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Cindy McBride was born in 1950 in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Hugh Allen McBride and Lajoyee Sue Harbor. Her passion for art began in childhood, nurtured by private art lessons through her high school years at Enid High School. After graduating in 1968, she attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in art education.
In her 30s and 40s, McBride dedicated several years to mission work in Africa. Upon returning to the United States, she immersed herself in painting. Her portraits quickly gained recognition, winning numerous awards and attracting commissions. However, financial necessity led her to a parallel career in education. She relocated to San Antonio, Texas, and spent 17 years teaching English as a Second Language for the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base.
After retiring, McBride returned to her artistic roots, teaching at the Coppini Academy of Fine Art and The Southwest School of Art. She specialized in portraiture, favoring pastels as her medium of choice. Her work is known for its expressive use of both vibrant and subtle color, a style influenced by fellow Oklahoman artist Richard Goetz.
Cindy McBride was married to Barry Dean Bowden and passed away in 2022 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of artistic
excellence and service.
Curator
Will Long, Library Specialist I
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes the university's main campus is located on the traditional lands of the Caddo and Wichita people.
View the full Land Acknowledgement.
