December's socially distanced Second Saturday finds inspiration in the stars

Families enjoy outdoor activities, sitting in socially distanced circles marked on a green lawn

Join us from 12-4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month for free, limited, socially distanced, outdoor community and family-focused day of hands-on art making, performances and adventures for visitors of all ages.

There's a lot to contemplate in the night sky — just ask Bright Golden Haze artist Leo Villareal. In that spirit of wonder, the artist's Star Ceiling 2, on display in Oklahoma Contemporary's inaugural Bright Golden Haze, uses binary code to create a dazzling and immersive light environment filled with shimmering, non-repeating patterns. The work is an inspiring dance of technology and light, and it's also the inspiration behind the Dec. 12 Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary.

To help safely ring in the Season of Light, we're welcoming visitors to our new home in downtown Oklahoma City for a day of art-forward, socially distanced fun for families. Visitors can expect a day of tech-based art activities, including a large-scale, collaborative constellation, a virtual iPad tour of Bright Golden Haze and a make-and-take activity in which participants can create and keep their own "star globe" inspired by Villareal's Star Ceiling 2.

Six handmade ceramic mugs stacked in a triangle: three blue and three yellow

$25 gets you a handmade ceramic mug filled with mulled wine during the upcoming Second Saturday.

While community is always at the heart of Oklahoma Contemporary's public programming, safety is the first priority. In addition to our regular COVID-19 protocols like mandatory masks, social distancing measures and limited access timed tickets, every aspect of the day's activities will be managed with public health in mind. "We are very conscious about that," said Manager of Youth and Family Programs Christine Gibson. "Everything is spread out in open air; you won't have to go inside at all if you're not comfortable. The art activities are pre-packaged, and we're only allowing two people at a time to work on the collaborative sculpture."

While community is always at the heart of Oklahoma Contemporary's public programming, safety is the first priority.

Sweet confections, including Christmas cookies and chocolates, against a white background

The friendly staff at Café Contemporary will be outdoors serving up sweet treats, boxed lunches and more during the Second Saturday event on Dec. 12.

Second Saturday visitors can also expect plenty of delectable treats from Café Contemporary. From boxed lunches to light snacks, seasonal drinks and more, the friendly crew from our onsite eatery will be outdoors serving up their spin on contemporary comfort food. "Everyone can find something that they're looking for," owner Avery Cannon said. "Whether they're just wanting to get a cookie or a cup of coffee or if they want to completely have a full-on dining experience — we can accommodate anything."

Our Second Saturday events are family focused, but that doesn't mean there won't be treats for adults as well. Buy a handmade mug from Ceramics Program and Studio Manager David Stevens — who also built the interactive structure for the community constellation activity — and get it filled with delicious mulled wine (or a non-alcoholic drink) from the café for free.

To experience the magic of Second Saturday for yourself, reserve your spot now for this community celebration in downtown Oklahoma City. Bring your blanket and a mask to enjoy a day of activities on the North Lawn of your new arts center, where you always belong. In the meantime, check out the videos below to learn more about the monthly community event, the artist inspiring the upcoming festivities and the tasty treats you can expect when you sign up for a limited access spot during this weekend's socially distanced celebration of light.