The Rogers State University Department of Fine Arts is hosting an exhibition of works by retired fine arts faculty member Gary Moeller, who was recently honored when the campus art gallery was named in his honor.
“The Art of Subjective Learning – Works by Gary Moeller” runs Thursday, Sept 27, through Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Gary Moeller Gallery of the Arts located in Baird Hall. During Thursday’s opening, Moeller will give a gallery talk at 5 p.m. and explain the connection between his work and the learning process of his students.
Moeller began teaching art at the university in 1979, along the way holding several administrative positions, including department head for the Department of Fine Arts. Upon his May 2018 retirement, he was named a Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts.
One of RSU’s longest tenured faculty members, Moeller developed RSU’s bachelor of fine arts program as the institution successfully transitioned from community college to four-year regional university. He has received numerous honors and awards both for teaching and community service, which is evident in the quality of artists who have studied with him over the years.
He has been a champion for the arts throughout the state by volunteering his time and talents to develop Oklahoma’s artist community, including creating campus and community events that showcase area talent. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Following the conclusion of the Moeller exhibit, the Department of Fine Arts plans two other exhibits and a student art sale during the fall semester. In a partnership with the RSU Student Affairs office, the gallery will be exhibiting “What Were You Wearing,” an art installation that seeks to debunk the myth that sexual violence is caused by a person’s wardrobe. This show runs Oct. 25 through Nov. 16.
The student capstone presentations will run Nov. 30 through Dec. 14.
On Dec. 3-7, the department will host a one-week show and sale of student works in the Baird Hall commons area. Organizers said the event makes a great opportunity for purchasing holiday gifts for family and friends. Proceeds from art sales will go to the students with a portion benefiting the studies-at-large program.
All events will be in the Moeller Gallery, which is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free and open to the public.
RSU offers a bachelor of fine art in visual arts degree with options in graphic design, multimedia, photographic arts, or studio art, as well as an associate degree in liberal arts with an option in Native American studies. The department also offers minors in art, art history, graphic design, music, and Native American studies.
For more information, please visit www.rsu.edu/fine-arts or call the RSU Department of Fine Arts at 918-343-7740.