Two New Oklahoma Art Exhibitions To See This Fall

On the episode of the Oklahoma Today podcast airing this past Monday, September 29, the other editors and I talk about what we're looking forward to about fall. The usual answers abound, of course: cooler weather, pumpkin-flavored things, football, fair food, Halloween.

It occurred to me later, though, one of the things I've always loved about this time of year is how social it is. Between football games, the State Fair, holiday parties, and everyone's generally upbeat mood now that the temperatures have settled the heck down (though thank you, Lord, for this amazingly mild summer we've had), it just seems everyone's in a nice mood most of the time.

So if you're looking to stretch your social muscles this season, there are a pair of art shows upcoming in the state you won't want to miss.

The first is the Punchy Western Invitational at Ardmore's Goddard Center for Visual & Performing Arts. Curated by Edmond artist, author, and equestrian Jennifer Hustis, this show gathers painting, sculpture, leatherwork, photography, and more to explore the rich artistic traditions of the American west. The exhibit gets its name from the word punchy, which Hustis says in the rodeo world means not just tough but authentically so—just like the characters who populate the West.

A piece by Megan Wimberley at the Punchy Western Invitational. Photo courtesy Jennifer Hustis

A piece by Tony Tiger at the Punchy Western Invitational. Photo courtesy Jennifer Hustisy

The exhibit is live through October 25, and more information is available at the Goddard Center's website.

The second show is one that's very close to my heart: The 12x12 Art Fundraiser is October 3 at the Farmers Public Market in Oklahoma City. I spent several years on the committee that plans this show every year, and in 2017, I was one of the event chairs. it's one of my favorite art shows in Oklahoma all year, and I've got two paintings in my house that I've purchased at 12x12 over the years:

Two pieces from *12x12* that hang in my living room. Photo by Nathan Gunter

The swerve with 12x12 is right there in the name: Every piece must measure a foot on each side whether two- or three-dimensional. The show is an auction, so you never really find out if you won a piece until later, but that's also part of the fun. It's a really fantastic show even if art shows aren't your deal, because not only is the art small, it's local and accessible—every piece is created by an Oklahoma artist, and with the size limitation, taking them in doesn't take much time. My main problem is deciding which ones I want to bid on.

The 12x12 Art Fundraiser in 2024. Photo by VC Torneden

Even if you can't make it to the show, you can register as a bidder at the 12x12 website. But the real fun is in attending. This year's event will have bites from Fox & Forage Catering, and DJ Ostara will be providing the music. It starts at 7—unless you want to go VIP, and then you get an invite to a party beginning at 6. You also can sign up to volunteer, which gets you in the party for free—and that's just more money to spend on art!

The whole thing benefits the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, which does such great things for the arts community in the state.

So if you're looking to get inspired this fall—and in the case of 12x12, potentially do some shopping—you've got some excellent options coming up. But I'd love to hear from you: Email me at Nathan.Gunter@TravelOK.com and let me know what events you're excited about this fall!

Written By

Nathan Gunter

A sixth-generation Oklahoman, Weatherford native, and Westmoore High School graduate, Nathan Gunter is the magazine's editor-in-chief. When he's not editor-in-chiefing, Nate enjoys live music, running, working out, gaming, cooking, and random road trips with no particular destination in mind. He holds degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Oklahoma. He learned how to perform poetry from Maya Angelou; how to appreciate Italian art from Terisio Pignatti; comedy writing from Doug Marlette; how to make coconut cream pie from his great-grandma; and how not to approach farm dogs from trial and error. A seminary dropout, he lives just off Route 66 in Oklahoma City.