State Capitol Galleries
The Oklahoma Arts Council showcases Oklahoma artists’ exhibitions in three galleries curated by the Oklahoma Arts Council at the State Capitol that receives thousands of visitors annually.
HOURS AND LOCATION IN THE STATE CAPITOL:
- East Gallery - located on the 1st floor, open daily from 8:30-5:30.
- North Gallery - located on the 1st floor, open daily from 8:30-5:30.
- Governor's Gallery - located on the 2nd floor outside the Blue Room, open Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00.
East Gallery
Mark Lewis
Paintings, Drawings and Collages
Tulsa resident and internationally-recognized artist Mark Lewis creates paintings that celebrate the distinctive Oklahoma urban landscape. In his exhibit, Mark Lewis: Paintings, Drawings and Collages, his work is derived from direct observation.
“I make paintings with my observations. I think about observation synchronized in time with painting. I want to build visually with each day’s experiences. I like the way a jazz musician builds musical ideas upon a standard tune, playing with the experience of the previous day’s work.”
North
Gallery
Paul McEntire
Life Reflected
Tulsa photographer Paul McEntire’s exhibit, Life Reflected, displays images from his trips to Tanzania, Romania, Ecuador and Cambodia. He says he works as a photographer, as opposed to any other artistic medium, because “I like the idea of documenting moments as they are instead of creating a new, subjective version of them.”
“I prefer to photograph nature and people in a candid, observational way. Although I do work as a commercial photographer, in my personal work I dislike pre-editing my images by posing or arranging elements."
Governor's
Gallery
Corazon Watkins
A Return to Innocence
In her exhibit A Return to Innocence, Norman artist Corazon Watkins captures nostalgic memories of her past. The artist believes these new works reflect a simplicity of form and color.
“I prefer to create paintings that affect me personally and/or express my feelings as an Asian immigrant and now a transplanted American. Nostalgic memories of my past, my heritage, and my view of the current social, religious, and political views are also suggested - some are done in a satirical approach and some in a more serious tone.”