Desmond Mason, generation next : chapter 1 : East Gallery, April 30-July 1, 2012.

              Desmond Mason East Gallery - April 30 - July 1, 2012
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Desmond Mason photo by Travis Clancy
The Non-significant Significances by Desmond Mason
The Objective of 13 by Desmond Mason
Desmond Mason
Generation Next: Chapter 1
East Gallery - April 30 - July 1, 2012
After a successful 10-year career as a
professional basketball player in the NBA,
Desmond Mason is now focused on his
passion for creating art. The foundation for
Mason's career in the arts was laid when he
attended Oklahoma State University on a
basketball scholarship. He majored in studio
art where he was able to expand his
knowledge of art history and further develop
his technical skills in painting and drawing.
By his senior year, Mason began to earn
national attention not only for his talent in
basketball, but also for his artistic ability.
After leaving basketball behind in 2009, Mason settled in Oklahoma City and now creates
artwork from his studio in the Midtown area.
For this exhibit, titled Generation Next: Chapter
1, Mason let his emotions lead the way. "The
process for making this artwork was more
mental than physical," says the artist. "I thought
about all the times I was doubted and told I
couldn't do things or accomplish things. I really
let my emotions drive me to the place of
creating. I wanted to put painting aside and
mentally open up to my work." Mason's artist
statement says, "Art is your past, present, and
future. It's your good times and bad times. It's
your love and pain. It's who you are, but on
canvas."
Mason sees his career in art as an opportunity
for philanthropy. In 2004, he founded the
Desmond Mason Art Show in which his artwork
is sold and the proceeds are donated to
numerous local charities. He has sold over 160 works of art to collectors all over the world.
He also uses his artistic talents to inspire and work with
children in need, and he continually strives to help his
community in numerous ways.
Mason says that what most inspires his art is his wife,
Andrea and their two children, Jada and Elijah.
Basketball
Born in Waxahachie, Texas, Mason excelled in basketball
in high school and went on to play at Oklahoma State
University under the coaching of Eddie Sutton. He
appeared in three NCAA tournaments while advancing to
the Elite 8 and collecting All-Conference and National
Honors during his senior season.
Capitol Exhibitions
The Capitol is home to four art
galleries, exhibiting works of
current and past Oklahoma
artists.
East Gallery
North Gallery
Governor's Gallery
Betty Price Gallery
About the East Gallery
Located on the first floor of the
Capitol, the East Gallery
features paintings and mixed
media works by current
Oklahoma artists. Exhibits rotate
approximately every 60 days.
Hours:
Weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (use
west entrance)
The East Gallery is curated by
the Oklahoma Arts Council. For
more information contact Alyson
Moses at 405.521.2931 or
alyson.moses@arts.ok.gov.
Past East Gallery Exhibitions
Selection of Artists for
Exhibition
Upcoming East Gallery
Exhibits
Pamela Husky (Stigler)
December 10, 2012 -
February 10, 2013
Regina Murphy (Oklahoma
City)
February 10 - December 10,
2012
Gina Dowling (Norman)
About Us Our Programs Grants Arts in Schools Arts in Communities Art at the Capitol Art Networks
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