Rose State College art students to learn from local muralist

Muralist Scott Henderson with SCHmurals/Whiteboard Exhibits and Professor Suzanne Thomas’ art students from Rose State College are collaborating on a new local art project.

(https://whiteboardexhibits.com/about/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery )

The students will learn about mural design and installation from Henderson as he works on an outdoor mural at new Almonte Library, which is under construction.

According to a press release from the City of Oklahoma City, “Henderson is creating a trompe l’oeil bookcase mural that aims to celebrate the rich literary heritage of Oklahoma. The three-dimensional illusion invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world of books — an added element that uses the windows as illustrations for the book spines. The mural will also leave a space for guests in the interior to look out of, becoming the featured character in the book.”

The Oklahoma City Council adopted new sign codes on February 13 that make it easier for artists to create murals in most parts of the city.

These changes stemmed from feedback from stakeholders and the art community.

Artists wanted a more streamlined process and a clear definition of when permits are needed.

In 2021 and 2022, Oklahoma City was selected by voters as USA Today’s best city for street art.

For background on the new ordinance, read this CityNewsOKC.com report:

https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/oklahoma-citys-new-ordinance—-greater-flexibility-for-muralists-to-paint-away/article_18ce5454-cb19-11ee-af53-dfc6a6cf542f.html

According to the City’s communications staff, “That is in part because of the City’s 1% for Arts Ordinance but also because of nonprofits like Oklahoma Mural Syndicate and local artists.”

Reporter Darla Shelden has documented the progress of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate and related projects in several stories over recent years.

(https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/oklahoma-mural-syndicate-teams-up-with-activist-jabee-for-with-love-project-in-east-oklahoma/article_57bfc8db-c73c-5cab-8701-f65c12c7a0e9.html )

Duong found the previous multi-stage permitting process to be over-regulated and stifling.

“As an arts commissioner, I’m going to miss seeing all the mural proposals, but am excited to see many more murals around our city pop up with the new ordinance,” Duong said.

In 2021, Shelden reported on an OMS project that brought artists from around the world to the city’s Plaza District.

(https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/2021-plaza-walls-mural-expo-brings-world-renowned-artists-to-oklahoma/article_31b5bd2e-4731-51b4-a985-22ef0c76a181.html )

Last year’s Juneteeth celebrations in Oklahoma City included OMS and other arts groups.

(https://www.citynewsokc.com/community/with-love-okc-presents-3rd-annual-juneteenth-on-the-east-festival/articl_0ac63de0-0585-11ee-befe-eb35c0691135.html )

The new Almonte Library is under construction at the northeast corner of S.W. 59 Street and South May Avenue. The interaction between Henderson and Prof. Thomas’ students was taking place this week

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