ArtNow 2021, Oklahoma Contemporary, July 29 - September 13, 2021
Organized by Guest Curator Helen Opper, ArtNow 2021 presented a dynamic group of 27 Oklahoma-based artists whose works respond to the complexities of contemporary culture, reflecting the vibrant diversity of contemporary art in Oklahoma.
2021’s ArtNow represents the first iteration of the biennale model, an approach adopted to better showcase the new works of selected artists with active studio practices in Oklahoma.
Marking this inaugural edition was a special exhibition that features a number of Bert Seabourn’s works in recognition of his contribution to the cultural landscape in the state. Seabourn’s works are in national and international collections, and he is the recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award from the Oklahoma Arts Council (1981) and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (1997) from his alma mater, Oklahoma City University. Besides his dedication to art, Seabourn fostered comradeship in the arts in Oklahoma and committed his time and talent teaching at Oklahoma Contemporary for many years.
Writer and editor Liz Blood, a 2021 Tulsa Artist Fellow, served as Guest Curatorial Associate, providing curatorial and editorial support for the exhibition catalogue.
Click here to view the full exhibition catalogue.
Participating Artists
Helen Opper and Guest Curatorial Associate Liz Blood at the ArtNow opening, July 29, 2021, at Oklahoma Contemporary.
Select ArtNow Press
Click here for a thorough and beautifully prepared press packet from Oklahoma Contemporary (links below are contained herein for ease of access).
John Brandenburg, “27 artists give wide range of statements in ArtNow 2021 exhibit”, The Oklahoman, September 12, 2021. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/09/12/27-artists-give-wide-range-statements-artnow-2021-exhibit/5770958001/
“ArtNow 2021” Video shared by OETA Oklahoma News Report, September 10, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6InaaMdYxs
Megan Rossman, “Get to ArtNow. . . Now!”, Oklahoma Today, September 2021. https://www.oklahomatoday.com/history-culture/get-to-artnow-now
Brandy McDonnell, “'Persistence and grit': At 90, renowned Oklahoma artist Bert Seabourn still painting”, The Oklahoman, August 30, 2021. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/08/30/oklahoma-artist-bert-seabourn-still-painting-honored-focus-award/8157303002/
Brandy McDonnell, “Dynamic diversity: 13 must-see highlights of Oklahoma Contemporary's 'ArtNow 2021'“, The Oklahoman, August 29, 2021. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/08/29/oklahoma-contemporary-art-museum-must-see-exhibits-things-to-do-okc/5592446001/
Robert Reid & OETA Gallery America, “ArtNow 2021”, OETA Gallery America, August 25, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DZQGpdzUo0
“Bert Seabourn’s Work on Exhibit at the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Museum in OKC”, The Purcell Register, August 5, 2021. http://www.purcellregister.com/stories/bert-seabourns-work-on-exhibit,32968
Sherri Hultner, “Amplify: ArtNow 2021 showcases Oklahoma’s deep artistic diversity with 27 artists, 114 works,” Edmond Active, July 28, 2021. https://edmondactive.com/amplify-artnow-2021-showcases-oklahomas-deep-artistic-diversity-with-27-artists-114-works/
“Larson's paintings to be featured in Oklahoma Contemporary's ArtNow Exhibition”, Alva Review-Courier, July 9, 2021. https://www.alvareviewcourier.com/story/2021/07/09/local/larsons-paintings-to-be-featured-in-oklahoma-contemporarys-artnow-exhibition/72640.html
Kelci McKendrick, “OKC art gallery to display NWOSU associate art professor's paintings”, Enid News & Eagle, July 7, 2021. https://www.enidnews.com/news/okc-art-gallery-to-display-nwosu-associate-art-professors-paintings/article_59fb1304-dea9-11eb-b985-a3d985d2b794.html. Reprinted by Yahoo News.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, “Larson's paintings to be featured in Oklahoma Contemporary's ArtNow 2021 exhibition”, NWOSU News, July 5, 2021. https://www.nwosu.edu/news/larsons-paintings-to-be-featured-in-oklahoma-contemporarys-artnow-2021-exhibition
