OAK Unveils Plans for Spectacular Art Installations

In the heart of Oklahoma City, a vibrant new mixed-use district is taking shape. OAK, at 5101 N. Pennsylvania Ave., promises to redefine the cityscape and create a captivating experience for both residents and visitors. Among its many exciting features, two remarkable art installations, known as "Cloud Trees" and "Cloud Puncher," are set to become iconic landmarks that embody the spirit of Oklahoma and add an extra layer of charm to the OAK district.

Renowned artists

These stunning sculptures are the brainchild of the talented artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture. The artists, renowned for their breathtaking creations, have left their mark on various cities with awe-inspiring sculptures such as "The Traveling Man" in Dallas and "Running With The Moon" in San Antonio.

Colossal creations

"Cloud Trees" are a trio of mammoth sculptures standing an impressive 25.5 feet tall. These sculptures feature illuminated bronze tree trunks, but their true magic lies in the shared canopy of mirror-polished stainless steel clouds suspended over OAK's expansive 7,000-square-foot community lawn. In the center of this cloud formation, there's an oval oculus called the "eye to the skies." This unique design encourages viewers to gaze upward and see themselves reflected in the ever-changing Oklahoma sky, creating a mesmerizing connection with nature.

These sculptures also serve a practical purpose, as the space beneath them can be programmed for music and community-based entertainment. Day and night, these Cloud Trees will be a captivating sight, thanks to ambient lighting and internally lit tree trunks.

Capturing Oklahoma’s essence

Just steps away from the Cloud Trees, "Cloud Puncher" captures the essence of determination and rugged individualism that Oklahoma City is known for. This larger-than-life cowboy, standing at two times life size, is depicted roping an errant cloud to bring it back to its rightful place in the Cloud Trees sculpture. Suspended above the lawn from the second-story pool deck of the Lively Hotel, this 16.5-foot-long cloud and determined cowboy are a visual delight. The cowboy's face is featureless, making him relatable to all who pass by, and the sculpture itself tells a story of resilience and tenacity.

"Cloud Trees" and "Cloud Puncher" are not the only art pieces gracing OAK.  The Brad Oldham sculpture team will also create the "Mighty Live OAK" sculpture. At 22 feet wide and 10 feet tall, the installation will welcome everyone to the district with its powerful presence.

OAK’s ambitious development plans

OAK's first phase includes 135,000 square feet of retail, a boutique hotel, 320 upscale apartments and a central greenspace that will host over 100 community events each year. Future phases will add loft office space and even more retail options.

Exciting retail and hospitality experiences are on the horizon, with first-to-market brands such as RH, Arhaus and Capital Grille already onboard. The Lively Hotel, a boutique Hilton™ Tapestry Collection hotel will have 132 rooms, a 3,050-square-foot bar and restaurant, an amenity deck with an outdoor bar and pool area, a fitness center and meeting space.

OAK’s grand opening is scheduled for September 2024.