Tulsa’s First Thursday features two artists in August

Karen McCauley and Renee Sweetwood are the featured artists at Oklahomans for Equality First Thursday event for August. The month-long exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, August 7.

Karen McCauley, a potter, began working with clay after attending a weekend pottery class over 20 years ago. As her hobby became a passion, she acquired a kiln, then a potter’s wheel. Since moving to Tulsa in 2010, she has worked in her home studio making functional pottery, as well as creating unique pieces. She has enjoyed exploring the different art venues offered in the area and her goal is to become a full-time potter.

“I enjoy incorporating natural themes into my work and I draw inspiration from travel and from the outdoors. My functional pottery can be used in one’s daily life, bringing beauty and nature into your hands, even in the simple task of having a cup of coffee,” McCauley said.She hand-builds a variety of things; one of her favorites are tile wall hangings - they are like paintings made from clay. “I love making pottery that has a special meaning or connection with an individual who will be able to enjoy it for many years.”

Renee Sweetwood, originally from Iowa, has called Tulsa home for the past 16 years. Seeking spiritual restoration and comfort after the loss of her mother to Parkinson's disease, she enrolled in an art healing class where she discovered her passion for painting.

“My current work reflects taking the time to slow down, be still, listen deeply and find balance in one's life. It's about images that appear over and over again in our daily lives and finding their true meaning. I like the design quality of pen and ink - the simplicity of the black and white images.

“I also enjoy working with acrylics and mixing in color to express a certain energy or mood - most of the time my paintings take on many layers before they reveal what they are meant to be,” said Sweetwood. Renee mainly works in acrylics and inks but enjoys exploring other mediums as well. Her recent work has a modern feel to it, with messages of simplicity, stillness and connection.

This month’s show will include live music by Mick Hewson on opening night.

The Thursday, August 7 reception will be 6-9pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St. in downtown Tulsa. There will be a door prize drawn of the artists’ 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 – August 3, 2014 @ 12:10pm