Governor's Gallery

Ragon Steele
Reflections of an Oklahoma Artist

December 18, 2006 thru February 9, 2007

Ragon Steele’s exhibit at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Reflections of an Oklahoma Artist, depicts his desire to memorialize historical events and his personal experiences throughout the years.

His water media works are colorful representations of emotions evoked by cherished moments in time. “In Breathtaking Beauty, I could see my grandmother’s roses basking in the warm Arkansas sun. I could feel the humid, warm air surround me and the roses.”

Steele chooses subject matter that reflects his love of Oklahoma and particularly his hometown, Bartlesville. Whether it’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s monumental Price Tower or football players on the field, Steele’s paintings flawlessly represents his admiration for Oklahoma culture.

After graduating from Southwest Missouri State University, Steele became the wrestling coach and teacher at College High School in Bartlesville. During the 1980s, Steele was an independent business owner who yearned to return to the arts. In 1992, Steele accepted an art teaching position at Oklahoma Union Schools where he was also the Art Department Chair. Four years later, Steele began teaching adult art classes at Tri County Technology Center.

Steele organized a youth art camp sponsored by the Bartlesville Art Association and later became the president of the association while also serving as a board member of the Bartlesville Art Foundation. Twice, Steele was selected Artist of the Month by the Bartlesville Art Association and named Art Volunteer of the Year in 2003 by the Bartlesville Examiner Enterprise newspaper. Steele resides in Bartlesville with his wife, Tina, and continues to play a significant role within the arts of Oklahoma.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov

The Governor's Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the State Capitol outside the Blue Room and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00.

Past Governor's Gallery Exhibits