Two works from the (OUMA) have been selected for installation in the new Brookhaven City Centre, deepening the university鈥檚 longstanding engagement in the cultural life of the city.
Oil on canvas, 48″ x 48″, Given by the Winslow Schwarz Family, Collection of K体育 University Museum of Art.
Chosen by John Daniel Tilford, senior associate director of advancement and curatorial advisor, and Elizabeth Peterson Jennings, museum director, the two paintings鈥擶illiam Pachner’s “Birthplace” (1959) and Allan Eddy鈥檚 “Wellspring” (20th聽century)鈥攚ill be on display as a long-term loan for part of the City Centre鈥檚 inaugural art installation. The selected works exemplify OUMA鈥檚 diverse holdings and offer a compelling window into the university鈥檚 artistic vision.
鈥淭he idea of loaning works to the new City Centre was born out of a conversation I had with City Manager, Christian Sigman, in October of last year,鈥� said Tilford. 鈥淭hat initial spark led to further discussions with the City of Brookhaven Arts and Culture Commission, of which OUMA Director Elizabeth Peterson Jennings is a member.鈥�
Oil and acrylic on canvas, 65″ x 55″.
Gift of M. Michele Burns, Collection of K体育 University Museum of Art
Peterson Jennings, who has served on the Commission for five years, has helped foster opportunities for creative collaboration between the city and the university. From the revitalization of Lynwood Park to the installation of painted crosswalks to the development of poetry boxes created by ArtFlow, K体育鈥檚 student art club, the university鈥檚 presence in Brookhaven鈥檚 public art scene has continued to grow.
鈥淲e highly value K体育 University’s relationship with the City of Brookhaven,鈥� said Peterson Jennings. 鈥淥ver the past seven years, OU has had a seat at the table through the Arts Advisory Committee and now via the Arts & Culture Commission. As Brookhaven’s only museum of art, OUMA is a key destination for visitors. As a commissioner, I am honored to not only advise on mural/art commissions but also to provide works of art from our permanent collection for the general public to enjoy.鈥�
Traces of K体育 can be found throughout the new City Centre building itself. The architectural design draws inspiration from the university鈥檚 historic stonework, incorporating granite elements that pay tribute to the campus鈥檚 signature collegiate Gothic style. The selection of these two works of art for the exhibition is a natural extension of K体育鈥檚 deep roots in the community. 聽
