Stillwater Native to Showcase Art at OSU Foundation Stillwater native and Oklahoma State University alumna Maxine Whitfield-Steanson will exhibit Cowboy Country, a personal collection of prints and original artwork, in the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery at the OSU Foundation. Steanson, who owns Maxine’s Frames in Stillwater, displays 20 paintings of Stillwater animals and the Oklahoma State University campus now through August 31. “I am honored and appreciative to display my paintings at the OSU Foundation,” Steanson said. “I saw that there was a need in Stillwater for this kind of art, and I really do enjoy it.”

Old Central painting by Maxine Whitfield-Steanson

Steanson received a sociology degree from OSU in 1970. Though she took a few art classes at the university, Steanson never formally studied art. She began painting animals and portraits on commission after graduating from college. When custom framing orders became a profitable business, Steanson opened Maxine’s Frames in downtown Stillwater. The business celebrates its 30 th anniversary this year.

“We’ve always hired OSU students to work at the frame shop,” Steanson said. “They are so much fun, very intelligent and really good to work with. Many of them now return to visit with their children, who are now OSU students.”

While she didn’t originally focus on campus artwork, Steanson says customer demand led her to paint OSU campus scenes. Her collection includes Edmon Low Library, Theta Pond, Old Central and many other familiar landmarks. Steanson works in pencil, watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.

“My talent is a gift I’ve been given, and I don’t feel like I have anything to do with it,” Steanson said. “Art has always been my passion. I most enjoy drawing and painting.”

Steanson will sell displayed paintings and prints during the OSU Foundation showcase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit various academic programs at Oklahoma State University. Prospective buyers may contact the OSU Foundation for pricing information or artwork details.

Named in honor of the Foundation’s former board chairman, the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery showcases Oklahoma and OSU artists. The gallery serves to strengthen the connection between Oklahoma State University and the OSU Foundation. The galleryis open to the public and free-of-charge.

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

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