NSUBA exhibit to feature work of Broken Arrow art teachers

Katie Wheat Pernu and Debra Trotter, art teachers at Haskell Middle School in Broken Arrow, will showcase their artwork on the NSU-Broken Arrow campus. An art exhibit open house is scheduled Aug. 10 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Visitor's Center gallery at NSUBA.

Dr. Christee Jenlink, NSUBA dean, proposed the show to initiate a partnership between the university and the arts programs at Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Born in Phoenix, Pernu's artistic ambitions were encouraged by her parents. She graduated with a degree in art education from Northern Arizona University, where she also worked for the theater department in costuming.

After graduation she lived in southern California before moving to Broken Arrow where she lives with her husband, Chuck. They have two grown sons.

Pernu has worked as a museum educator, is National Board certified as an art teacher and says teaching makes her a lifelong learner in her field.

A Colorado native, Trotter has lived her life in the state and calls herself an Oklahoman. She attended public school in Bartlesville, and with assistance from her mother, received private art lessons in addition to art courses at Bartlesville High School. She holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Central Oklahoma. After graduation, she lived in Skiatook and completed professional education courses at the University of Tulsa. She began her teaching career in the Berryhill Public Schools.

Debra has done graphic design for her church and freelance projects. She worked as a computer game screen designer and manual illustrator for Random House and as a graphic designer for Zebco/MotorGuide.

She lives in Broken Arrow with her husband, Howard. They have two grown daughters.

For more information about the art show call the office of Dr. Jenlink at 918-449-6100.