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
Our Interns
Fall 2022 Intern
Justin Jayne
Justin was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. He recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Creative Media Production from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is a filmmaker, writer, and freelance videographer and graphic designer but has an interest in any and all forms of artistry. Justin can't wait to get in touch with the local art community in his home state and help OVAC continue to shine a light on the best that Oklahoma has to offer.
Board of Directors
Kirsten Olds, President, Tulsa
Diane Salamon, Treasurer, Tulsa
Jon Fisher, Secretary, OKC
Jacquelyn Knapp, Parliamentarian, Chickasha
Douglas Sorocco, Past President, OKC
Matthew Anderson, Tahlequah
Marjorie Atwood, Tulsa
Barbara Gabel, OKC
Farooq Karim, OKC
Kathryn Kenney, Tulsa
Drew Knox, OKC
Heather Lunsford, OKC
John Marshall, OKC
Russ Teubner, Stillwater
Chris Winland, OKC
Keri Smith
Programs & Exhibitions Manager
Keri is an Oklahoma native with an associate's degree in art from Northern Oklahoma College and a bachelor’s in art history from Arizona State University. She has broad professional experience in both the art and public sectors in Oklahoma having worked at the Museum of Osteology, Wine and Palette, OSU-OKC, and most recently as a preparator at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. As a student, Keri completed a study abroad in London and an internship with the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. She is also a practicing artist working primarily in painting and stained glass when she has time. Keri is looking forward to bringing Oklahoma artists and the creative community together through OVAC!
Contact for: Momentum, 24 Works on Paper, Tulsa Art Studio Tour, Oklahoma Art Writing & Curatorial Fellowship
(405) 879-2400 Ext. 2
Alexa was born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in fine art and art history. While she spent time working and interning in China and Italy after college, she ultimately realized there is no place like home. Since returning to Oklahoma she has been a high school educator, and most recently the Education Director for ARTSPACE at Untitled. In addition to her work in the non-profit sector, Alexa co-founded an annual international print exchange called Connect: Collect and is an avid printmaker. She is excited to be a part of the OVAC team and assist in the growth and development of Oklahoma’s visual arts community through education, promotion, connection, and funding!
Contact for: Art 365, Program Sponsorships, Corporate and Community Partnerships, 12x12 Art Fundraiser
Alexa Goetzinger
Development Director
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.
Fernando Calvillo
Membership and Marketing Manager
Fernando Calvillo holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication and Branding as well as a Bachelor's in Industrial Design. Fernando studied Trend Forecasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as jewelry making. He used these skills to instruct jewelry making in Aguascalientes, Mexico for over five years. He moved on to serve as the Head of Department for Marketing, Design, and Promotion for the annual San Marcos National Fair, one of the largest festivals in Latin America. Later working as Director of the College of Creative Arts at the Cuauhtemoc University in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Fernando managed five major programs.
Fernando's creative journey brought him to Oklahoma City as the Design and PR Manager for ARTSPACE at Untitled. He is a multidisciplinary artist, versed in jewelry design, ceramics, and digital graphic design.
Fernando is excited to join Oklahoma's rapidly growing arts community and looks forward to serving our members by sharing OVAC's resources.
Contact for: Virtual Artist Gallery, Photography Studio, Website, Calendar, OVAC Artist Marketplace, Artist Survival Kit
(405) 879-2400 Ex. 1
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.
Contact for: Art Crit Night, Grants for Artists, Thrive
