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.

2019-2021 Strategic Plan

Our History

Our Team

By the Numbers

FY 2019 Annual Report

FY 2019 Tax Form 990

FY 2020 Annual Report

FY 2020 Tax Form 990

FY 2021 Tax Form 990

FY 2021 Annual Report

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

Our Supporters

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.

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.

Fernando is excited to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors, members, sponsors, and community partners.

Contact for: Art 365, Program Sponsorships, Corporate and Community Partnerships, 12x12 Art Fundraiser

Fernando Calvillo

Community Relations Director

fernando@ovac-ok.org

(405) 879-2400 Ex. 1

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.

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.

Contact for: Virtual Artist Gallery, Website, Calendar, Artist Survival Kit, Membership, Outreach

karis@ovac-ok.org

(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.

Contact for: Art Crit Night, Grants for Artists, Thrive

Ariana@ovac-ok.org

(405) 879-2400 Ex. 5

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.

Contact for: Fiscal Sponsorships, Partnerships, Art Focus Oklahoma, Accessibility

Rebecca Kinslow

Executive Director

Rebecca@ovac-ok.org

(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.

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.

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.

See: Educator Resources, Programs, and Art Focus Oklahoma