New Public Art Coming to Bricktown

An exciting new public art installation called Cloud Embrace is coming to the Bricktown Entertainment District. The public is invited to the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. in United Way Plaza at Reno and Walnut Ave.

This sculpture was commissioned and gifted by Visit Oklahoma City and Inasmuch Foundation to the City of Oklahoma City. This pedestrian plaza is operated and maintained by the City of OKC Parks and Recreation Department and sits adjacent to the Bricktown Canal and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Cloud Embrace was designed by Creative Machines, a multi-disciplinary design and fabrication company led by Joseph O’Connell. Their team combined engineering and custom fabrication expertise with thoughtful symbolism to create an interactive art experience that will become a must-visit destination for visitors and locals.

Inspired by OKC’s ever-changing skies, Cloud Embrace is crafted from perforated, heavy-gauge steel with a durable, white painted finish. At approximately 24-feet high by 40-feet wide and 9-feet deep, its monumental scale easily fits groups of people inside, making for dynamic moments and photo opportunities.

Multi-colored panels cast shadows within the piece and around the plaza during the day, as well as color-changing LED lighting that creates a fun, safe and immersive environment at night. The materials are designed to withstand many years of public use and require minimal maintenance. 

The location for this art installation allows for multiple vantage points in the high-traffic pedestrian plaza, by car and via the OKC Streetcar. Cloud Embrace was designed with distinct differences for those experiencing it up close or from a distance, as well as throughout the day or night.

Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act and an Inasmuch Foundation grant, this art installation is intended to enhance the visitor experience and drive tourism business.