The Norman Firehouse Art Center's longest-serving Executive Director, who significantly elevated the center's quality of visual arts instruction and expanded its outreach efforts over the past 15 years, is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
"I have enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in the arts in the Norman community through the Firehouse," said Douglas Shaw Elder. "We have such a wonderful base of supporters, students, and faculty who have made this a rewarding and memorable part of my career."
Elder, a Missouri native, accepted the position of Executive Director at the Firehouse in 2007, relocating from Boston after teaching sculpting and drawing at Boston University for six years. During his tenure, Elder expanded the Firehouse's breadth of programming to reach those in need. He launched the Healing Studio art program to provide a supportive classroom environment for differently-abled individuals, allowing them to experiment with the creative process through self-expression. Elder also created the Veterans Art Program to provide hands-on learning courses focused on engaging veterans through creative expression.
Under Elder's direction, the center's expanded outreach efforts include partnerships with Norman Parks and Recreation, Norman Public Schools, National Weather Center, Science Museum Oklahoma, and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Elder's efforts garnered numerous recognitions for excellence in arts education, including the Governor's Award for Arts Education and the Fowler Art Education Award.
Elder is an accomplished artist known in the Norman community for the Samo Ducky sculptures. Through the City of Norman's Public Art Board, there are 23 Ducky sculptures in Norman community parks. Many Firehouse students and supporters also know him for the foil sculpting he introduced to the Norman community. Using sheets of aluminum foil he routinely carries with him, Elder crafts a variety of sculptures, including birds, dogs, and other creative objects. He has surprised many wait staff and servers by leaving these miniature sculptures for staff to find when he leaves. The first Foil Sculpting Competition was held at the Firehouse in 2019 and drew submissions from children, teens, and adults from Oklahoma and surrounding states.
“The Firehouse Board of Directors would like to thank Douglas Shaw Elder for his 15 plus years as Executive Director,” said Fred Schmidt, Board President. “His dedication and service have made an incredible impact on the Norman community, and he will be greatly missed. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The Firehouse, located on 444 South Flood Avenue at Lions Park, was established in 1970 as a nonprofit by three Norman residents, friends, and artists to provide Norman area residents a place to learn and appreciate the visual arts. The Firehouse offers courses to children, teens, and adults and provides art instruction to over 400 students each year. The Firehouse's outreach and special programs serve more than 14,000 people annually. The Firehouse takes its name from its location at what was once Norman Fire Station No. 2.