Gathering Place Unveils World Premiere of ‘Cabinet of Wonder’ by World Renowned Artist Mark Dion
ARTIST AND FRIENDS: World renowned artist Mark Dion, third from left, enjoys meeting with Gathering Place personnel and the Tulsa-area artistic community. With Dion at the exhibit in the ONEOK Boathouse are, from left, Gathering Place’s V.P. of Programming Kirsten Hein, Executive Park Director Tony Moore and Philbrook Museum Director/President Scott Stulen.
GTR Newspapers photo
The Cabinet of Wonder, a Mark Dion project done in collaboration with Mark Scogin and Merrill Elam-Architects, opened to the public at the Gathering Place ONEOK Boat House on Saturday, Nov. 3. The first-of-its-kind installation is the inaugural piece of a program in which various recognized artists will travel to Gathering Place to leave their mark on Tulsa by creating public art installations throughout the park.
During the opening, guests had the chance to meet Dion and hear his perspective on this piece that showcases an extensive collection of marvelous items from around Oklahoma and around the world.
“At Gathering Place, our mission is to offer world-class programming that educates, engages and excites, and the Cabinet of Wonder offers a transformative collection unlike anything else in Tulsa,” said Kirsten Hein, vice president of programming at Gathering Place. “Mark Dion’s unique art has been displayed all around the world and we’re thrilled to kick off our public art installations with his inspiring vision.”
Nationally recognized and awarded, Dion’s art explores the way public institutions and dominant ideologies perceive history and knowledge of the natural world.
“Gathering Place is the perfect setting for my newest installation, which tells an international story that can unify all,” Dion said. “I’m excited for Tulsans to experience this piece as I believe it has the ability to foster creativity, motivate a sense of artistry and stimulate thinking.”
Items in the Cabinet of Wonder include books, trophies, ornaments, awards and other historical artifacts that are carefully displayed to share a story of international wonder from throughout history.
Dion’s work is displayed in the ONEOK Boathouse and is open for visitors to see daily during standard park hours, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information, visit GatheringPlace.org.
About Gathering Place
A project of George Kaiser Family Foundation, Gathering Place, with a first phase of 66.5 acres, will ultimately transform nearly 100 acres of Tulsa’s waterfront along the Arkansas River into a dynamic and active space when the project is completed. A public-private partnership, and numerous corporate and community philanthropists gave ownership of the $465 million park to River Parks Authority, who in turn signed a long-term operational and management lease back to an entity of the foundation to ensure the highest quality operation, maintenance and programming for the life of the park.
Gathering Place is doing business as Tulsa’s Gathering Place, . To learn more about the project, visit www.gatheringplace.org.
Updated 11-14-2018
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