OSU in New Mexico
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
My wife Anne and I have always enjoyed vacationing in Taos. It’s such a quiet laidback destination that has so much to offer. We have always enjoyed the fact that it’s a boutique type environment; very casual and non-commercial. We don’t drink Starbucks coffee, but if you do, you probably won’t find one in Taos. There is a Baskin-Robbins, however, one of our favorite haunts.
We were planning our next trip to Taos about four years ago and noticed an ad in the OSU State Magazine about the Doel Reed Center. So we decided to learn more about what it had to offer.
The campus is a very non-traditional extension of the Oklahoma State University educational outreach for students and alumni. Situated at the base of the Carson National forest in northern New Mexico is our unique campus. The center is primarily used to host OSU students, a place where they are exposed to the arts and the artisans found in this culturally rich area. And it’s not just for art students. It also hosts many classes from a multitude of disciplines. We learned it was a place where students can experience humanity in a relaxed hands-on environment.
The property, with its traditional adobe style architecture, has incredible vistas in virtually any direction you wish to look. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with a fire pit and seating in the center of the campus; a great gathering place for discussions. There are three structures on the property that have been remodeled and repurposed to facilitate the students. Doel Reed’s studio was left as museum but is still used as working lab. Most of his famous works were created in his studio.
We are fascinated with the center and have seen first hand how the center is impacting our students. It’s why we enthusiastically support the center. We are so proud of the way Oklahoma State University has created such a wonderful learning venue under the guidance of President Burns Hargis and First Lady Anne Hargis. The center is a masterpiece that needs to be experienced to appreciate.
Charlie Scott- Lantana, Texas