Member Testimony

Vicki Van Stavern & Don Narcomey

Sustainer Members

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART?

Vicki: I was honored to be chosen as the interior designer for the Museum’s current downtown building back in the early 2000s, so I naturally have a personal investment in its success. I had been attending exhibits and events at the fairgrounds and always enjoyed them. Getting to know the Museum staff and understanding their passion for making this Museum an important part of Oklahoma City life inspired me to be an active member.

Don: As an artist, I want to stay current in all the art happenings in Oklahoma City, and the Museum is a major player in that scene.

WHAT MEMBER BENEFIT DO YOU APPRECIATE THE MOST, AND WHY?

We truly love the James C. Meade Friends’ Lecture Series and the insights we gain for current exhibitions and art knowledge in general. It helps put things in perspective and gives added meaning to the exhibitions. We always attend the special exhibitions and lectures, and we frequently enjoy dining in the Museum Cafe. When we have guests from out of town, the Museum is always a must-see.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL VISIT TO THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART?

Listening to a lecture, touring the Museum galleries, visiting with friends, and then enjoying dinner at the Museum Cafe afterwards.

HOW HAS THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART IMPACTED YOU?

The Museum is a hub in Oklahoma City for meeting and getting to know like-minded people. Our closest friends are either artists or art-lovers, and we have met many people and developed friendships through Museum activities.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR MEMORY TO SHARE ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART?

Vicki: Near the completion of construction, I was present the night the lights were first turned on the Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick (Chihuly) tower in the lobby. It was so dramatic, it stopped traffic on I-40 where it could be seen from the distance!

ARE THERE PARTICULAR WORKS OF ART IN THE COLLECTION OR CURRENT/PAST EXHIBITIONS THAT ARE SPECIAL TO YOU? WHICH ONES, AND WHY?

The Chihuly exhibit is special to the Museum as a whole and to the community. It’s one of the Museum’s treasures and a draw for people visiting Oklahoma City.

WHY DO YOU FEEL THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART IS IMPORTANT – TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, OUR COMMUNITY?

Don: In the 1980s, my mother lived at Sycamore Square just west of where the Museum is now. I did a painting of the view from her balcony depicting the Oklahoma City skyline, which included the current Museum site – at that time nothing more than the old Center Theatre. The current Museum is a major architectural contributor in what is now known as the Arts District.