The City Arts organization has announced the opening of the John McNeese Gallery set for Thursday, July 7 with a reception at 5pm, followed by a dedication and ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. The new 1,000 square foot art gallery is located inside suite 101 on the first floor of the City Central building at 400 E. Central Avenue in downtown Ponca City. The new gallery is to be dedicated to long time arts advocate and philanthropist, Mr. John Porter McNeese.

McNeese was born and raised in Ponca City, and later moved to Oklahoma City where he and his husband John Richardson owned and operated the John Porter Gallery from 1982-1995. In 1988, McNeese founded the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and was recognized in 1996 with the Governor’s Arts Award of Special Recognition for his contributions to the visual arts in Oklahoma. McNeese and Richardson returned to Ponca City in 2003 where McNeese served as a board member of the City Arts and owned and operated Art-Place in downtown Ponca City from 2004 to 2008. McNeese continues to advocate for the arts and supports numerous arts and culture organizations throughout Ponca City and Oklahoma.

“The impact that John McNeese has made on the arts in our state is immeasurable” said Terron Liles, City Arts Executive Director. “Our organization hopes this gallery will help continue his legacy, and it is our sincere privilege to name it in his honor” Liles went on to say.

Following the dedication and ribbon cutting, the public is invited to view the one-night exhibition entitled “Maxine Warren: Monotypes.” This exhibit is a selection of original works by Oklahoma artist and Ponca City native, Mrs. Maxine Warren (1927– 2014), from her family’s private collection. Warren, a former art instructor for Ponca City Public Schools, obtained her art degree from Oklahoma State University in 1948 while studying under well-known artist Doel Reed. All pieces will be for sale and proceeds from this exhibition directly benefit the City Arts organization.

City Arts, also known as the Ponca City Art Association, is dedicated to enriching the cultural life in Ponca City by promoting, teaching, and nourishing the creation and appreciation of the visual arts. Founded in 1966, the City Arts is one of Ponca City’s oldest non-profit organizations, and is headquartered on the 5th floor of City Central in Suite 500. The organization and its programing is funded through the generosity of donors including Carl & Brenda Renfro, Phillips 66, John & Mary Anne O’Neill, Blackwell Family Dentistry, Kyle & Rachel Stewart, Family Vision Care, Stuteville Chevrolet, Buick, GMC of Ponca City, numerous patrons, as well as partnerships from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Executive board members of the City Arts include President Mary Anne O’Neill, Vice-president, Chelsi Hendrickson, Treasurer Aimee Snyder, Secretary Amy Geurin and board members Elaine Armstrong, Nathalia Hiatt, Nancy Tyndall, Kelsey Wagner, Larry Bittman, Chad Winslow, Rhonda Skrapke, Brenda Baugh, Betty Scott, Melinda Littlecook, Victoria Bauer, Alena Jennings, and Jordan Burns.

The John McNeese Gallery is free and open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm during scheduled exhibitions, or by appointment. Hours will be extended during select exhibits and events. To book an afterhours gallery appointment or for up-to-date gallery hours, a list of upcoming exhibitions and other information, visit www.pcarts. org or call the City Arts office at 580.765.9746.