A Guide to Oklahoma City’s Art Scene

Oklahoma City is a vibrant and growing metropolitan area full of creative energy and artistic expression. The city is home to museums, galleries, and art studios, as well as a thriving public arts program. From street art to fine art, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. This guide will give you an overview of the city’s art scene, highlighting the best places to explore and discover.

Street Art

Oklahoma City’s public art program has created a vibrant street art scene, with murals and installations throughout the city. From the historic Bricktown area to the downtown Arts District, street art is everywhere. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a self-guided tour of the city’s street art. You’ll find colorful murals, sculptures, and installations that will add a unique element to your visit.

Museums and Galleries

Oklahoma City has a wide variety of museums and galleries dedicated to showcasing the works of local and national artists. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is the city’s premier visual arts museum, with a permanent collection of over 5,000 works. The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

The Oklahoma City Arts Council maintains a list of galleries in the city, including the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, the IAO Gallery, and the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. There are also many independent galleries and studios, such as the JRB Art at the Elms and the DNA Galleries.

Public Art Programs

The City of Oklahoma City has a thriving public art program, which includes murals, sculptures, and installations. The city’s public art program is funded by the city’s general fund and by donations from private citizens. The program has commissioned dozens of new works of art, which can be found in public spaces throughout the city.

The city’s public art program also hosts a number of events throughout the year. The annual Oklahoma City Mural Festival, for instance, brings together local and national artists to create large-scale murals in the downtown area.

The city’s public art program also sponsors the “Art in Public Places” initiative, which encourages local businesses to showcase local art in their establishments. This program has been a great success, creating a vibrant, diverse, and locally-focused art scene in Oklahoma City.

Festivals and Events

Oklahoma City hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the city’s art scene. The annual Paseo Arts Festival, for instance, is a two-day event that showcases the art, music, and culture of the city. The festival features live music, art installations, and interactive exhibits.

The city is also home to a number of other art and music festivals, such as the Plaza District Festival, the Dead Center Film Festival, and the OKC Improv Festival. These festivals provide an opportunity to meet local artists, see their work, and explore the city’s creative energy.

Art Classes and Workshops

If you’re looking to develop your own artistic skills, there are a number of art classes and workshops available in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art offers a variety of classes for adults and children, ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture and photography.

The city is also home to a number of independent art studios and workshops, such as the Oklahoma School of Photography, the Oklahoma Art Guild, and the Central Arts Collective. These studios offer classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels.

Live Music

Oklahoma City is home to a vibrant live music scene. The city is home to a number of venues, including the historic Tower Theatre, the historic Criterion Theater, and the trendy Opolis. These venues host a variety of acts, ranging from local bands to touring acts.

The city is also home to a number of music festivals, such as the Norman Music Festival, the Norman Music Festival, and the Red Dirt Music Festival. These festivals feature both local and national acts, and provide a great opportunity to discover new music.

Theater and Dance

Oklahoma City is home to a thriving theater and dance community. The city is home to a number of venues, including the historic Lyric Theatre, the Civic Center Music Hall, and the Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre. These venues host a variety of performances, from musicals to plays to dance performances.

The city is also home to a number of independent theater companies, such as the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, the Oklahoma Theater Company, and the Oklahoma City Ballet. These companies produce a variety of performances throughout the year.

Local Art Markets

If you’re looking to purchase local art, Oklahoma City is home to a number of art markets and fairs. The Paseo Arts District, for instance, hosts the Paseo Art Fair every year, featuring works from local and national artists.

The city is also home to a number of independent galleries and studios, such as the IAO Gallery and the JRB Art at the Elms. These galleries and studios feature works from a variety of artists, and many of them host regular events and exhibitions.

Public Art Tours

If you want to explore Oklahoma City’s public art scene, consider taking a guided tour. The Oklahoma City Arts Council offers public art tours of the city, which provide an up-close look at some of the city’s most iconic artworks.

The city is also home to a number of independent tour companies, such as OKC Street Art Tours and OKC Mural Tours. These tours offer a unique perspective on the city’s art scene, and provide the opportunity to meet local artists and learn about the city’s creative energy.

Shopping and Dining

Oklahoma City is home to a vibrant shopping and dining scene. The Paseo Arts District is home to a variety of independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Plaza District is also home to a number of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

The city is also home to a number of farmers markets, including the OKC Downtown Farmers Market and the OKC Farmers Public Market. These markets offer an opportunity to purchase locally-sourced produce and goods, as well as to meet local farmers and artisans.

Conclusion

Oklahoma City is a vibrant and growing city, full of creative energy and artistic expression. From street art to fine art, the city has something for everyone. This guide has highlighted some of the best places to explore and discover Oklahoma City’s art scene, from museums and galleries to public art programs and festivals. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s creative energy or to purchase local art, Oklahoma City has something for you.