Downtown Oklahoma City unveils newest public art sculpture

Downtown Oklahoma City unveils its newest public art sculpture that promises to inspire conversation, evoke wonder and capture the hearts of art enthusiasts, community locals and visitors alike. The Kiss, created by the talented artist Klint Schor, has taken its place in the heart of the urban core. 

The piece was commissioned in 2017 by Downtown OKC Initiatives through the Artist Invitational, a call for local artists to submit their ideas for public art and placemaking. “The Kiss” is no ordinary art installation. It serves a dual purpose: sparking thought-provoking conversations and rejuvenating the city's urban landscape.  

“The Kiss” was chosen for its ingenuity, aesthetics and the potential to become a cherished landmark in the community. Allison Barta Bailey, a member of the Downtown OKC Initiatives Board of Directors, shared her hopes for the sculpture, saying, "We hope that locals and visitors will enjoy the opportunity to use “The Kiss” as a background for a celebration in their lives, whether small or big... and maybe a kiss." 

Klint Schor, the artist behind this creation, adds a layer of depth to his work, explaining, "For me, it's about love and hope. By leaving the details of the heads vague, my desire is that viewers will see themselves and come away with the awareness that we are all seeking a better life for ourselves and our loved ones, and maybe that commonality will unite us." 

In Schor's artist statement, he expresses, "The kiss presented here shows no gender, ethnicity, or religious belief. It is an unassuming, intimate moment of two figures united. It is not only the obvious gesture, but it is also literally the physical connection point of the two separate pieces coming together; retaining their individuality but requiring each to support the other, giving the sculpture its stability and reinforcing the notion of a kiss/love." 

The journey of The Kiss has been filled with perseverance and dedication. Originally commissioned with a site in mind but not secured, it was destined to find its home at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for a planned sculpture garden complementing the many celebrations and occasions that take place. However, in March 2020, the pandemic halted these plans. 

Their persistent efforts were rewarded when Kristen Vails, director of place management for Downtown OKC Partnership, revealed an overlooked gem – a perfect site hiding in plain sight at the northeast corner of North Robinson and Robert S. Kerr avenues within Oklahoma Commons. With support from Mark Beffort and the Oklahoma Commons Owners Association, the sculpture's location was finalized in 2023. 

Vails emphasized the importance of perseverance in this project, highlighting its challenges. The artist, board members and staff shared a deep passion for the sculpture's potential to enrich downtown. It took six years of navigating obstacles to find the ideal location and timing, but the effort proved to be worthwhile.  

The celebration of this unveiling will be held Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the northeast corner of N. Robinson and Kerr with the enjoyment of refreshments from Junction Coffee available for purchase. Do not miss this occasion as “The Kiss leaves an indelible mark on downtown Oklahoma City, bringing love, hope and unity to the heart of the urban core.