Large-Scale Public Artwork for Exhibit C Gallery to open multi-use art space in the Horizons District
Exhibit C Gallery is a First American retail gallery, opened in 2014, with a mission of showcasing and celebrating First American artists to the 21.4 million visitors to Oklahoma City each year. In 2025, the Chickasaw Nation plans to relocate Exhibit C Gallery adjacent to the First Americans Museum (FAM) and OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The reimagined First American retail gallery will feature a multi-use gallery space and up to seven rental art studios for native artists. The gallery space will work collaboratively to partner with FAM to complement the programs and activities already at the museum. The artist studio suites will be exclusively available to First American artists who want to rent space to research, develop and create their art in a collective area. The studios will create an immersive experience where visitors will be able to watch and interact with the artists as they create their art, giving guests a glimpse into the artists' creative processes and creating moments of personal connection.
Exhibit C Gallery will continue to showcase First American artwork in rotating exhibits while adding an enhanced experience for the visitor. Immersive educational opportunities will be programmed throughout the year to allow visitors to have an interactive arts and cultural learning experience. In addition to the art within the walls, the exterior of the building will showcase First American art, starting at the main entrance. The work of Chickasaw contemporary artist Addison Karl was commissioned for the entranceway façade. The entry is symbolic of nature and references indigenous pottery, mound sites, effigies, carvings, and rich artwork.
“The incorporation of our mound sites’ visual language and ancestral art into our contemporary environment marks a momentous act of cultural reclamation and revitalization. It breathes life into our surroundings, stimulating meaningful dialogue, and fostering a profound connection to our heritage. It stands as a testament to the remarkable resilience of our people throughout history and becomes an inspiring touchstone for future generations, inviting them to explore the depths of our artistic legacy and engage with the transformative power of our cultural traditions.”
About The Artwork:
"As a member of the Chickasaw and Choctaw cultures, I deeply resonate with the significance of connecting our ancestral influences and rich cultural heritage to the contemporary world. Our ancestors, with their profound wisdom and artistic vision, always embodied a sense of contemporaneity within their time. Their voices speak across time and connect us to the enduring traditions that continue to captivate and illuminate our present reality.
The artwork created for the facade of the new Exhibit C Gallery is an envisionment, effortlessly fusing the visual language derived from our sacred mound sites and ancestral art and stands as a testament to the transformative power of artistic expression. It serves as a profound manifestation of our contemporary philosophy, deftly weaving the timeless symbolism of our past into the fabric of our present visual environment. This harmonious integration of ancestors and modern aesthetics imbues our community with a sense of place, belonging, and cultural resonance.
The central diamond motif featured in the design holds a profound significance within Southeast tradition. It symbolizes the 'Hayayalgi,' which is sometimes referred to as the 'Four Men.' The Hayayalgi narrative recounts the tale of four individuals who emerged from the four corners of the world and united at Red River Fork. They are revered for lighting the sacred fire, thereby providing crucial aid and guidance to the people. By incorporating this central diamond, the artwork pays homage to this important origin story, evoking a sense of ancestral connection and spiritual significance.
The outward arrows that emanate from the central diamond represent the dynamic and ever-changing movement of the winds. They symbolize the constant flow of energy and spirit that permeates our Chickasaw culture, connecting the past with the present and propelling the community forward. Additionally, the outer horizontal bars, numbering four, represent the four cardinal directions. These directional markers are deeply ingrained in our cosmology and serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between our people and their surrounding environment.
Furthermore, the vertical bars positioned between the rows hold symbolic value, with each row representing one of the three planes of existence recognized within our cosmology. The first plane corresponds to the celestial realm. The second plane signifies the earthly realm. Finally, the third plane represents the under-earth realm.
In the intricate interplay of forms and symbols within this artwork, we forge a powerful visual and spiritual connection between generations. It becomes a bridge that spans time, offering us glimpses into the visual world our ancestors inhabited and continue to contribute to through our hands and voices. This dialogue with the past reinforces the timelessness and enduring relevance of our cultural heritage, reminding us of the profound wisdom and value contained within our artistic traditions. Evoking the poignant notion that our traditions and artistic expressions have always been at the forefront of contemporary thought.
What's more, by reintegrating our visual language into the very essence of this new building's façade, we make a resounding statement about the vibrancy and ongoing vitality of our culture. We celebrate the fact that our artistic traditions are not stagnant relics confined to history but living, breathing forces that continue to shape and inspire us today. It is a testament to our people's resilience, adaptability, and our unwavering connection to the ancestral roots that anchor us.
Through the creation of this artwork, we are not only honoring our ancestors' legacy but also fostering a renewed sense of pride and identity within our community. It becomes a tangible embodiment of our collective journey, a symbol of strength, cultural continuity, and the profound spirit that defines us
The incorporation of our mound sites' visual language and ancestral art into our contemporary environment marks a momentous act of cultural reclamation and revitalization. It breathes life into our surroundings, stimulating meaningful dialogue, and fostering a profound connection to our heritage. It stands as a testament to the remarkable resilience of our people throughout history and becomes an inspiring touchstone for future generations, inviting them to explore the depths of our artistic legacy and engage with the transformative power of our cultural traditions.
Making all acts of environment and place a possibility for art and storytelling in every material we construct and build from." - addison karl, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations
Exhibit C Gallery showcases dozens of First American artists at its current Bricktown site. The new location will double in size, opening the door for an even greater number of First American artists to exhibit their exceptional creations.
“With the relocation of Exhibit C Gallery to the Horizons District, in collaboration with FAM and OKANA, our goal is to make this district of Oklahoma City a top First American destination in the United States,” said Chickasaw Nation Director of Tourism Paige Williams Shepherd. “Exhibit C Gallery looks forward to working with our partners and the district as it evolves to bring millions of visitors to the community.”
The relocated Exhibit C Gallery is part of the new Horizons District along the downtown riverfront shores. The FAM and the upcoming OKANA will be the anchor attractions for the new district. The resort, set to open in early 2025, will include a 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon, a 12,000-square-foot family entertainment center, 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, retail outlets and restaurants, 39,000 square feet of conference center space, a spa and 1,500-seat amphitheater.
Exhibit C Gallery is expected to relocate in 2025. The location in Bricktown Oklahoma City will close upon relocation. For more information visit: exhibitcgallery.com
