Altus artist Brian L. Nichols’ unique canvases depicting the landscapes and vernacular architecture of Southwest Oklahoma are featured in the art exhibition titled The Stories They Could Tell that will premiere on Thursday, March 7 , from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Western Prairie, 1100 Memorial Drive in Altus.
This art exhibit — all original acrylics of abandoned barns, structures and landscapes that have seen life in Southwest Oklahoma— will be part of an entire evening of museum delights titled “An Evening of History, Art, and Music”, hosted by the Western Trail Historical Society.
The landscapes of Southwest Oklahoma and the vernacular structures nestled into them inspire Brian Nichols’ work. In The Stories They Could Tell, Brian focuses on the landscapes that trademark Southwest Oklahoma and captures the unique personalities of the common, ordinary structures that dot our rural countryside.
As explained by John Womack, a professor of architecture at Oklahoma State University, “Vernacular buildings are generally common or ordinary structures … designed and constructed by local people using tried and true methods. Vernacular buildings are born out of common sense and straightforward methodologies. They are what one might call ‘honest.’”
Brian’s painting style is equally honest. Painting in a genre known as naïve art, meaning art produced by an artist who has not received formal art education, Brian has carefully examined the landscapes and vernacular structures that connect us to the place we call home and given us a certain way of looking back at the relics of a bygone era. The landscapes of Southwest Oklahoma have borne silent witness to centuries of history; their stories, too, can engage our minds and activate our curiosity in genuine encounters with the past.
“We are extremely pleased to offer to our community the work of this budding young artist whose passion for art is true and honest” commented Jennie Buchanan, Museum Director and Exhibition Curator.
The event will also feature the unveiling of A Rare Glimpse, a new permanent exhibit showcasing the unique body of work of George W. Long, a turn-of-the-century photographer from Lone Wolf who was known as the photographer of the Kiowas.
In addition, guests will be entertained by the Just Call Us When You Need Us band directed by Donna Tucker and treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres served by the Western Trail board members.
The come-and-go event is free and open to the public.” For more information, please call 580-482-1044.
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