A Time to Celebrate Art and Community at the Annual Paul Farrell Memorial Art Auction

The OPSU Art Department hosted the Annual Paul Farrell Memorial Art Auction on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 6 PM at the Pickle Creek Event Center in Guymon. For years, the Paul Farrell Memorial Art Auction has been a cornerstone event for OPSU, bringing together artists, alums, students, and art enthusiasts from across the region. Named in honor of the esteemed artist and educator Paul Farrell, this Auction is a tribute to his passion for art and dedication to nurturing artistic talent.

Paul Farrell was a local artist who had been painting, sculpting, and woodworking before being diagnosed with melanoma in one of his eyes. He lost an eye, and his wife encouraged him to take courses at OPSU to regain depth perception, a vital tool for artists. Paul began taking classes and, in his quiet way, would impart wisdom to the students he was around. When he passed, a group of students organized the Auction in his memory.

At its heart, the Annual Paul Farrell Memorial Art Auction is an opportunity to showcase exceptional artwork and a means of giving back to the students. With 50 percent of the proceeds going directly to the participating artists, the Auction provides a platform for local talent to gain recognition and support for their craft. The remaining 50 percent of the proceeds are allocated towards scholarships, awards, and departmental equipment expenses within the OPSU Art Department.

Dr. Ryan Blanton, Vice President for Advancement, stated, “We are so thankful for our community and sponsors for showing continued support for our University and the arts in our region. Our new art department leadership brought new ideas to this long-standing Art Auction in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and we look forward to its continued growth and success.”

This investment in the future of art education ensures aspiring artists have access to resources and opportunities that will enable their professional growth and development.