Going public
Private OKC firms plan public art displays downtown
Public art, which not long ago consisted of either traditional monuments or city funded attempts at adding more variety, is shifting toward more cutting-edge efforts that are supported by private organizations and businesses.
An unprecedented number of projects are in various stages of planning, including sculptural chairs at City Hall in the park area facing Hudson, an abstract sculpture in front of the new AC Hotel in Bricktown, and two murals to be created by Bricktown Octopus muralist Jack Fowler.
The projects represent momentum that started with art largely funded through MAPS and other major capital improvements. That legacy includes the “Inclined” sculpture along the Bricktown Canal and “The History of Bricktown” mosaic murals by Susan Morrison on display outside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
Another wave of art endeavors took off in the early 2000s as part of efforts by the Centennial Commission, which was tasked with commemorating the state’s 100th birthday in 2007. Bricktown is again another major beneficiary of the public art initiative with works including the “Devon Mosaic” mural that is found at the northernmost point of the canal and the Oklahoma Land Run Monument, which is nearing completion along the southern point of the canal.
Downtown OKC Initiatives, created by Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., has led the effort recently, commissioning murals under the railroad viaducts entering into Bricktown, a lightboard mural along the canal, and Fowler’s “Bricktown Octopus.”
The newest wave of projects indicate property owners are finding inspiration in the success of such projects as well as the increased importance of engaging with the community.
Jim Mullins, general manager at the AC Hotel set to open later this year in Bricktown, plans to host an “AC Hotel stylist” in about 45 days who will get a feel of
the hotel, Bricktown and the nearby arts districts.
Art selection will follow, with much of the purchases to be made locally. Once open, Mullins said, the hotel, at Sheridan and Russell M. Perry avenues, will host monthly art shows and live music.
The hotel’s most visible public art will be the “Entwine” sculpture by Norman artist Jonathan Hills. The piece, 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide, will be placed at the southwest corner of the AC Hotel and is inspired by the artist’s “Flamenco” sculpture in Paseo. The sculpture will consist of laser cut, welded and powder-coated steel.
Colorful sculptural chairs to be created by artist Beatriz Mayorca are proposed for the grassy park area that is immediately north of the Hightower Building, 105 N Hudson. The “Nurture Sculpture Seating” is a Downtown Initiatives project that will be built with colored concrete and steel.
Fowler, meanwhile, is set to create two large murals after enduring more than a year of reviews for his first public mural, “Bricktown Octopus,” which is directly south of the AC Hotel. His first commission, a parklike scene, is set to be painted on the large blank wall on the west side of Oklahoma Tower, 210 Park Ave.
A second Fowler mural, “Film Row Blues,” will be 36 feet tall and 32 feet wide on the north alley wall at the Paramount Building, 701 W Sheridan. Both murals are being commissioned by the property owners.
The art, and the growing variety of influences and creators, continues to add life and color to a downtown that for years was a bit too formal and stuffy in the few works that were allowed.
In an age where placemaking is hailed as a major part of attracting and retaining talented young professionals, downtown businesses, property owners and civic leaders are showing they appreciate art is an important part of a successful urban economy.