Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday. Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout. All guests are required to wear a mask, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping. This month’s First Friday is December 4, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Paseo Arts Association’s annual Deck the Walls 4x4 Art Show & Auction will take place online this year. This annual fundraising event features original work donated by more than 85 Oklahoma artists that are all four inches by four inches in size, perfect for the beginning art collector and for one of a kind holiday gifts! Bids begin at $25 or you can “Buy It Now” for $75. The auction begins Wednesday, December 2 at 12:00 p.m. and closes Saturday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. For more information and to place a bid, please visit thepaseo.org.
The Paseo Arts & Creativity Center (PACC) will continue to display the Oklahoma Sculpture Society’s Annual Winter Sculpture Show in Gallery One and the PAA’s SmallArt Show in Gallery Two. Both will remain on display until December 23.
The Oklahoma Sculpture Society (OSS) is hosting more than 20 sculptural artists members and over 50 pieces of art. This annual three-dimensional show is premiering for the first time in the Paseo Arts District. “Having begun a conversation almost two years ago about bringing this show to Paseo, it took moving into a bigger space to accommodate them and we couldn’t be more honored,” says Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association. Established in 1979 as a non-profit devoted to the education, appreciation and creation of three-dimensional art, the OSS members are from Oklahoma’s communities who wish to involve themselves in an artistic atmosphere focused on three-dimensional art in numerous mediums. Mediums include stone, wood, clay, bronze, ceramic, polymer, papier mâché, mixed media, metal and more.
Need to get started on your holiday shopping? Get even the hardest people to shop for checked off your list and give the gift of original art this season. The PACC presents the Annual SmallArt Show, featuring 80 works by artists from across Oklahoma, all smaller than 15” and priced between $25 and $199. From serene landscapes and natural prints, to vibrant abstracts and unusual sculptures, there’s a little bit of everything to be found in this exhibit curated by juror Brian Payne, Yukon High School art teacher. “You’ll not only find the most memorable gifts to give your loved ones, you’ll be supporting Oklahoma artists when you shop in the Paseo this holiday season,” said PAA Program Manager Paige Powell.
Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment - all within walking distance. Ten restaurants and a handful of other shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere.
For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.