Oklahoma Arts Council News
March 2025
Crowd Celebrates Reopening of Betty Price Gallery at Capitol
A crowd of nearly 200 people were on hand for the grand reopening celebration of the Betty Price Gallery in the Oklahoma State Capitol on the afternoon of February 25. The program featured remarks by Governor Kevin Stitt, legislative leaders Senator Adam Pugh and Representative Chad Caldwell, Oklahoma Arts Council Chair Kristie Buergler and Executive Director Amber Sharples.
Former governors George Nigh and Frank Keating, former first ladies Donna Nigh and Cathy Keating, and numerous current state officials were among those in attendance as the Oklahoma Arts Council opened the doors to the new museum-quality space located on the second floor, showcasing works in the Oklahoma State Art Collection.
In his remarks during the program, Governor Stitt cited Oklahoma's Capitol as the most beautiful in the country.
"I love coming out here and seeing young people taking tours and looking at the murals," he said.
In Senator Pugh's remarks, mentioning his children's creativity, he noted schools need every tool available to give students paths to success. Pugh cited arts education's role in preparing students for the workforce.
Representative Caldwell spoke about the impact of the arts in rural communities, and said he was proud that an Enid native, Harold Holden, was among those whose artwork in the State Art Collection is being displayed in the Betty Price Gallery.
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said Oklahomans have much to offer the nation.
"Our perspectives matter, and through the work of many of our state's most gifted and celebrated artists, the State Art Collection reminds us of this fact," Sharples said. "Today, this important part of Oklahoma's story regains a special place within this hallowed building as we reopen the Betty Price Gallery in its new location."
About the Betty Price Gallery
In 2007, the Oklahoma Arts Council and state leaders opened the original Betty Price Gallery on the first floor of the Capitol to serve as home to the Oklahoma State Art Collection, which is comprised of works by Oklahoma's most notable artists. Established in 1971, the growing collection had never had a permanent home. Restoration work at the Capitol forced the closure of the original gallery more than five years ago. With support from state leaders, the Oklahoma Arts Council arranged for the reopening of the new space on the second floor. The gallery is named for longtime former Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Betty Price, whose work over many years transformed the Capitol into an artistic treasure.
Rotating Capitol Galleries Reopen
Along with the reopening of the Betty Price Gallery, the three rotating galleries in the Capitol officially reopened on February 25. Current exhibitions feature works by Jason Wilson in the East Gallery, Jake Durham in the North Gallery, and Harold Holden in the Governor's Gallery
Oklahomans Invited to Bob Wills Day at Capitol
An annual celebration of one of Oklahoma's most influential and iconic musicians, Bob Wills Day at the Capitol is slated to take place Monday, March 10. Oklahomans are invited to come out for a day full of live Western swing music performances in the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Presented through a partnership of the Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Historical Society, Bob Wills Day at the Capitol commemorates the life and legacy of the "King of Western Swing" who helped popularize the music genre during the 1930s and 40s. Bob Wills Day at the Capitol was started in the 1980s by state Senator John Dahl.
The 2025 event is made possible with assistance from state Senator Jo Anna Dossett and state Representative Jay Steagall. Support for the event is being provided by the Oklahoma Film & Music Office and the National Endowment for the Arts' folk and traditional arts funding.
Open and free to all, Bob Wills Day at the Capitol will feature:
10:00 a.m. Jay Steagall & The Part-Timers
11:00 a.m. Bob Wills' Texas Playboys under the direction of Jason Roberts
12:00 p.m. Western fashion contest
12:30 p.m. Georgia Parker
1:30 p.m. Kyle Dillingham
2:30 p.m. Jana Jae
3:30 p.m. Oklahoma Swing
Serving as emcee will be Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Jay Snider. For the first time in its history, the event will feature a Western fashion contest. Attendees are invited to come dressed in their Western attire for the chance to earn prizes in the categories of boots, shirts, ties (bolo-bow), and Western swing skirts.
New Deadlines for Two Partnership Grant Programs
Grantee organizations and potential applicants are urged to note changes to the deadlines for two Oklahoma Arts Council partnership grants. The changes reflect the fiscal year 2026 grant cycle.
Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grants offer funding for nonprofit organizations to expand access to arts education for students attending alternative education schools in Oklahoma. Proposals are being accepted through March 17, 2025, for requests of up to $30,000 to support arts education programming, training, and more. Eligible organizations are arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Creative Aging Partnership Grants offer funding for Oklahoma organizations to build and expand arts learning opportunities for older adults through teaching artist residencies and workshops. Applications are being accepted through March 17, 2025, for requests of up to $30,000 to support creative aging programming. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations; city, county, state, and tribal government entities; colleges and universities; and, public library branches.
RFQs for new Public Art Trail along Route 66 in Oklahoma
A new public art opportunity is open to artists through the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program. The state's percent-for-art program is administered by the Oklahoma Arts Council. The project is related to the upcoming centennial celebration of America's "Mother Road," Route 66, and it represents the first of several Oklahoma Route 66 public art projects that are scheduled to become available in the coming months.
Route 66 Public Art Trail (Bridgeport, OK)
Artists and artist teams are invited to submit qualifications for the design and installation of artwork for a project involving the historic William H. Murray Bridge (Pony Bridge) in Bridgeport. Originally built in 1933, the newly restored bridge stands as a testament to the region's history and is a model of engineering innovation. A public art sculpture will be commissioned that will reflect the bridge's distinctive design and historical significance. The project budget is $325,000.
Deadline for submissions for the project is April 15.
Creative Aging Webinar to Focus on Supporting People with Dementia
Improving the lives of people living with dementia will be the focus of a webinar hosted by the Oklahoma Arts Council on March 13. "Art, Memory, and Connection: Supporting People with Dementia through Creative Aging" will feature Jacob Guinan of the Oklahoma Healthy Brain Initiative, who will provide insights on ways arts education can benefit those living with dementia and those who provide their care. Diane Powell of the Alzheimer's Association will also join the webinar to speak about her organization's early-stage engagement training program, highlighting ways arts organizations can partner with the Alzheimer's Association to create programs for people experiencing memory loss. The presentations will be followed by a panel conversation with Oklahoma teaching artists Mary Thoma, Meg Chang, and Jackie Nelson, who will share about their firsthand experiences with arts programs serving individuals with dementia.
Presented as part of the Oklahoma Arts Council's Creative Aging Initiative, the webinar is designed for community organizations, artists, caregivers, and others who are interested in learning how the arts can improve the lives of older adults.
Register for the webinar here. There is no cost to participate.
The Oklahoma Arts Council's creative aging webinar series is made possible by funding from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).
Leadership Arts XIII Class Members Announced
The names of 30 Oklahomans selected to take part in Leadership Arts XIII were announced by the Oklahoma Arts Council in February.
The agency's flagship leadership development program, recognized nationally since its launch in 2008, has equipped more than 360 Oklahomans representing over 90 communities.
In Leadership Arts, participants learn strategies for employing the arts as effective tools in economic and workforce development, education, and quality of life. Two-day sessions take place monthly, February through May, in different Oklahoma communities. Members of Leadership Arts XIII will graduate during a special ceremony at the Oklahoma Arts Conference in Enid in the fall.
Cornerstone Conversations Scheduled for Alva, Sayre
Two additional Cornerstone Conversation sessions have been scheduled as the Oklahoma Arts Council continues its listening session tour across the state. Staff from the agency will co-host the sessions with local community members in Alva on April 2 and Sayre on April 10.
Cornerstone Conversations are a forum for Oklahomans to share ideas for how the arts can meet needs in their communtiies and across the state. During sessions, attendees participate in small group discussion and individual exercises, and they are given the chance to provide written feedback. Sessions include a 30-minute networking break with light refreshments.
There is no cost to participate. Feedback from Cornerstone Conversation sessions will serve as important building blocks for the Oklahoma Arts Council's 2026-2030 strategic plan.
Reserve Your Seat
Reserve your seat at one of the following sessions by sending an email to chandra.boyd@arts.ok.gov. Please note which session you will attend.
