Oklahoma City is full of districts, each characterized by what they represent to the community. The newly named Horizons District, nestled along the Oklahoma River just south of I-40, is a “destination where immersive entertainment, cultural education and captivating surroundings meet,” according to its website. The district is bookended by the OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark on the east and the First Americans Museum to the west; between them sits a beautiful art gallery called Exhibit C.
Exhibit C Gallery celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, but has only been in its forever home within the Horizons District since February. Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, Exhibit C is the only gallery in Oklahoma City which displays artwork solely created by First American artists — reflecting its mission to celebrate these creators through fine art sales and superior customer service. The new location is a gorgeous 10,000 square feet of gallery viewing space, almost three times as large as its previous location in Bricktown.
Alexandra Bivens, gallery manager, explained that though Exhibit C is owned by the Chickasaw Nation (that’s what the C in the name stands for), artists do not have to be Chickasaw themselves. “We represent artists enrolled with a federally recognized tribe, with a focus on Southeastern Tribal art. Currently the gallery represents 81 different artists from all over the country and some even living internationally. They are all living, working contemporary artists who create in different mediums and styles.”
On display now through Oct. 27 is an exhibition titled Emergence: Exploration of New Horizons, which Bivens said “focuses on new beginnings, regeneration and creation in celebration of the new location. This show features multiple pieces by 11 Chickasaw artists.” Whatever perception one has of traditional Native American artwork is likely to be shattered by some of the artwork currently on display. Each piece is interesting and creative, but still draws from the historical and cultural influences of each artist’s personal heritage. As Exhibit C is a traditional art gallery, all the works on display are available for sale, so visitors can bring their favorite piece home to add to their own permanent collection.
In addition to the gallery space, Exhibit C is set to become a more interactive creative experience for guests, as local artists, each enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, will move into the seven available artist studios. “Artists will be working in their studios during gallery hours,” Bivens said. “The goal is for visitors and customers to walk through these studios and see First American artwork being created in real time.”…