The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you around the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City. Let’s get started!

History

In 1989, the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center was founded by Christian Keesee and Marilyn Myers. They were first housed at the Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, but eventually moved to their current building which opened in 2020. I was told by the person working the front desk that the building design had won multiple awards which I thought was cool.

Museum Mission: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center encourages artistic expression in all its forms through education, exhibitions and performance.

There is 8,000 square feet of gallery space in the new building. There is also a theater, dance studio, and nine classrooms for community classes. Outside is the Campbell Art Park, Sculpture Garden, and North Lawn.

Current Exhibitions

Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California

This exhibition covers the work of several architects who were educated at the University of Oklahoma under professors like Bruce Goff and Herb Greene in the 1950s and 1960s. Their work became known as the American School of Architecture. They were inspired by natural landscapes, common objects, and Native American designs. The students forever changed Western architecture. 

I loved seeing the designs, photos, and models of all of the different kinds of buildings! This exhibition will be in Oklahoma City through January 2025 so you still have time to see it! 

SHELTER

SHELTER was created by Lisa Karrer. This exhibition is made out of ceramics and explores how people create shelters in refugee communities across the world. Each region looks different and is represented in miniature models.

This exhibition utilizes interviews and videos as well. Some of the shelters have a tiny projection on the inside. The interviews are played and you hear people’s experiences.

Colors of Freedom

Concluding Thoughts

I enjoyed visiting the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. I loved the unique layout of the building and the use of natural light. I am super excited to visit this gallery again in the future.

I also read that they have art classes, so if you are interested in learning more about that visit their website!

As always, if you can’t visit Oklahoma City I encourage you to support your local galleries and museums!

Happy traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂

Visit

11 NW 11th St.

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Sources

Oklahoma Contemporary – website

“Outré West” – brochure

“Shelter” – brochure