ARTIST TALKS
Artist Talks continue Oklahoma Contemporary’s commitment to providing a platform for artists to share their creative processes and studio practices with the public, connecting artists with their communities more deeply. Virtual programs can be viewed here and will remain online for one week after each event.
Ed Ruscha with Jeremiah Matthew Davis and Alexandra Schwartz, Ph.D.
7-8 p.m. Thursday, June 17
Watch on our Thursday Night Late page, YouTube or Facebook.
Iconic American artist Ed Ruscha has, over the past six decades, produced a diverse and highly influential body of work encompassing paintings, drawings, prints, books, photographs and films. Join us to hear from the artist directly about Ed Ruscha: OKLA, the first exhibition to focus on the artist’s Oklahoma roots – his family, upbringing and discovery of his calling as an artist – and remarkably, his first solo museum exhibition in his home state. Ed Ruscha: OKLA is on view in our Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery through July 5.
PERFORMANCES
Watch presentations of live music, dance, theater or poetry as we activate the Te Ata Theater, our sun-filled Dance Studio and casual performance spaces indoors and out. See program descriptions for reservation information for on-site programs. Virtual programs can be viewed here and will remain online for viewing one week after each event.
From Darkness: A Concert with Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Angelika Machnik-Jones
6-7 p.m. | Doors open 5:30 p.m. | Thursday, June 24
Main Building | Te Ata Theater and Streaming on YouTube and Facebook
Free tickets here.
Join us for an experiential night of music in our Te Ata theater with Polish cellist Angelika Machnik-Jones and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. This series of contemporary compositions and moments of poetry will begin in an environment of darkness with Penderecki Nottoruno’s solo for cello. The light and the musicians will slowly come into view with each performance to leave the audience washed in brilliant light and a feeling of hope at the end of the program.
This program is presented in partnership with Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Angelika Machnik-Jones, Director and founder of Oklahoma Conservatory of Music.
Oklahoma Contemporary asks that you wear a mask while in Te Ata Theater for the safety of the musicians, staff, and other members of the audience.
Spotlight Concert with Arts Council OKC: Latin Mojo Band
6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 22
Main Building | North Lawn
Free tickets here.
As one of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund-supported Bright Golden Haze: Reflections projects, Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Spotlight Concert Series celebrated the “bright future” of OKC’s entertainment community with unforgettable live performances inspired by Oklahoma Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition, Bright Golden Haze. Latin Mojo’s concert was canceled for inclement weather in the fall and spring, we are hoping the third time is the charm!
COVID Protocols: Reservations are required for lawn seating, a maximum of 250 visitors will be permitted.
WORKSHOPS
Dance Workshop | Monsters of Dance
12:45-1:45 p.m. Sunday, July 11
Main Building | Te Ata Theater
Free tickets here.
Calling all dancers! Join Race Dance Collective and Oklahoma Contemporary for a free dance workshop led by expert hip hop choreographer Gerran Reese. As faculty at Monsters Dance, Gerran has guest taught internationally, working with top choreographers across the globe. Leading hip hop artists and television series have been blessed with his step arrangements. This free dance workshop is an opportunity to not only learn dance movements from an expert choreographer, but to also engage with the instructor’s supportive and positive teaching philosophy. Gerran wants you to feel your transformation from the time you walk into class to the time you walk out. Join us for the journey that is Dance! Masks recommended.
Friday Night Series Workshops
Ongoing — see offerings here
Main Building | Howard Family Charitable Foundation Studio Three
Tickets required.
Grab a friend or date and make your way to Oklahoma Contemporary's evening workshops for adults 21 and up. No artmaking experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Don't consider yourself artistic? With table service from Cafe Contemporary, you can imbibe in liquid courage to fuel your creative endeavors.
Note: Beginning with "My Kid Could Do That!" on Thursday, Aug. 26, these adults-only workshops will move to Thursdays to become part of Thursday Night Late.
