New Visit OKC video showcases the people and creativity of the Plaza District

The Plaza District has long been known as one of Oklahoma City's most creative neighborhoods, home to local restaurants, galleries, shops, live theater and public art. But the people behind those places are what give the district its character. 

A new video from Visit OKC, the tourism division of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, takes viewers inside the Plaza through the stories of four people whose lives and work are deeply connected to the neighborhood. 

“The Plaza isn't just one thing,” said visual artist Dusty Gilpin, who has been part of the district for more than 15 years. “The Plaza is all the subcultures wrapped into one, and it's a really, really beautiful woven tapestry of creativity.” 

Gilpin is a resident artist at Canopy, a cooperative art studio where visual art exists alongside the music, dance, fashion and other creative communities that have helped shape the district. 

For chef and restaurant owner Jeff Chanchaleune, the Plaza is tied to both his career and his family's history. Chanchaleune started a food truck in the district in 2013 and now owns Ma Der Lao Kitchen and Bar Sen. 

After opening Bar Sen, he learned his parents had once lived directly behind where his restaurants now sit. 

“Full circle, actually, coming back to opening up a Lao restaurant in the neighborhood after being born into the neighborhood,” Chanchaleune said. 

The arts have also played a longstanding role in the district. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma has called the Plaza home since 2001, producing shows at the Plaza Theatre along NW 16th Street. 

Ashley Wells, executive producer at Lyric Theatre, describes the neighborhood as having a “fun, open vibe,” where restaurants, galleries and musical theater all exist within a walkable district. 

“You can't beat the food. You can't beat the people,” Wells said. “It's a fun place to be.” 

For Bad Granny's Bazaar owner Diana Harris, the Plaza has become something even more personal. Harris discovered the neighborhood in 2009 and has watched its community grow around her. 

“What comes to my mind first is community, family, home,” Harris said. “Everyone is welcome.” 

That combination of creativity, entrepreneurship and belonging continues to define the Plaza District, whether someone comes for a meal, a show, local art or an afternoon of shopping. 

“I come down here and I'm immediately surrounded by love and family and friends,” Harris said. 

Watch the video above to hear more from the people who call the Plaza District home.