FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lori Brooks, Director of Communications
405 951 0000 | lbrooks@okcontemp.org
Media kit: bit.ly/ArtNow19_kit
(Jan. 7, 2019) For the 2019 edition of ArtNow, co-curators Alyson Atchison and Patrick Reynolds traveled from Locust Grove to Frederick, and all points between. They chose 23 Oklahoma-based artists (across a variety of ages and backgrounds, all first-time participants in this annual exhibition) to build their snapshot of the state’s contemporary art practices.
But ArtNow is more than an exhibition. It closes with an art sale — the first big party of 2019 with cocktails, tastemakers and the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind works. Proceeds help keep Oklahoma Contemporary exhibitions open free of charge, year-round. Tickets to the Jan. 18 event can be purchased at okcontemp.org/ArtNow.
The now-on-view exhibition includes traditional media — such as oil painting, photography, ceramics and weaving — as well as crafts appearing for the first time, like tattoo designs by Joshua Ross and Justin Voight’s handmade knives.
Artists in Oklahoma often create installations in addition to their individual pieces. ArtNow 2019 features four installations created just for the exhibition.
An example: Darci Lenker has filled the Circle Gallery with 365 fiber works, one completed every day for a year. “To me, embroidery is no different than drawing, just a slower process,” Lenker said. “I chose circles because they are simple shapes to build on, and I would have limitless possibilities.” Lenker said many events inspired her work across the year, "from elections to deaths of celebrities to science happenings.”
While visiting the exhibition, guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite works in the People's Choice contest, sponsored by the Oklahoma Gazette. The winning artist gets a cash prize, and one 21+ voter will win free tickets to the ArtNow event. See a complete list of artists here.
ArtNow’s “party with a purpose” will be the last major fundraising event at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Fairgrounds location. Oklahomans won’t want to miss this farewell fete, saying goodbye to 30 years at a home that has nurtured creativity, supported artists of all ages and instilled a love of contemporary art and creative practice. The event will salute the past and celebrate the Arts Center’s new campus at NW 11th and Broadway, set to open this fall.
Captions and photos from a selection of the works in the exhibition can be found at bit.ly/ArtNow19_kit.
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High-resolution photos can be found at bit.ly/ArtNow19_kit. Past press releases and information are archived at oklahomacontemporary.org/media. Interviews with artists, curators or Oklahoma Contemporary staff can be organized through Director of Communications Lori Brooks (lbrooks@okcontemp.org).
About Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Through visual art exhibitions, performances, public programs, community-building initiatives, outdoor installations and special events, we create opportunities for everyone to come together in celebration of contemporary culture and artistic expression. With year-round classes and camps across multiple disciplines, the arts center’s education programs encourage youth and adults to express their ideas across a variety of media and learn new skills.
In fall 2019, Oklahoma Contemporary will open a spectacular new center on a 4.6-acre campus at NW 11th and Broadway in Oklahoma City. Our 6,000 square foot main gallery, classroom studios, performance spaces, community lounge, café and outdoor spaces ensure that there will always be something new to see and experience. Oklahoma Contemporary is your arts center. Exhibitions are always free. You are always welcome here.
Oklahoma Contemporary is a regional 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers.
