Taking Time to Explore Tulsa’s Art

Knowing well that we are looking forward to better days, I wish you a most Happy New Year. So much in the entertainment world is on hold until at least late spring. Many extraordinary efforts have been made by venues and organizations to find ways of connecting to their audiences. Several have been successful. All have been challenging.
While live entertainment is taking an intermission, many Tulsa museums and galleries continue to showcase art. The First Friday Art Crawl has been a favorite of mine since the early days when there were maybe 100 people who happily wandered from one end of the Tulsa Arts District to the other. In years past, I tried to get an early start looking at art, and timed my outings to catch a show at the PAC, or the second set at Duet Jazz. I do miss all the entertainment options, and also the people. In some ways, the First Friday Art Crawl is like a monthly party.
How are the Tulsa Arts District galleries faring? The Zarrow Center is closed. TAC Gallery has closed for the time being, but will reopen in February. TAC’s popular annual “5 x 5” fundraiser show will return in May. Living Arts will host an exhibition titled “Project Hope, Unity and Compassion,” Jan. 8–22. On display will be the painted boards promoting unity and understanding that popped up around downtown during the Trump rally last June.
Specializing in art, craft and design, 108 Contemporary always provides a heightened experience. Anyone who enjoys fiber arts or who would like to know more about the genre will be engaged by the work of East coast artist Diane Savona. Her show “Art and Archaeology” (through Jan. 24) transforms everyday items — including those related to fiber work, like pincushions and sewing scissors — into fiber-covered, historically preserved works of art. Opening Feb. 5 at 108 Contemporary will be Jonathan Hils’ exhibition “Facets,” incorporating 3D printing and CNC routing technologies to explore a coded and digital interpretation of our environment. Admission to 108 Contemporary is free. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
Ahha brings together artists, cultural organizations and the public to explore, celebrate, and elevate art. Private labs and lessons are available in Darkroom, Metals, Printmaking, Woodshop, Lighting, and Digital Media. The public may choose to rent the labs for independent work for as little as $10 an hour. “The Experience: Imagine” at ahha features six Tulsa-based artists, each of whom has designed a zone with interactive arts elements. “Trayectorias” by Fred Villanueva (Jan. 8-Feb. 21) examines common ground among contemporary indigenous art forms. “Expressing Your Voice Through Photography,” with photos created by the Phoenix Rising Alterative School, can be viewed through Mar. 22. Reserve tickets in advance.
If you are interested in purchasing art, Tulsa is fortunate to have several galleries where you can browse and also receive expert assistance. The M. A. Doran Gallery, 3509 S. Peoria, has been in business for decades. The gallery represents both celebrated local artists and vaunted nationally known artists. Currently, the gallery is open 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and by appointment. The number of guests is limited, and face masks are required. Plan ahead for Doran Gallery’s annual Group Valentine’s show in February and the National Contemporary Realism show in May. “We can’t wait to get back to large openings to celebrate our artists, and look forward to those days again,” says Mary Ann Doran.
Those sentiments are shared by Joseph Gierek, the owner of Joseph Gierek Fine Art, 1342 E. 11th Street. Gierek is a congenial and knowledgeable guy who has been in the art business for 35 years. He also is looking forward to hosting art show openings again when that becomes possible. I always enjoy attending his exhibition gatherings, seeing thought-provoking art and chatting the night away with art lovers and friends.
Other local art galleries include Exhibit by Aberson, 3524b South Peoria, and Royce Myers Galleries, 1706 S.Boston. The Aberson Gallery is focused on contemporary art. Royce Myers features a variety of styles. If you are interested in commissioning art, you can work with Myers’ gallery in exploring that option.
Regarding Tulsa’s largest art museums, Philbrook will close its doors for the month of January, and reopen Feb. 10. The Thomas Gilcrease Museum hosted the most extraordinary exhibition this fall, “Weaving History into Art, The Enduring Legacy of Shan Goshorn.” I knew Shan and was saddened by her death in 2018. I did not appreciate the depth of her talent and the strength of her artistic voice until I spent an afternoon with this stunning exhibition. Shan used printed splints woven into vessels to convey elements of Native American history, and her viewpoints about the beauty, damage and challenges related to that history. The first part of the exhibition closed in early January. The second part, which I plan to discuss in greater detail next month, is slated to open Jan. 15 and will be on display through Mar. 28. This second rotation will represent an approximate 40% change-out of the Goshorn objects from the first segment and feature several of Shan’s monumental works.
I hope you can enjoy some precious wander-time with art during the winter months. Consider going when museums and galleries are less busy. Call ahead to a gallery to make an appointment if ensured social distancing is preferred. I’ve always found art to be soothing. Feeling engaged and discovering connections through art are good antidotes to COVID isolation. Stay safe and wander happily.