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Senior Art Premiere Breaks the Mold

By Jadell Forman 90

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Click Photo to Enlarge Jeremy Rydin shows his short-film creation to a curious show-goer.

Click Photo to Enlarge Seven models present the fashion designs of Sara Manners.

The ORU art department's Class of 2006 can be summed up as a "bunch of go-getters," according to chairman Stuart Branston. For their senior art show, the group of seventeen artists acquired a write-up in the Tulsa World, six sponsors, and two gallery-appropriate rooms at the Southern Hills Marriott.

"We wanted to [hold the show] smack-dab in the middle of south Tulsa," explained graduating senior and show director David Chapman. He said this decision provided easy access and enough space for the largest show the department has ever had.

In order to pay for the venue and advertising, Chapman and another senior secured sponsors. "Jennifer Jones and I just walked into stores like Sprint, and offered a new event to advertise in...connected to ORU. We had a whole sales pitch with a portfolio of concepts and mock ad spaces with their names already on them."

The high-grade professionalism and "go-getter-ism" worked. Enough sponsors signed up to allow the artists to rent two rooms. In one room, paintings, photographs, graphic design, sculpture, and pottery, lined the perimeter. In the center, a small stage served as a fashion-show runway.

The second room contained one big screen and about a hundred chairs. At 8 p.m., an enthusiastic audience filled those seats for the premiere of two short films--another first for an ORU art show.

Chapman showed his short, The Last Piece of Apple Pie. With just voice and video, the short "showed three people who want something and how [their] wants conflict." Now on a four-month private sponsorship, he's working on a feature-length film. Previously, Chapman was senior graphic designer at Rhema Bible College, where he worked on the ministry magazine, book covers, and campaigns.

In addition to Chapman, several other graduates have already found their piece of the professional pie. Graphic designer Jennifer Jones recently started at Rhema, where she will do work similar to what Chapman once did.

Jeremy Rydin, who premiered his untitled short film about a brilliant egomaniac, will be busy with a healthy cache of freelance projects, while also helping Chapman.

On May 22, Charlotte Wenzel starts her new job in Florida. As graphic designer for Ocala Word of Faith Church, she will create brochures, ads, and other materials. The former preacher's kid says, "I love the ministry and can't imagine working anywhere else."

Brennon Combs garnered professional experience when he interned at Steelehouse Productions in Tulsa. There he contributed to a Christian video game, commercials, and graphics. The art department faculty named Combs "ORU Artist of the Year" for his exceptional talent. Branston says, "He was a star when he got here--incredibly innovative and a true gentleman."

Overall, Chapman believes that the art unveiled at the show is more than just a pretty picture. "The show gives evidence that God has truly given us artistic talents, and ORU does a wonderful job in refining those talents."