OkEq hosts “A true Renaissance man” in February

“While I am always learning and trying new approaches, I paint for the joy of creating art that I feel is beautiful,” says Bruce Docker, the featured artist in February’s First Thursday reception and exhibit in Tulsa. The opening reception is Thursday, February 4th from 6-9 p.m.

Bruce comes from a long line of artists; his formal training includes years of Tuesday afternoon meetings and study with the Canadian artist, John Nagy (developer of the famous “Learn-to-Draw” kit). His father drew the original series of cigarette smoking woodpeckers that are used in all traditional tattoo shops today.

His maternal grandmother was a professional artist who painted vase highlights with devastating accuracy. Additionally his grandfather was the infamous paint-by-numbers artist and rumrunner of Kansas City in the 1940’s. His style is a combination of his family’s talent and history in a cohesively rambling style.

A true Renaissance man, Bruce states: “I believe in total respect for my materials. I once used an entire box of Crayola 64’s without breaking a single crayon; I covered my driveway in Scotch tape to protect my sidewalk chalk drawings from the rain. The cloth of my canvas is made only from the wool of free-range sheep. My hope is that when you view my paintings, you will feel, see, and agree that I have accomplished what I set out to do.”

The reception is Feb. 4 at OkEq’s Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa from 6-9 p.m. There will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work; the show continues throughout the month.

Founded by a dedicated group of volunteers in 1980, Oklahomans for Equality/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oldest gay rights organization. From testing for HIV/AIDS and hosting the annual Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration to operating the Equality Center and documenting the Tulsa LGBT community’s rich history, OkEq works for social justice and full inclusion for Oklahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies. For more information, see www.okeq.org.

The Gayly – January 31, 2016 @ 7:05 a.m.