Renaissance Ready: OSU Arts Week returns after 45-year hiatus
Friday, August 22, 2025
Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu
For the first time since the 1970s, Stillwater saw the return of OSU Arts Week — a celebration of the visual, performing and applied arts at Oklahoma State University.
The OSU Arts Committee led the initiative, with key support from the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre, Greenwood School of Music, and Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History.
"Our primary goal was to showcase the breadth and depth of the arts at OSU and raise awareness of our art programs,” said Chris Ensor, associate director for OSU System Marketing. “The talent level across our campus — from faculty to students — is world-class. We wanted to make the arts more personal and accessible to the campus and Stillwater community by inviting students, faculty and staff to engage in unique, hands-on experiences.”
OSU Arts Week kicked off on April 18 with the Stillwater Arts Festival, hosted by the Prairie Arts Center. Over the following days, the campus enjoyed student performances, attended guest lectures and participated in interactive activities all aimed at elevating the visibility of the arts.
“It was nice to see so many fellow students asking about the arts and showing genuine interest,” said Garett Lacy, a theatre student who demonstrated stage combat for onlookers outside the Student Union. “For our display specifically, we were sword fighting — what a spectacle, right? We had many students who were stoked to watch and take pictures.
“Most students are not even aware of all the artistic opportunities that our university offers. It is important to make sure students get the opportunity to explore the arts — after all, college is about finding yourself and your passions, and that takes exploration.”
More than 10 departments and campus partners contributed to OSU Arts Week. Activities included free choral and musical performances, linocut printing, screen-printed temporary tattoos, musical theatre, a movie night, artist talks, museum exhibitions and gallery shows.
“Events like this are important for students of all majors. It may not always be obvious, but the arts are tied into almost everything we do,” said Ashton Miller, an OSU Museum of Art intern who gave out dozens of art kits during the week. “This exposure to different thought processes and experiences helps students become more well-rounded and empathetic individuals. OSU Arts Week and events like it give students the opportunity to learn about and engage with the various arts departments in ways they may not otherwise be able to.”
As OSU Arts Week 2025 concluded, it left a lasting impression on many who participated and attended. The initiative successfully opened conversations about the role of the arts at OSU and created space for students to engage in creative opportunities.
“The arts are integral to OSU’s land-grant mission,” said Dr. Kirsten Olds, associate provost for the arts.
“The arts at OSU help us realize what it means to be human. They help us develop empathy. They are excellent at developing our problem-solving skills. They are good at allowing us to be resilient and respond to moments of failure. All of these things are so important in today’s society.”
To keep up with all things OSU Arts and Culture, visit okla.st/osu-arts.
Story By: Kierstin Pigg | Photos By: Jason Wallace | casnews@okstate.edu