite visitors to experience art in person and to extend their experience through making.”

The new gallery space is also home to two exhibitions that opened July 28: “The Reed Family: Doel, Jane and Martha,” on view through Oct. 31, and “Chris Ramsay: A World View,” on view through Nov. 21. Together, the exhibitions celebrate artists connected with OSU and invite visitors to look closely at the world around them.

The Open House will also celebrate the museum’s connection to the broader Stillwater community. The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce will participate in the ribbon-cutting, recognizing the museum’s continued investment in art, education and community engagement.

“We’re proud to celebrate the museum and OSU and to help connect that story with the broader business community,” said Kimie Calcagno, director of membership development for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. “OSU’s continued investment in the arts benefits the university, but it also creates opportunities and amenities that strengthen Stillwater as a whole.”

The day will include a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m., a Pete’s Pet Posse visit, art-making activities from noon to 3 p.m. and a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring live music, refreshments and a special Pistol Pete appearance. Everyone is invited to attend and discover what’s new at the OSU Museum of Art.

“Whether you’re a longtime museum visitor or haven’t been in a while, August 21 is an opportunity to explore, learn something new, bring your family and friends, and celebrate what makes Stillwater such a special community,” Calcagno said.