  FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chancellor G. David Gearhart’s official portrait was unveiled on Friday, March 6, in Old Main alongside those of other past University of Arkansas presidents and chancellors. Speakers at the ceremony included ASG President Daniel McFarland, Staff Senate Chair Trish Watkins and Faculty Senate Chair John Rupe. Gearhart’s portrait was painted by Mike Wimmer, an award-winning professional artist from Edmond, Oklahoma. Wimmer has produced artwork for some of the largest corporations in the world and has illustrated 14 children’s books. He currently serves as the chair of the School of Visual Arts in the Petree College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma City University. He also painted the official portrait of University of Arkansas Chancellor emeritus John A. White. Chancellor G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane Gearhart, unveil the official portrait of the chancellor in Old Main.The portrait can be found on the second floor of Old Main and is open to the public for viewing. CONTACTSJennifer Holland, director of development communications University Relations 479-575-7346, [email protected]  Enlarge 1 / 1 OKLAHOMA CITY -A portrait of Texas oil magnate and Oklahoma State University megabooster Boone Pickens was unveiled at the Oklahoma state Capitol Thursday. State officials and legislators joined Pickens and OSU officials and alumni for Thursday's unveiling in the Governor's Blue Room. Governor Mary Fallin says the honor is "probably long past-due" for someone who exemplifies the spirit of Oklahoma. "Few people impact a university and state to the enormity of Boone Pickens," Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis said. "People point to Boone's record-setting, transformative donations as the capstone of his impact. While one cannot underestimate that impact, I can tell you we also immensely benefit from his brilliance as a visionary and inspirational leader." Pickens grew up in Holdenville and graduated from OSU when it was Oklahoma A&M. He's donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the university and other causes and has pledged to donate at least half of his fortune to charitable organizations. "I am humbled today by the kind gesture to have a portrait of me displayed in the State Capitol of my home state. Everywhere I have traveled around the world I tell anyone who will listen I am from Holdenville Okla., and darn proud of it. I have received many honors, but this one is indeed truly special to me," said Boone Pickens. Oklahoma artist Mike Wimmer, who painted the portrait, says Pickens' name and works will outlive his painting.  |
AuthorMike Wimmer is a portrait artist Living, Teaching and Painting in Savannah, Georgia Archives
June 2024
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