First-time winner of art scholarship announced

By Susannah Waite, Associate Editor

The recipient of a first-time scholarship was announced today in Norick Art Center. About 50 people attended the Brunel Faris Scholarship Reception in honor of two deceased friends.

Zach Burns, photography senior, receives the Brunel Faris Scholarship from Christiane Faris at the Brunel Faris Scholarship Reception in Norick Art Center. The scholarship awarded was $1,000. Photo: Susannah Waite/The Campus

Zach Burns, photography senior, was awarded the Brunel Faris Scholarship. The scholarship was presented in recognition of Brunel Faris and Jack Davis for their vision and years of service at OCU and the Norick Art Center, according to the reception’s program.

Brunel Faris joined the art department at OCU in 1967 and became director of the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery in 1985, according to a 2007 Art Focus Magazine issue.

Jack Davis was chairman of the art department from 1987 until his death in 2007.

Burns said he is honored to receive the $1,000 scholarship.

“The funds will definitely go a long way in helping complete my senior capstone project,” he said.

The scholarship was created by Christiane Faris, his widow. She presented the award to Burns.

“This scholarship is to recognize the legacy of Brunel,” she said. “He really had art on his mind all the time.”

The idea for the scholarship came about on the day of Brunel’s death, she said.

“I’m proud of this scholarship,” Faris said. “I’m glad students are excited about art and hopefully this scholarship will help the department grow and grow.”

The scholarship will be annually awarded.

“The monetary funds will help students with expensive supplies or learning skills,” she said.

Dean Mark Davies of the School of Arts and Sciences spoke at the reception and unveiled two plaques that will hang in Norick Art Center.

One plaque was presented in honor of Brunel Faris and the other in honor of his colleague Jack Davis.

“Students always spoke so highly of Jack and Brunel in the 1980s,” Davies said.

In 1985 Norick Art Center was just a concrete slab, he said.

“Their vision and leadership was a key role in Norick Art Center being here,” Davies said.

President Robert Henry also said a few words during the reception.

“It’s difficult to imagine Oklahoma City without the Noricks and OCU without the artists who work here,” he said.