Students may not realize how much art is actually on campus.
There are several art collections and statues around campus that have either been donated or commissioned for the university.
There are two statues of Native American influence on campus.
“The one in front of the art school is actually a replica of the statue on top of the state capital, so that’s really cool,” said Leslie Marie Coffmann, acting junior and gold star ambassador.
There also is the Chickasaw Warrior Garden, which was donated and unveiled in 2011.
Donald Longcrier, director of the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery and adjunct professor of art, said the campus has several permanent temporary pieces of art.
Longcrier said he brings in several different art collections to the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery, located in the Norick Art Center. The gallery is booked with exhibits through Spring 2016.
The gallery rotates between student and guest artist exhibits.
The Meinders Sculpture Garden outside Norick Art Center currently houses sculptures by guest artists. Longcrier said he hopes to fill the garden with students’ sculptures.
“Our students are doing some incredible work,” Longcrier said.
There is currently guest art on display in the garden and student work in the gallery.
Other art on campus includes the paintings and statues donated by Bobbie Burbadge Lane, OCU Law alumna and the Burbabge Foundation.
The donation included the Ruth statue located in the Clara E. Jones Administration Building and the religious paintings on display in the Dulaney Brown Library.
The Eternal Challenge Statue located outside the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management depicts two former OCU students holding up a lamp that represents knowledge
.
“Both students were chosen for their physique,” Coffmann said. “They ended up getting married after their time at OCU.”
The only statue with uncertain origin is the Pioneer Preacher statue outside the Clara E. Jones Administration building.
The statue depicts the Rev. Price Beauregard Hicks and was dedicated in 1960, according to waymarking.com.
There is no clear link between Rev. Hicks and OCU.
Price Beauregard Hicks was my Great-Grandfather. He was one of the first circuit-riding Methodist preachers in Oklahoma. P.B. Hicks was from Texas, came to Oklahoma about 1900 and lived in Vinitia, Ardmore, Shawnee, and several other locations in Oklahoma. His daughter and artist Voncile Hicks completed the statue in 1960. P.B Hicks was not affiliated with OCU – but his son was. Dr. Ernest Hicks held an honorary Doctor of Divinity from OCU.
My grandfather (James L. Hicks, Hampden Maine) had pictures of this statue and told us this was his grandfather I believe? He has since passed and I would love to learn more of my heritage. Can we start a conversation and share what we do know?