OKC lesbian artist returns to city for showing

Opens at Plaza’s DNA Gallery January “Second Friday”

Oklahoma artist Jamie Pettis returns to her hometown, Oklahoma City, for her second exhibition with DNA Galleries. The opening will be during the Plaza District’s LIVE On the Plaza, Friday January 9.

Followers of Pettis’ Art over the past few years will know that art and OKC go hand in hand with her. In fact, the city is a driving force of inspiration and motivation for this young lesbian artist.

“Oklahoma City is growing fast and in a special way. As I read in a Tyson Meade interview somewhere, I could see OKC becoming the next Austin. I bring my work back here to be a part of this. I’m fortunate enough to have other artists such as Amanda Bradway giving me opportunities to show, or even Jack Fowler hanging art for me if I can’t be here.

Pettis said she spends a lot of time and effort trying to bring something back to OKC’s evolving community. She looks forward to the challenge.

Pettis’ message in her current stream of art is very much OKC centered. Although she is known for her obsession of painting faces, recently her fans have taken a huge interest in an ongoing series which she calls “Growing Cities.”

“I love painting people. Over the years that is what I have focused on primarily. With some suggestions, however, I decided to break out of the portraiture mind frame, and free up into something else. One day I just picked up a brush, and began throwing down various brush strokes that started to form into a city skyline. Once I realized it could be turned into a city I began to think of OKC; “Growing Cities” started its journey. People started requesting skylines, and interpretations of their own cities, and suddenly I had commissioned work in demand like I’d never experienced before.

“What I’ve done with this current show is incorporated my love for faces with the people’s love for my cities which is a “win-win” for everyone!” laughs Jamie. “In the end, my theme with the DNA exhibit is centered around Oklahoma City, and coming home.”

While in Phoenix, Pettis continues to expand “Growing Cities.” With each idea from various clients, she continues to develop with the theme. She is also focusing on working with and watching other artists in the Phoenix metro.

“I’m always looking for ways to grow. Putting myself around other artists whom I admire helps me to do that. I think it’s very important as an artist to do this. We can learn from and evolve from one another, and at the same time give back. It’s a very special thing," says Jamie.

If you would like more information about the art of Jamie Pettis or would like to contact her, check her out on www.facebook.com/JamiePettisArt or on Instagram (jamiepettisart).

Show opens January 9, 7pm to 11pm, and will display for one month. DNA Galleries is located at 1709 NW 16th St OKC, OK in the 16th Street Plaza District.

Staff Report

The Gayly – January 7, 2015 @ 11:15am