A Place Between | The Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council Exhibition 

February 28–May 2, 2025

A Place Between features work by the 2024-2025 Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council. This multimedia exhibition explores the personal experiences of current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Inspired by Edgar Heap of Birds's legacy and artwork, the exhibition draws strength from his poetic use of language, his reckoning with unresolved histories, and his mindfulness toward community and land. The works in A Place Between represent journeys of reclaiming identity and belonging, by exploring connections to land, culture, and the fight for recognition and self-expression.

OCTAC members not only explore contemporary art, ideas, and creative processes, they also give advice to the Learning and Engagement Department on how to strengthen teen engagement within the organization.

Deezbaa Heap Of Birds stands next to a painting of a landscape with birds in flight

Student Curator Deezbaa Heap of Birds with Pax Hayman's Manifest Your Own Destiny

Student curator: Deezbaa Heap of Birds

Deezbaa Lightening Woman Heap of Birds is age 15 and a sophomore student at Putnam City North High School. She is a proud member of the Navajo, Cheyenne and Arapaho Sovereign Nations.

In her studies she enjoys academics, drawing, painting, film making and computer animation. She participates in Art, Film and Writing Clubs at Putnam City North.

Deezbaa was selected for the Superintendent's Honor Roll and Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society with a 4.0 GPA. She is also active in supporting the Native American community by serving as co-president of Native American Student Services, Putnam City Schools.

Deezbaa is committed to learning and transmitting Diné Ceremonial Ways given to her via the Earth Hogan near Kayenta, Arizona.

Artists in the exhibition

Arielle Hines-Lunn
Ashley Lopez-Ortiz
Calista Gimenez
Camille Garrett
Catherine Pham
Donna Antonelli
Eva Knight-James
Ja'Nay Childress
Maggie Maben
Maple Thurman
Matt Garrett
Monika Nolan
Pax Hayman
Van Marisseau

This exhibition is supported by Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Allied Arts, Cresap Family Foundation, and Harris Foundation.

Images:

Calista Gimenez, Your GOD, 2025. Acrylic paint on canvas.

Student Curator Deezbaa Heap of Birds with Pax Hayman's Manifest Your Own Destiny.