In-person programming returning to Oklahoma Contemporary

Bringing Art to Everyone

In-person programming returning to Oklahoma Contemporary

Companies and organizations have undoubtedly learned about shifting gears over the past year and perhaps none more than the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. After 32 years at the State Fairgrounds, the Contemporary was gearing up for the grand opening in its new building on March 12, 2020 just as Covid-19 hit the state.

“We had to cancel our grand opening event the day-of, so we basically closed the day we were opening,” said Vikki Penix, communications associate, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

Staff of the Contemporary quickly learned to pivot. With art accessibility for everyone as their mission, they kept it at the forefront by bringing programs online, from lectures to Studio School.

But what a difference a year makes. The Contemporary is slowly and safely transitioning to in-person programming.

Penix said that while not everything is in person just yet, they are making progress. “We just held Camp Contemporary over spring break and it was so good to see kids together, having fun, creating and exploring. It definitely enlivened the environment and their enthusiasm was contagious,” she said. Plans are already in place for a summer session of Camp Contemporary, June – August.

Studio School, which offers courses in a variety of media has several in-person sessions planned. Outdoor Oil Painting explores the fundamentals of oil painting outside, or en plein air. Writing About Art teaches participants how to write and publish human-level stories about culture. Black History in Black Horror Films unpacks racial identities, cultures of power and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This course ties to the upcoming exhibit Crystal Z Campbell: Flight, which explores the physical, architectural and cultural residue of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre into the present. 

The Contemporary also works to support artists via professional development. The Teaching Artist Bootcamp helps artists develop foundational skills to teach independently or with an organization. The course begins in April and is pay as you can, with a suggested $25 tuition. “This gives local artists an opportunity to learn and build connections regardless of ability to pay. “We see it as a way to truly invest in our creative community,” added Penix.

For family fun, Second Saturday provides families the perfect opportunity to learn and create. From 12 – 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month there are art talks, gallery adventures, hands-on art making, performances and more. The event is socially distanced and free of charge. 

On the exhibition front, Ed Ruscha: OKLA is on display through July 5 in the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery. Over the past six decades, Ruscha has produced a diverse body of work encompassing paintings, drawings, prints, books, photographs and films. This is the first exhibition to focus on the artist’s Oklahoma roots — his family, his upbringing and his discovery of his calling as an artist.  Hands-on art stations allow visitors to explore Ruscha’s most celebrated art forms -- word paintings and artist’s books. Guests can also use the library, which includes a curated selection of books and videos for all ages themed around the exhibition.

And more is on the horizon at the Contemporary. An outdoor performance in May with Painted Sky Opera and The Art of Brunch in July. The Contemporary also has a membership program that offers discount and special access to member events. “Members are so important they help us do what we do which is offer art and artistic expression to everyone,” said Penix.