“I have never marketed my work beyond my Web site (www.garybyrdfineart.com), so I am honored to display my collection at the Foundation,” said Byrd. “I have fond memories of OSU. The friendships I formed have helped shape who I am today, and they will always be special.”

As a self-taught artist, Byrd began painting at the young age of 40 and captures a wide array of subjects from portraits to landscapes. Inspired by his travels, Byrd utilizes oil as a medium to capture the scenery and wildlife that continues to move him today. As an avid golfer, Byrd also captures the beauty of the golf courses and clubhouses he has visited over decades.

“My goal is to capture what I see,” explains Byrd. “I paint from photographs I take, but I also use my imagination, which can be fun and frustrating at the same time. I also visit galleries to examine techniques of artists I like.”

Since beginning his “second career,” Byrd’s artwork has been featured in Landman magazine, a national business publication, on several occasions and on the cover twice. He was also selected to participate in the Oklahoma Centennial Celebration at The City Arts Center in Oklahoma City. The show “Heroes and Outlaws: 100 Oklahomans by 100 Oklahomans,” featured his art entitled “Mr. Iba’s Legacy” in the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Gallery.

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 gallery is 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.