Artists Collaborate to Show "Beneath the Surface"

Janice Matthews-Gordon, Full Circle, Acrylic/Mixed Media Collage, 24” x 24”

Finding commonalities in their artwork and career goals, four Oklahoma City artists teamed up to develop a traveling exhibition entitled, Beneath the Surface. Gayle Curry, Natalie Friedman, Janice Matthews-Gordon and Diana J. Smith received an OVAC Professional Basics Grant to assist with the preparations for the exhibition.

Natalie Friedman, Kimiko’s Garden, Fabric/Mixed Media, 30” x 24”

Their proposal states that they collaborate to support each other and challenge themselves professionally. “With each artist bringing a different skill set to the table, we knew we could create a larger show as well as inspire each other with our unique views,” they wrote. “Our collective goal is to expose the latent elements of nature, and to express them in our respective mixed media styles.”

Debuting at Individual Artist of Oklahoma Gallery October 14, 2011, the exhibition also will show at Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton in 2012. They are seeking additional venues.  A catalog will be produced featuring artwork, artist information and an essay.  

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition provides artist project grants for growing artists’ careers, creative projects and exceptional continuing education. The next application deadline is October 15. Find guidelines and application here.