The Chisholm Trail Arts Council (CTAC) successfully inaugurated its watercolor artists' night on Thursday, following a winter weather delay. The event featured an opening reception that showcased the talents of five local artists: Robin Bannister, LaRetha “Spanky” Davis, Jana Oakman, Debbie Sullivan, and Sue Wheeler. Executive Director Darcy Reeves expressed her delight at the turnout, emphasizing the community's enthusiasm despite the earlier postponement. The evening celebrated not only the artists' works but also their camaraderie, as they gathered weekly to paint and learn from each other.
The CTAC art gallery committee selected these artists last year, recognizing their dedication and collaborative spirit. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. LaRetha “Spanky” Davis, a resident of Duncan, specializes in watercolor portraits, often featuring themes like happy people and her grandchildren. She submitted 24 pieces for the reception, highlighting the joy she finds in creating alongside her fellow artists. For Davis, the process is as rewarding as the final product, especially when painting together on Wednesdays.
Debbie Sullivan, another Duncan-based artist, has been exploring watercolor for about five years. Initially, she kept her work hidden away, but eventually decided to share her creations with the world. Now, she has around 40 pieces on display. Sullivan was introduced to watercolor through a friend and quickly fell in love with the medium's fluidity and unpredictability. "The pigment continues to move in the paper," she noted, finding fascination in how the colors evolve overnight.
Robin Bannister, from Marlow, contributed 16 pieces to the show, all inspired by Oklahoma's natural beauty and landmarks. She has been working with watercolor for three years and finds it both challenging and surprising. Bannister advises aspiring artists to paint what they love, believing that passion resonates with viewers. Her works capture the essence of Oklahoma, from wildlife to iconic buildings, reflecting her deep connection to her home state.
Sue Wheeler, also from Duncan, shared over 20 pieces, many of which were inspired by her travels abroad. Her collection includes self-portraits, scenes from Venice, and even a bicycle from an Italian coffee shop. Wheeler's daughters accompanied her on a trip to Greece, and two of her photographs from this journey are part of the exhibition. Her niece, Jana Oakman, who owns Jana’s Studio, also contributed her work. Oakman, a former art instructor, holds multiple degrees and has participated in various arts workshops, bringing a wealth of experience to the exhibition.
The watercolor exhibit will continue until February 27th and is open to the public free of charge. This event not only highlights the artistic talent in the community but also celebrates the friendships and shared experiences that have blossomed through the act of painting together. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the vibrant and diverse works on display, each piece telling a story of creativity and collaboration.
