OKLAHOMA CITY – The Arts Council of Oklahoma City announced its 2010 Festival of the Arts artist and unveiled his original artwork at the First Full Chairmen’s Meeting yesterday.

To an audience of more than 100 committee members and volunteers, Sandra Cassimus and John Robberson, co-chairs of the 44th annual event, unveiled a water color painting by Eufaula artist Floyd Gibson.

Gibson’s painting, “Springtime Nomads,” will be the inspiration for the 2010 Festival of the Arts gift poster, which is given to Arts Council contributors.

“I like [Gibson’s] artwork because he has captured a snapshot of Festival history,” said Cassimus, who, along with her co-chair Robberson, selected the artist and guided the artwork’s creation. “It’s a contemporary depiction of our Artist Row and I know the painting will have a place of prominence in the Arts Council’s permanent collection.”

Since 1979, the Arts Council of Oklahoma City has commissioned a Festival artist to create an original piece of artwork, which is then turned into a commemorative poster for top patrons and donors.

Previously commissioned artists include: Rory Morgan, Keith Andry, Jim Keffer, Joan Matzdorf, Dennis Davis, Linda Tuma Robertson, Steve Childers, Eugene Kaspin, Scott Hill, Hsing Hua Chang, Toby McGee, Gillian Kemper, Bert Beirne, Rebecca Lowber-Collins, Victora Elbroch, Maximo Cortina, B.J. White, Josette Simon-Gestin, Janet O’Neal, Cletus Smith, Larry Greer, Hal Larsen, Donna Berryhill, Lena Beth Frazier, Jean Richardson, Coca Bell, Martha Swanger, Bert Seabourn, Greg Burns, Montee Hoke and Cheyenne Holderby.  

For Gibson, the selection as commissioned artist is very flattering.

“This type of recognition gives a strong boost to my own credentials and it’s an opportunity to be accepted by a wider group of patrons,” said Gibson, who has participated with the festival as a Plaza Artist for five years. “My aim for the piece was to represent some of the nature of the interaction between viewer and the artists’ booths.

Since 1967, the Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s annual Festival of the Arts has been the city’s “rite of spring.” The 44th annual Festival of the Arts, April 20-25, promises to continue the tradition. Event co-chairs for the 2010 Festival of the Arts are Sandra Cassimus and John Robberson. The Arts Council of Oklahoma City is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together. Each year, Arts Council events, programs and services reach nearly one million residents and visitors to our community. For more information, visit www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com or call 405-270-4848.