Community Calendar

On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley traces the artist’s pursuit of abstraction across spontaneous compositions, geometric designs, and works that sought to break from tradition. Frederick Hammersley (1919–2009) is recognized as a key figure in the mid-century Hard-edge movement—a style defined by precise geometric compositions and a strong focus on the relationship between color and form, marked by sharp edges and clearly defined shapes. This exhibition features more than 45 paintings and drawings from the Hugon Collection, offering a unique glimpse into Hammersley’s distinctive style and artistic process.

On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley is organized by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and supported by the Hugon Family and generous donors to the museum’s endowment.

We’re bringing stories to life with Stories & Specimens at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session dives into a themed topic, connecting stories to science and cultural history with museum objects that let kids see, touch, and discover in our interactive Discovery Room. Best of all, Stories & Specimens is included free with museum admission, making it the perfect way for young learners to enjoy interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration all in one visit!

Explore Jakian Parks: The Black Land. Though the lens of photographer Jakian Parks, Oklahoma’s Black rodeo culture becomes both symbol and setting for survival, resurgence and celebration. Much like the rodeo itself, The Black Land connects the past and present, situating the American West as a living archive and center stage for Black cattlemen and cowboys alike. The Black Land honors the dignity, beauty and power of Black equestrian life as a living tradition of cultural and historical significance.

For more information: 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org/jakianparks

Explore Anthony McCall's groundbreaking "solid light" works in the North American debut of Anthony McCall: Solid Light. Presented in collaboration with Tate, UK, visitors will experience breaktaking interactive light sculptures in Oklahoma Contemporary's Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery.

For more information: 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org/solidlight

Image: Installation photography of Anthony McCall: Solid Light exhibition at Tate Modern, June 27, 2024–June 29, 2025. © Anthony McCall; Photo © Tate.

Frederic Leighton’s masterpiece, "Flaming June," has become one of the icons of nineteenth-century painting. This lecture returns the work to its original context in Leighton’s studio and home, and to the hothouse atmosphere of London’s Aesthetic Movement with its creed of “Art for Art’s Sake.” Leighton was one of the artists who inspired the critic Walter Pater to write, “All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music.” This lecture, including musical examples, will explore the confluence of sound, painting, and the decorative arts in Leighton’s London studio-house, and will propose a new interpretation of Flaming June in that context.

Flaming June will be on view in OKCMOA’s galleries this summer! Plan your visit to our special exhibition, "The Sense of Beauty: Six Centuries of Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce," opening June 20. The exhibition has been organized by the Museo de Arte de Ponce in collaboration with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Image Credit:
Frederic, Lord Leighton (England, 1830-1896), "Flaming June" (detail), 1895, oil on canvas, 46 7/8 x 46 7/8 in. (119.1 x 119.1 cm), Museo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc.

The Oklahoma Animal Coalition is asking Oklahomans to turn off non-essential outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during spring migration season (March 15-May 31). Excessive outdoor lighting confuses birds as they migrate through the state, separating them from their flocks, causing collisions with buildings and powerlines, and getting lost in dangerous environments. Learn more about the Lights Out Oklahoma initiative at okczoo.org/lightsout.

Add some biodiversity to your spring planting with seeds from this free, come-and-go program. Propagate too many pothos? No problem! Do you have too many seedlings and now you don't know what to do with the extras? Bring them to the MAC to share! These swaps are self-service, and perfect for a quick stop. Bring what you'd like to share and take what you would like to have. 
Upcoming Seeds + Starts Swaps at The MAC:
May 18 / 8am-5pm
May 19 / 8am - 9pm
May 20 / 8am-5pm
May 21 / 8am-7pm
May 22  / 8am-5pm
May 23 / 12-5pm

Experience the vibrant creativity of Oklahoma’s Native youth at the Red Earth x Artspace Youth Printmaking Exhibit, running from April 17 through May 29. This showcase features original prints created by students under the guidance of Red Earth’s Danny Sands, in partnership with Artspace and Native American Student Services. The exhibit highlights the power of hands-on arts education and the joy of self-expression in students. We invite the community to visit and witness the impressive imagery and cultural expression these students have brought to life through this collaborative, year-long program.

Red Earth Art Center is located in the Lobby of the BancFirst tower in OKC, 100 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Featuring over 60 animatronic dinosaurs, skeletons, photo ops, and rides - Dinosaur Expedition will engage guests with prehistoric creatures from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic Periods. Identify which OKC Zoo animals are the living relatives of the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, and how supporting the Zoo's conservation efforts can help save these species!

On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley traces the artist’s pursuit of abstraction across spontaneous compositions, geometric designs, and works that sought to break from tradition. Frederick Hammersley (1919–2009) is recognized as a key figure in the mid-century Hard-edge movement—a style defined by precise geometric compositions and a strong focus on the relationship between color and form, marked by sharp edges and clearly defined shapes. This exhibition features more than 45 paintings and drawings from the Hugon Collection, offering a unique glimpse into Hammersley’s distinctive style and artistic process.

On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley is organized by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and supported by the Hugon Family and generous donors to the museum’s endowment.