When walking around campus, you may see the sculptures and statues standing in the grass and the paintings adorning the walls of our buildings, but do you ever stop to wonder where they came from? You may find that much of the art you pass every day was done by local artist Caleb O’Connor in his downtown loft, O’Connor Art Studios, LLC.

O’Connor Art Studios came to be after O’Connor finished several large-scale paintings featured in the Federal Courthouse on University Boulevard. After their completion, Caleb and his wife, Ruth O’Connor, began to search for a studio space in Tuscaloosa.

“We were fortunate enough to find an open loft space that was large enough to use as our personal art studio and also to share with the community,” said Ruth O’Connor.

O’Connor Studios values bringing art to the Tuscaloosa community. They seek to provide education in the visual arts and create meaningful artistic experiences for those living here 
to enjoy.

College students of all skill levels are invited to join the adult art classes taught by Caleb and Ruth. Additionally, visiting artists host weekend workshops in the fall and spring to give input on students’ work. Classes are capped at 10 participants in order to give one-on-one teaching to each person. College student discounts are available on request.

They also host free events on the first Friday evening of every month. Along with the other art galleries in downtown Tuscaloosa, they open their doors to the public and offer an exhibit that changes each month. Every first Friday event is free and family-friendly.

Caleb O’Connor’s artistic skill can be seen in several places around the University of Alabama campus. Last year, he finished the bronze sculpture of Dr. Robert E. Witt that stands in front of the Presidential Village student activity center. He also painted a landscape of Moundville around AD 1300 from the vantage point of Mound P at the UA Moundville Archeological Park that hangs in Natural History Museum in Smith Hall along with several portraits that adorn the halls.

“His use of light is so beautiful because it highlights the subject perfectly,” said Emily Adams, a freshman English major. “I think my favorite part of his work is his ability to capture a setting so well.”

Four major projects are in the works at the moment. One of these works is a marble carving of Dr. Peter Bryce that is to be displayed in the museum connected to the new Performing Arts Academic Center where construction is currently underway.

For more information regarding classes, events, and artwork, 
visit www.oconnorartstudios.com.