OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 2, 2026) — Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center invites community members and businesses to “Give the Gift of Art” this Giving Tuesday by donating classroom art supplies for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) or making a financial gift to ARTS LAB, the arts center’s art integration program serving students and teachers across Oklahoma. Throughout November, the campaign will bring the community together to support creative learning in classrooms and beyond, leading up to Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1. 

Creativity starts with the opportunity to make something. Access to art supplies helps students develop critical thinking, express themselves and explore new ideas through hands-on learning. Through this campaign, Oklahoma Contemporary aims to help meet classroom needs by providing teachers and students with essential materials. 

Individuals can contribute new, unused art supplies, including paints, brushes, canvases, glue sticks, colored cardstock, and other requested classroom essentials, or shop the campaign’s Wish List. Businesses and workplaces are encouraged to organize supply drives and invite employees to participate. Oklahoma Contemporary will provide supply lists and promotional materials to support workplace collections. 

Financial contributions to ARTS LAB programming support hands-on field trips, classroom visits, and educator training, connecting students and teachers across Oklahoma with opportunities to experience and make art. These gifts help extend the impact of Giving Tuesday beyond the supply drive, supporting creative learning throughout the year. 

"Art gives students the opportunity to express themselves, explore new ideas and see the world in different ways,” said Christine Gibson, director of education at Oklahoma Contemporary. “It's amazing to watch their confidence grow as they create something of their own and discover that there isn't always one right answer. Having access to these kinds of creative experiences is so important for their growth, both in and outside the classroom." 

Supply donations will be accepted through Nov. 30 at Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St., from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. For supply lists, workplace drive resources or information about supporting ARTS LAB, visit okcontemp.org/GivingTuesday or contact Oklahoma Contemporary at development@okcontemp.org. 

About Oklahoma Contemporary

Oklahoma Contemporary, formed in 1989 as City Arts Center by Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality, accessible and affordable arts programming. With a mission to encourage artistic expression in all its forms through education, exhibitions and performance, Oklahoma Contemporary is committed to instilling in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice. For more information on free exhibitions, class schedules and public programs, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.