Stunning, colorful: The art of Kris Fairchild

This April, Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) special showcase and exhibit of local artists will feature the “stunning and colorful” works of Kris Fairchild. The event kicks off with a reception on Thursday, April 7 from 6-9 p.m. and continues throughout the month.

A lifelong Oklahoman, Kris was exposed to art and creativity at an early age. Her art began to be influenced many years ago, while as a young girl, she watched her father create beautiful stained glass windows and spent her summers enjoying nature.

Fairchild graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in formation art. For many years she worked in other fields ranging from managing retail to advertising, her passion has always been for art and nature. Over the years, Kris has taught art classes ranging from ceramics, to sculpture and painting; she spends her summers volunteering with children’s camps.

With her art, she transforms those experiences into the swirls, curls and mandalas found in her acrylic paintings. The paintings each explore symbolism thru images of nature, fantasy and geometric shapes.

Mandalas and trees both are often showcased in Fairchild’s paintings. To her, the mandalas represent balance, harmony and unity; they are symbolic of the universe. Trees represent life and growth; they are a symbolic of wisdom, strength, beauty, and protection.

Many other images also find symbolism in her paintings. Fairchild’s paintings combine a variety of techniques and bright colors giving the paintings an energetic and vivid look, as if the light is glowing through them. The structured geometric patterns next to the more free forms of nature and a bit of whimsy, invite the viewer to experience the joy she finds in life.

For over a decade Kris has enjoyed sharing her work at a variety of art festivals, fairs, galleries, and restaurants. Her work is in private collections across the U.S. and in Europe.

The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. These combined works will begin with a reception on Thursday, April 7 from 6-9 p.m. where there will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work. The show continues throughout the month. www.okeq.org.

Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is Oklahoma’s oldest gay rights organization. From testing for HIV/AIDS, hosting the annual Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration to operating the Equality Center, OkEq works for social justice and full inclusion for Oklahoma’s LGBT citizens and their allies.

The Gayly – April 3, 2016 @ 11:10 a.m.