Mission
Grow and develop Oklahoma's visual arts community through education, promotion, connection, and funding.
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) helps artists realize their potential through education, promotion, connection, and funding. Organized in 1988, OVAC is a non-profit organization that supports visual artists living and working in Oklahoma. OVAC promotes public interest in the arts and helps people of all ages understand the visual arts.
Our Values
Art
provides
value
Art ​is essential
Art creates a positive economic impact
Art raises the quality of life
Adopted in October 2019, our current strategic initiatives include focusing on the state by six defined regions through programming, board leadership, donors, and marketing. To see the full plan, click below.
Our Team
FY 2022 Meetings & Minutes
ARTPSACE at Untitled | 1 NE 3rd St, OKC | 11am
Dunlap Codding | 609 W Sheridan Ave, OKC | 11am
Zoom Meeting | 11am
Zoom Meeting | 11am
FY 2021 Meetings & Minutes
Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting
FY 2023 Meetings & Minutes
Zoom Meeting | 11am
Location TBD | 11am
Location TBD | 11am
21c Museum Hotel | 900 W Main, OKC | 11am
Fernando's creative journey is solid, from his roots in Oklahoma City as the Design and PR Manager for ARTSPACE at Untitled, to his contributions as the Marketing and Membership Manager for OVAC.
With a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication and Branding, as well as a Bachelor's in Industrial Design, Fernando's expertise is diverse.
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He has studied Trend Forecasting and jewelry making in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and also taught design at the University of Aguascalientes, Mexico. Fernando's passion for the arts has led him to assume key roles in major cultural events and institutions. He served as the Head of Department for Marketing, Design, and Promotion for the renowned San Marcos National Fair, one of Latin America's largest festivals. Additionally, his directorship of the College of Creative Arts at Cuauhtemoc University in Aguascalientes involved overseeing five major programs.
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Fernando is excited to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors, members, sponsors, and community partners.
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Contact for: Art 365, Program Sponsorships, Corporate and Community Partnerships, 12x12 Art Fundraiser
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Fernando Calvillo
Community Relations Director
B. Williams
Fall Intern
B. WIlliams, an Oklahoma City native, has always created visual art. With a wide variety of experiences, he embarked on a professional journey that uniquely blends creativity and discipline. B. initially honed his skills through a BFA in Visual Art from Oklahoma City University, setting a strong foundation for his artistic endeavors. Beyond the canvas, he’s a been a middle and high school art teacher, he’s also proudly served as an Infantry Officer in the Army. With his roots in Oklahoma, B. has returned to make his mark on OVAC and the Oklahoma art market.
Karis Chambers
Marketing & Membership Manager
Karis is an artist, designer and arts advocate who received their BFA from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, followed by an MFA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Karis is actively affiliated in various artistic initiatives and organizations within Oklahoma, including Art Group OKC, Norman Arts Council, Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, Plaza Walls, and the Paseo Arts Association. Karis has been consistently involved with OVAC as a volunteer and committee member, receiving OVAC's Golden Donut Award in 2022. Through their participation in these groups, Karis has forged strong connections within the Oklahoma arts community. By collaborating with fellow artists and supporting local talents, Karis aims to foster a sense of unity and empowerment among Oklahoma artists.
One of Karis's primary goals is to address the financial disparity within the arts. They recognize the challenges that artists face in accessing resources and opportunities due to financial constraints. By striving to bridge this gap, Karis actively seeks ways to provide collective resources and support to Oklahoma artists. Their efforts are geared towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment where all artists can thrive and flourish.
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Contact for: Virtual Artist Gallery, Website, Calendar, Artist Survival Kit, Membership, Outreach
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(405) 879-2400 Ex. 3
Ariana Weir
Administrative & Artist Relations Manager
Ariana was born and raised in Oklahoma City. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Visual Art with an emphasis in printmaking. During her time at OU she completed internships with OVAC as well as ARTSPACE at Untitled to learn more about the Oklahoma art community. She currently spends her time working at OVAC and continuing her artistic practice.
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Contact for: Art Crit Night, Grants for Artists, Thrive
(405) 879-2400 Ex. 5
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Rebecca Kinslow has over 20 years of experience as an arts leader specializing in event-planning, marketing, community development, grantmaking, program management and organizational development in the non-profit, higher education and government sectors.
Rebecca has led the development and oversight of programs, partnerships, financial investments and cultural and racial equity strategies designed to support stronger arts & cultural organizations. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cameron University, and an Executive Certificate in Arts & Cultural Strategy and Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from University of Pennsylvania. She has served on Americans for the Arts’ County Arts Network and Equitable Investments Advisory Committee, the Create Justice Network Peer Learning Action Group, the Program Advisory Committee for the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, the Government Alliance for Racial Equity Arts Workgroup, and as a board member of the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Contact for: Fiscal Sponsorships, Partnerships, Art Focus Oklahoma, Accessibility
Rebecca Kinslow
Executive Director
(405) 879-2400 Ext. 4
What We Do
To support artists on the business side of their practice, we offer educational opportunities through our Artist Survival Kit (ASK) series and resources. Additionally, we offer opportunities for artists to show their work through exhibitions and our online virtual gallery. We give funding to artists through our Grants for Artists and Fellowship Awards. Artists can also find calls for artists on our website and OK Artist Opportunities Facebook Group.
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See: Programs, Resources, Membership, and Artist Gallery
For the Community
Through our exhibitions and our publication Art Focus Oklahoma, we connect the community to the visual arts in our state. Additionally, our OK Art Crawl and Tulsa Art Studio Tour provide ways for the community to meet local artists and learn about their work.
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See: Programs and Art Focus Oklahoma
For Educators
Alongside each of our exhibitions, we create a curriculum guide that teachers and parents can use with their students. We create a quarterly High School E-News for high school teachers and students that lists opportunities and events. Many educators also use our publication Art Focus Oklahoma in their classrooms.
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For Artists
OVAC Job Openings
At this time we do not have any available job openings. Be sure to follow our social media pages and keep checking back for future opportunities.
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Board of Directors
Doug Sorocco, President, OKC
Jon Fisher, Vice President OKC
Diane Salamon, Treasurer, Tulsa
Matthew Anderson, Secretary, Tahlequah
Jacquelyn Knapp, Parliamentarian, Chickasha
Marjorie Atwood, Tulsa
Barbara Gabel, OKC
Farooq Karim, OKC
Kathryn Kenney, Tulsa
John Marshall, OKC
Kirsten Olds, Tulsa
Russ Teubner, Stillwater
Chris Winland, OKC