East Gallery
J. Bryon Test Silver
September 26 thru November 18, 2005
With 25 years as a professional artist, J. Bryon Test’s exhibition
is appropriately named Silver. From the waving prairie grasses to the
boundless blue sky, Test has successfully captured the beauty and diversity
of western Oklahoma. Test has united his passion for Oklahoma with
his passion for art to create some of the truest testaments to Oklahoma’s
beauty ever to be placed upon canvas.
Born in the Oklahoma panhandle, his admiration for the land and Oklahoma wildlife began as a child following his father on hunting excursions. The young Test would return home to recreate the images of the day’s journey with his watercolor paints.
Over time, Test’s life as an artist led him to experiment with
his Cherokee heritage, which diversified his artwork even further.
Between 1981 and 1994, Test exhibited his wildlife paintings in several
group and solo exhibitions. In 1989, Test’s depiction of a blue-winged
teal won the prestigious honor of becoming the Florida Waterfowl Stamp.
During the past 13 years, Test has successfully competed in many state
duck stamp competitions.
Upon completion of his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Test returned to his beloved hometown of Guymon, dedicating himself to the improvement of the arts. In 1995, Test began sharing his techniques of painting and his experiences in the art world as a teacher at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell.
When Test arrived at Oklahoma Panhandle State University the art department
was non-existent and few art classes were offered. Under the leadership
of Test, within five years the art department flourished and the university
began to offer a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Along with some of his former
students, Test founded Artist Incubation, Inc., an artist organization
that has founded two galleries in Guymon, the Soaring Eagle Gallery
and the Wild Horse Gallery.
His life is filled with accomplishments including being chosen to
receive the 2005 Governor’s Arts Award in Arts and Education.
His work conveys the awesome beauty that is Oklahoma’s land and
her wildlife. Not only has J. Bryon Test transformed the Oklahoma Panhandle
State University, but also he has transformed the town of Guymon into
a prosperous cultural center.
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan or Karen Sharp at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov