Oklahoma City Artist Romy Owens named first "Artist in Residence" at OKC's Skirvin Hilton Hotel

Local artist Romy Owens selected for inaugural Artist Residency Program

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in partnership with the Paseo Arts Association has named Romy Owens its first Artist in Residence. Owens, an Oklahoma City-based artist, will create original artwork in the hotel’s studio space overlooking Broadway this month and remain at the hotel for one year.

This new Artist-in-Residence program is an exciting development for Oklahoma City’s visual arts community.  While artist residencies—places that provide creative space and time to artists of all disciplines—have been growing in popularity throughout the country, this partnership represents the first of its kind for the state of Oklahoma.  It is an opportunity that has valuable potential for Owens, the Skirvin Hilton hotel, and the Oklahoma City community at large. Not only will Owens have the opportunity to visit with guests as she creates her renowned original artwork, she will also be able to fully involve hundreds of hotel visitors, guests, and employees in her work through her interactive Photobooth series.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our first artist to the program,” said Martin van der Laan, general manager of The Skirvin Hilton Hotel. “The program is poised to gain both local and national attention and we’re proud it has attracted talent such as local artist Romy Owens. Owens was one of three finalists chosen by our selection committee, consisting of leaders in the local art community, the Paseo Art Association and the Skirvin Hilton.  The juried panel was impressed with her creative skills, engaging personality and unique point of view.  We are very eager to introduce Owens and her work to our guests and residents of the city.” 

Owens’ distinctive work combines photography and sewing to create richly textured surfaces that make playful use of color and line. Earning her MA in photography from Oklahoma City University in 2005, she has spent the past few years actively involved in the local arts community as both an artist and curator. Her work has gained local and regional acclaim, and her artwork is included in numerous public and private collections. “I am so thrilled, and so grateful, for this opportunity,” says Owens. “I have a full year of exhibitions ahead of me, and I look forward to creating my work in this unique space. I can’t wait to see how this residency will impact my process, and to display my work for visitors from around the city, state, and world.” (Owens’ work can also be seen at her website here: www.romyowens.com)

“I believe that Romy Owens is an excellent choice as the inaugural artist for this program,” says Jennifer Barron, Executive Director of the Paseo Arts Association, “She is one of the most disciplined and professional artists I’ve had the pleasure to work with, and her process is incredible to watch. She is also an engaging and gracious person, and I have no doubt that she will connect easily with guests at the Skirvin. Hopefully, visitors to her studio will come away with a greater understanding of the creative work of a full-time artist.”