This exhibition showcases a series of photographs and paintings created by students at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. Join us for an opening reception on Friday, August 1, 6-9pm! On display through August 29.

Students in the Photography class embraced experimentation and creative risk-taking, exploring both historic and modern image-making techniques. From working with 19th-century processes like tintypes and film developing to using digital tools and hybrid workflows, they pushed beyond their comfort zones. Hands-on learning included using a 4x5 view camera, posing models, and exploring large-format and alternative printing methods. A key assignment, “anti-social media,” challenged students to think more intentionally about image-making by using toy film cameras with limited exposures, encouraging thoughtful composition and deeper storytelling. Collaboration and peer learning played a central role, and a portfolio review by visiting photographer Laura McPhee was a major highlight. The resulting exhibition reflects each student's dedication, growth, and fresh perspective—whether they were seasoned photographers or exploring the medium for the first time.

Students in the Painting class created a vibrant collection of paintings and drawings created during an intensive two-week artistic journey at Quartz Mountain. Inspired by new landscapes, people, materials, and techniques, each student produced unique works that reflect both personal vision and collective exploration. The students studied the natural world through field visits to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, observing wildlife and landscapes that informed their understanding of time, the elements, and regeneration. In the studio, they experimented with various media from charcoal and paint to gel transfers and cyanotype and explored historical imagery to fuel their creativity. Through traditional and experimental methods, they captured fleeting moments of light, shadow, and form. This experience not only marks the culmination of their time at Quartz Mountain but also serves as a meaningful chapter in their ongoing artistic growth.