Alva
Wednesday, April 2
3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Northwest Technology Center
1801 S. 11th St.
Sayre
Thursday, April 10
2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Western Technology Center
2002 NE Hwy 66
Learn more about Cornerstone Conversations. Additional communities will be announced soon.
Important: Changes Announced to NEA Grant Programs
Oklahoma organizations planning or considering applying for funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) should note recent changes announced by the federal arts agency.
In February, the NEA updated its fiscal year 2026 grant guidelines. The changes impact organizations applying in the NEA's Grants for Arts Projects or Challenge America grant categories.
The Challenge America category has been canceled for FY26. Organizations are encouraged to apply to the Grants for Arts Projects category instead.
For the Grants for Arts Projects category, deadlines have been changed. New deadlines are March 11, 2025, for the first cycle, and July 10, 2025, for the second cycle.
NOTE: Be sure to review FAQs published by the NEA about these changes. The agency stresses that projects that would have previously been considered for Challenge America may be funded under Grants for Arts Projects.
Grants Available to Provide Disability Accommodations for Arts Programs
Organizations providing arts programming in Oklahoma are encouraged to learn about funding available to assist with making those programs accessible to more individuals with disabilities.
The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO) is currently welcoming unsolicited proposals and applications for contracts to fund activities that will advance the independence and productivity of Oklahomans with disabilities.
Up to $5,000 in funding may be requested for eligible expenses, including hiring ASL interpreters, CART services, working with ADA consultants, and acquiring materials needed to accommodate people with disabilities.
Deadline Approaching for Artistic Innovations Grants
The deadline is approaching for Oklahoma artists and arts-based nonprofits to apply for the Artistic Innovations grant program through Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA). Through the program, eligible applicants in M-AAA's six-state region can receive up to $15,000 to support the creation of new, original artwork. The program is designed to encourage experimentation and exploration in the art-making process.
Projects supported through Artistic Innovations must include at least two public-facing events, including a premiere feature presentation of the work and an educational outreach event. Ideal projects are those that have in-person experiences at the heart of the endeavor and those that introduce an original idea to audiences.
View projects previously through Artistic Innovations.
Deadline to apply is March 13.
Part-Time Finance Assistant Opportunity
The Oklahoma Arts Council is currently seeking a part-time finance assistant. The position assists with accounting, budgeting, finance, and other administrative tasks across agency departments. It also serves as a backup for the executive administrator.
To qualify, candidates must have graduated from an accredited four-year college with a degree in business or public administration, arts administration, or a related field; a degree in finance, accounting, business, or public administration is preferred.
Salary for the finance assistant position is commensurate with experience with an hourly rate of $30.96.
For instructions on how to apply, visit arts.ok.gov.
Liam Larson Brings Museum Skills to Role at Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council visual and public art team has a new set of hands to assist with their growing workload managing state-owned artwork collections. Liam Larson was recently hired as part-time visual and public art preparator. Brought on board in January, Larson's role varies from preparing the Capitol galleries for art exhibitions to installing artwork, moving related furniture, hardware, and more.
"No two days are alike, which keeps things fresh, stimulating, and exciting," says Larson.
Involved in the arts from a young age through Kindermusik, piano lessons, and theatre, Larson says he practically grew up in the museum where his mom works.
"I slowly learned the preparator's trade from mentors at the museum," says Larson, noting he also sought learning experiences through the Oklahoma Museums Association and Mountain-Plains Museums Association on his way to becoming a fully qualified preparator.
In his new role, where he spends most of his time at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Larson looks forward to meeting people—visitors and others—as he works with the hundreds of artworks under the care of the Council. He takes to heart the fact that most people only notice the way an artwork is installed if it is done poorly, and he embraces the many steps required to get a work of art to the point where it can be placed on the wall.
With a father working in state government and mother working in a museum, Larson feels his job at the Oklahoma Arts Council is a perfect synthesis, uniquely suited for him. He is approaching the opportunity with excitement.
"Oklahoma has a wonderful arts community," says Larson. "I celebrate the relationships I have made in that space, and I am eager to foster new ones."
Liam Larson can be reached with related questions at liam.larson@arts.ok.gov or (405) 301-2744.