Artists Found celebrated its grand opening with the “Lost Mural” contest followed by an opening “Paint Stillwater” exhibition showcasing artwork created by members of the organization.

The exhibition called for people to create an original piece inspired by the city of Stillwater. Tracey Young, Artists Found Director, said she and the staff members were so impressed by the entries submitted for the exhibit.

“We like to welcome anyone and everyone to get involved with Artists Found to further their appreciation of art,” Young said. “This includes those who consider themselves amateur to mediocre artists. However judging by all of the pieces we received, you would think we were running an elite business of professional artists.”

The exhibition showcased avariety of works that evolved from the same idea: to paint Stillwater. Although all stemmed from the same theme, each of the pieces on display proved to be very unique. Once each of the pieces were hung, the Artists Found gallery portrayed very beautiful and colorful scenes found from Stillwater.

The idea to dedicate an exhibition to paint the town of Stillwater came from listening to the community. Artists Found provided a link on its website to vote on the next exhibition theme. Online visitors chose “Paint Stillwater” for participants to be a part of.

Opening Exhibit Paints a Bright Future for Artists Found

Find in this Issue

Letter From the Director 2

Heart Art Story 3

Upcoming Events 4

News 4

Contest Exhibitions 4

 

Artists Found Foundation Vol. 1, No. 2

Artists Found324 S. Ramsey Stillwater OK

806.217.1651www.artistsfound.org Stillwater in Bloom by Rachel Adams

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I am still in awe my dream to establish and open an organization like Artists Found has been made into reality. I never would have been able to make it happen without the support and push from my family, friends and the sponsorship from the Oklahoma State University Art Department.

I couldn’t have done it with out them and for that I am forever grateful.

My greatest wish for this facility is to help others find their inner creative side and let all stress out the window. Our utmost mission is to push others in the direction to grow, learn and better develop their skills to create.

I believe there is an artist inside all of us waiting to be discovered. Sometimes all you need is a little incentive to go for it. That’s why we like to not only display the art we receive but also challenge our participants to compete for the chance to win prize money or various rewards.. Through donations and sponsorships we also provide art supplies and resources made available to our members.

I have already been so amazed by that talent and creativity expressed by the artwork made by ourlocal members. I never imagined I would be so inspired. Being able to watch blank canvases transform into beautiful works of art is the most fullfilling experience. I never knew how incredible it would feel to see pieces come to life and the satisfaction that comes with it.

I hope others will experience the same bliss that I have foundbecause of Artists Found. I love the company, the atmosphere and seeing potential goodness bypass all expectations and become greatness.

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

-Pablo Picasso

Letter from the Director

 

 

Art

Story

Heart

 

Avery Collins felt lost. She was a senior in college on the verge of graduating in a degree she was uncertain about and with no plan for the future. She was on the edge of a break down.

Avery dove for her paintbrushes and a blank canvas. The smell of fresh paint and the comfortable feeling of a brush in her hand eased her stress. Art was a greatpassion of hers and where she actually felt herself. She had never made art her focus of study in school because she never felt good enough, although others always awed at her finished creations.

Avery wasn’t alone. A survey found 36 percent of employees wish they would have chosen a different major in college according to an article from the Oregon Business Report. Avery felt she had taken a wrong turn along the way and was heading for a potential crash and burn. She was sick of this lost feeling.

Then Avery discovered Artists Found, a nonprofit organization established to serve as a place where young adults can work in a stress-free and easygoing environment. Artists Found welcomes amateur to expert artists who wish to create, sell or simply display their original work in a facility open to the public. This allowed Avery to

engage in her favorite hobby in a feel-good atmosphere where her talent could berecognized with others like her.

“Even though I don’t know where I’ll be in one year or even six months from now,” Avery said, “at least now I have a place I know I can go and do something I love to do whenever I feel overwhelmed.”

Director of the Marketing and Development Department of Artists Found, Heath

Johnson, enjoys spending time with fellow members of the organization and seeing the variety of people and the creations that come in.

“You never know who’s going to walk in or what their story is,”

Heath said. “That’s what’s so great about this place. People are able to let go and get creative in good company.”

The mission of Artists Found is to encourage the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of art by providing the community with an open venue including a variety of accessible studios, exhibitions, workshops and an open gallery available to the public. Artists Found is an ideal space and environment for those who wishes to better develop their skills or simply explore their creative side.

“That’s what’s so great about this place.

People are able to let go and get creative in

good company.”

This month’s issue features a new member’s story who discovered

Artists Found and how it impacted her life. More Heart Art features can be

found at artistsfound.org.

The Art of Finding What Was Lost

 

Join us in our open studio and get creative with our art supplies and resouces provided

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Congradulations again to the “Lost Mural” exhibition winner, Kelly Griffin and her three-deminsional piece, Discovery. Kelly is a freshman attending OSU studying marketing and minoring in communications. Kelly said she wanted to capture the essence of the Artists Found slogan, “create out loud”. Discovery was replicated as the mural found on the outside of Artists Found.

Heart of OSU Exhibition: Participants are invited to submit an original piece that captivates the heart of Oklahoma State University. The directive team behind the exhibition wanted to hold this exhibition to symbolize the gratitude of Artists found for the donations and support provided by OSU’s art department. Winner of the contest will be awarded $100 and the selected piece will be displayed in the central hallway of OSU’s art department for several months.

Next Prize Awarding Exhibition:

Artist Recognition:

News and Upcoming Events

Donations are accepted by visiting the Artists Found website at www.artistsfound.org or coming by the gallery. All contributions go toward purchasing more art supplies, conduction of workshops, celebrity guest appearences and prize money for exhibition contest winners. Volunteers are invited to join the marketing and devlopement team of Artists Found. For more information regarding events, exhibitions, classes, or membership/volunteer opportunities, contact media director Heath Ledger at mediarelations@artistsfound.org

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Donation and Volunteer Opportunities