Appreciating the Process

March 4, 2008

"Success is not in the money you make. Success is in the enjoyment of letting other people enjoy something you love," said senior Chris Cochran. 

For Oklahoma Baptist University's art club, this attitude holds true. The process of creating art and the appreciation for other people's work brings art club members together.

"It is actually designed for non-art students. It's to give non-art students and art students a way to connect," said Cochran, art club president.

"You don't even have to be good at it. It's just for people who have a love for it."

Each year the art club plans the annual art auction in the fall semester, which serves as a way to connect the non-art and art students. Any artist on campus could submit art to be auctioned off to OBU students, faculty, staff, and the Shawnee community.

"Through the art auction people have gotten exposure to show at other venues, which is a good, fun way to see other people's art," said Cochran.

All of the proceeds from the auction go to a charity organization. A recent recipient was the Boys and Girls Club of Shawnee for the group's summer art program.

Apart from the auction, the art club seeks to find different ways to gain exposure to local and international art.

"We try do at least one museum trip a year. That is our idea of fun. Getting exposure to and a chance to appreciate other people's art," said Cochran.

Cochran and the other art club members look beyond the art club activities to find ways students could be involved. By teaming up with other on-campus organizations, the art club creates many opportunities for OBU students to show their love for art.

"For us it is not the product. It is the act of producing, so it is beautiful to see people creating."