Governor's Gallery
Lou Ackerman
Figure Studies
March 28 thru June 3, 2005
Lucille
Frances Flanagan was born in Oklahoma City, the middle child of seven.
Known as Lou since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a professional
artist and studied with renowned Oklahoma artist Nan Sheets. Following
her graduation from Classen High School, Lou attended Rosary College
in Chicago and planned to enroll in the Chicago Art Institute to pursue
her childhood dream. In 1947, Lou married Ray Ackerman and it would
be twenty years and seven children before Lou could resume her career
as an artist. Once her last child entered the first grade, Lou began
studying with other artists including Joan Marron La Rue, Marilyn Bendell,
Daniel Gerhartz, David Leffel, and William Reese.
Lou, and her husband Ray, share a deep devotion to their hometown
of Oklahoma City. From 1975 to 1995, Lou contributed her time and talent
to teaching painting to Senior Ladies in the Salvation Army Facility
at Western Oaks Christian Church. Ray is Chairman Emeritus of advertising
agency Ackerman McQueen, a retired Rear Admiral in the Naval Reserve,
as well as a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Ray credits his success
to his loving wife and says “No one would ever have heard of
me if it hadn’t been for my wife, Lou, because without her support
and encouragement, I never would have done anything.” The Oklahoma
Health Center Foundation honored the couple as Oklahoma Living Treasures
for Tomorrow in 2004. The many days they have spent serving their community
is a testament to their admiration for Oklahoma City and the people
who proudly live here.
Lou’s watercolors and oil paintings blanket the walls of many
homes across Oklahoma City and she rarely declines a request for the
contribution of one of her paintings for a charity auction. Figure
Studies is a remarkable exhibit in which Lou has breathed life upon
the canvas. The women, whether in flowing dresses or traditional native
attire, evoke strong emotion within the audience. Lou’s talent
as an artist is professionally executed, with flawless, vibrant color
combinations and subtle detailing. Lou’s childhood dream has
been realized and her life and paintings are an inspiration to the
artist in us all.
– Angela Cozby, Oklahoma Arts Council Intern
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan or Karen Sharp at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov
Past Governor's Gallery Exhibits