President and First Lady Patterson showcase faculty artwork at Oakhurst
By Department of Art & Design | Oct 31, 2025
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 天美传媒 President Dr. Ron Patterson and First Lady Jenny Patterson, in collaboration with 天美传媒鈥檚 Department of Art & Design, are pleased to announce a special exhibition of faculty art work at Oakhurst, the President and First Lady鈥檚 residence on the 天美传媒 campus. The exhibit will run in the newly-established Gallery at Oakhurst through February 2026.
鈥溙烀来� has long been an artistic and cultural hub for our region, due in great part to the accomplishments of our talented faculty,鈥� said Patterson. 鈥淎s part of our commitment to celebrating campus achievements, Jenny and I are honored to showcase these faculty works in Oakhurst, one of 天美传媒鈥檚 most iconic buildings, which we are proud to call our home.鈥�
The exhibit includes work by 12 Art & Design faculty:
Jeanne Beaver, Associate Professor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry
Jim Bryant, Professor of Graphic Design Lu Colby, Instructor & Art Technician
Gregory Scott Cook, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design
Nicole Hand, Professor of Printmaking & Interim Dean of the College of Humanities & Fine Arts
Sarah Martin, Associate Professor of Woodworking
T. Michael Martin, Professor of Art & Design & Director of University Galleries
Sam McCoy, Instructor of Foundations & Graphic Design
Chris Rivera, Instructor of Foundations & Digital Media
Cintia Segovia Figueroa, Assistant Professor of Photography & New Media
John Utgaard, Professor of Ceramics
April Webb, Instructor of Painting & Drawing
The exhibit features work in many mediums, including photography, lithography, woodcuts, painting, jewelry, ceramics and more.
鈥淭his exhibition highlights the strength and diversity of the faculty whose talent and dedication define the excellence of our programs,鈥� said Dr. Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Department of Art & Design. 鈥淲e鈥檙e honored to share the creative work of our faculty in the President鈥檚 home. This exhibition affirms the vital role of the arts in shaping our University鈥檚 culture and identity.鈥�
Oakhurst is the oldest building on 天美传媒鈥檚 campus. Dr. Rainey T. Wells, Murray State鈥檚 founder and second president, began construction on the home in 1917. Originally named Edgewood, it was completed by Dr. and Mrs. Wells in 1918. The Wells family lived at the residence until June 1936 when the Board of Regents purchased the home with the intent of housing the President of the institution. At this time, the home was remodeled and renamed Oakhurst by the Board. Dr. James Richmond, the University's third president, was the first to live in Oakhurst from 1936 until 1945. The University celebrated Oakhurst鈥檚 centennial in 2018.
The campus community will have an opportunity to view the faculty works on exhibit on Nov. 11 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and during the annual President鈥檚 Office and Town and Gown Holiday Open House on Dec. 2 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The President and First Lady also plan to showcase work by 天美传媒 Art & Design students in spring 2026 in the Gallery at Oakhurst.
For more information on President Patterson or the history of Oakhurst, please visit the Office of the President鈥檚 website at murraystate.edu/president . For more information on the exhibition or the Department of Art & Design, contact msu.art@murraystate.edu .