Second Saturday kicks off with an Aqueous-themed outdoor blowout

A detail photo depicts the hands of a child working on an art project using scissors and construction paper

Second Saturday visitors can design their experience based on their schedule and the activities that interest them most.

Working for the weekend? We know the feeling. That's why Oklahoma Contemporary is celebrating the second Saturday of each month outside our new downtown arts campus with free, fun, hands-on art activities for the whole family.

Our first Second Saturday celebrates artist Jen Lewin’s interactive light landscape, Aqueous. Get your free tickets now and join us tomorrow, Sept. 12, for an afternoon of outdoor activities designed with a focus on social distancing and safe fun for all ages.

"The day will be filled with color and movement," said Youth and Family Programs Manager Christine Gibson. Activities will include a street-sized paint-by-numbers from muralist Sean Vali, art-making kits (paired with individual space for each family to create), energetic beats from local DJ Tony Tee and the opportunity to skip, dance and play on Aqueous. "The art is all around," Gibson said.

A detail photo depicts hands manipulating a DJ sound board

Local DJ Tony Tee will spinning on the ones and twos at the Second Saturday event on Sept. 12.

During the day, Aqueous reflects the sky, audience and surrounding environment. At night, the sculpture's LED system responds to the human movement on its surface — lighting up as people maneuver the pathway. Visitors will be asked to keep their distance as they explore the space, while contemplating our connections to each other.

"The heart and soul of all this work is really about bringing people together," Lewin said. "It's about creating this connected experience. It's about sort of this joyful way that you can come into your community to interact with a piece of art, and then not only notice the work but also the people around you. That's the art."

In addition to Aqueous and hands-on activities, visitors to tomorrow's Second Saturday event will get the chance to see our new home up close, browse the wares in our new retail store or stop by Café Contemporary for beverages, a carryout lunch or sweet treats. If the whole experience has you feeling inspired, you can always round out the weekend with fun #AtHomeArt activities from our Youth and Family Programs staff below.