Beyond the canvas

Stratford teacher and artist leaves an impact through his artwork

In the art room of Stratford Public School, creativity flows as freely as the paintbrushes in Shea Meyer’s skilled hands. An art teacher and member of People’s Electric Cooperative, Meyer has been leaving a colorful imprint on his students and the community for years, shaping not just art, but lives.

Originally from Guymon, Meyer began his art career in childhood sketches and doodles. While Meyer was always passionate about art, he never thought it would transform into the successful career he has today.

As a high school athlete, he envisioned a future on the football field, until a sudden injury in his senior year altered his path forever. Around the same time, Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) visited local high schools to recruit for their art program. Meyer stood out among his classmates, and recruiters noticed his talent. He was later offered a full scholarship to the arts program at OPSU, an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

At OPSU, Meyer continued to learn and develop his artistic skills. The program gave him hands-on experience with various art medias. It also allowed for Meyer to participate in many galleries and art shows.

As his senior year approached, Meyer considered different career paths. Interested in teaching, he began the process of becoming alternatively certified. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art from OPSU in 2005 while obtaining his teaching certification.

Following his graduation, Meyer began his career at Stratford Public Schools teaching middle school and high school art. His teaching methods focus on showingstudents that art is a process and encourages them to engage the creative parts of their minds.

“I feel that God has blessed me with a gift, and I will use it to glorify Him as much as I can,” Meyer says.

His teaching has impacted the many students who have passed through the art room at Stratford Public Schools. Whether they take one class or many, Meyer leaves a lasting impression.

Cassandra and Jonathan Good are two students who still reflect on the impact Meyer’s teaching had on their lives. The two developed a friendship during their shared time in Meyer’s art class, eventually getting married after graduating from Stratford High School. Cassandra, who had never taken art seriously before, blossomed in Meyer’s class, transforming her casual doodles into refined pieces of art.

“His teaching style helps you figure out what is inspiring to you,” Cassandra says. “Shea teaches you how to create art that inspires others.”

Cassandra and Jonathan both knew they wanted to pursue art after high school. Meyer helped them look into art programs in Oklahoma, making sure they found schools with the proper accreditations and even took them to tour universities.

“It is inspiring to see the example Shea has set as an artist and a teacher,” Cassandra says. “His work and career have encouraged us to continue pursuing art.”

Today, Cassandra and Jonathan run A Good Space Studio, a vibrant hub where they create, sell and teach art. Meyer’s mentorship has been a cornerstone of their thriving careers.

Outside of teaching, Meyer continues to paint in his free time, initially selling his pieces through social media, which led to additional commission work.

About a decade ago, Meyer took his artistry to a new level with live worship paintings at his church. In these performances, the audience watches as a blank canvas transforms into a masterpiece. He later expanded this to other events, including the Garvin County Junior Livestock Show premium sale, where he painted animals being auctioned.

In 2022, Meyer painted a steer and since then has painted a goat and pig. The paintings are auctioned off, creating an add-on for all participants in the premium sale.

This spring, Meyer took his live painting to a bigger stage at the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) Sale of Champions. Here, Meyer painted the grand champion steer during the sale. Ruby Bell, grand champion steer exhibitor, says the painting was the cherry on top of a perfect weekend and will always hold a special place in her heart.

“When I first walked into the arena, I didn’t even know the painting was going to be of me,” Bell says. “It was incredible to watch the piece come together in front of the audience and even more exciting when I realized it was of me.”

Bell was in awe of his talent. Little details, such as the way she cocks her shoulder when she shows, were reflected in the painting, Bell says. At the conclusion of the sale, the piece was auctioned off. While Bell’s family tried to purchase the piece, in the end the painting fetched $23,000, with Jimmy Harrel of Bank of Western Oklahoma purchasing it and generously gifting it to a tearful Bell.

“After Jimmy purchased the painting, he took the mic and announced he would be gifting it to the exhibitor,” Bell says. “I immediately broke down in tears. I was so grateful for his kindness and generosity to gift the painting with me.”

The painting now hangs in the Bells’ home under a spotlight. Bell is grateful for the way Meyer captured such a special moment for her and her family through the painting.

“I still get chills every time I walk past the painting,” Bell says.

Meyer’s art leaves a memorable impression on all who encounter it. His students, enriched by his teaching, and those fortunate enough to own his pieces, carry a piece of his legacy with them, touched by both his artistry and his character.

Photo by Ainsley Treesh