Culture in Edmond - The Voice Spring 2023

CULTURE IN EDMOND

Written by: Callie Hambrick, Chamber Intern

There are some things we can’t say with words. Lucky for us, paint, colors, pencils, and pens can say those things. Art culture in Edmond proves that. Go down almost any street in Edmond, and you’ll see anything from golden statues to huge mosaics, colorful quotes to interactive murals, and more. These beautiful works of art add to the rich culture of the Edmond community in all areas of town. Over 300 pieces of public art dot our city with color and life. These pieces communicate things we cannot, telling stories, recounting lives, and providing hope. There are six zones used for locating art in Edmond: Northwest Edmond, Northeast Edmond, Southeast Edmond, Southwest Edmond, Downtown Edmond, and University Area. Each of these areas is rich with meaning and emotion. From the very first zone to the last, Edmond’s art culture accepts people into our community, giving the rest of the world insight into who we are as a city.

Driving through Edmond, you can often see some of those 300+ pieces of art in plain sight. Others, you may have to stop and slow down to find and appreciate. You may never see certain works, but if you take the time to look for them, you’ll find that it was definitely worth it. Each of the six zones in Edmond houses a multitude of diverse works of art. A few pieces you can find in Northwest Edmond are African Sunset, Puerta del Color I and II, and Small Galaxy. In Northeast Edmond, artwork such as Cinco Ventanas, Ripple Effect, and Joyful Empowerment can be found. Additionally, Southeast Edmond holds various pieces, including Beau the Bicycle Buffalo and Flor de la Vida Belly Dancer and Great Eagle, among other pieces of art, can be found in Southwest Edmond. In Downtown Edmond, colorful pieces like All Aboard, Burning Flames, and Knowledge Tree add the vibrant area. The University Area, surrounded by the University of Central Oklahoma, holds various pieces like the Golden Broncho, Oklahoma Storm, and Shannon Miller (in honor of Edmond’s Olympic gold gymnast, Shannon Miller Park).

VIBES Edmond's First Thursday

All Aboard in Downtown

With so many works of art in our city, it can be difficult to experience them all. A great way to see them is by going on one or all of Edmond’s art tour opportunities! There are plenty of options, including a Bicycle Art Tour, a Downtown Art Tour, a UCO Art Tour, a Historic Art Tour, and more. Each of these tours have their own special areas to explore and can be with a group or selfguided. Another great resource for art in our community is the Edmond Fine Arts nonprofit organization. The Edmond Fine Arts Institute is located in downtown Edmond and is connected to many art opportunities in the city. Each week, the Fine Arts Institute provides 230 hours of visual, performing, and film classes to the community. There are a variety of educational art classes for ages three and up, and there are also yearround acting, film production, and photography classes by Simply Indie. With four gallery spaces, the Fine Arts Institute features different artists and styles each month for the Edmond community to enjoy. They also put on VIBES, one of Edmond’s main attractions. VIBES is every first Thursday of the month from April to October. The Fine Arts Institute uses this event to collaborate with organizations and businesses all around Edmond to bring the community together.

Over 140 talented visual artists and performers get involved in bringing color, culture, and life to the event. VIBES is a great way to see local artwork, experience a variety of talent, and support local businesses while spending time with the Edmond community.

The culture of Edmond is greatly impacted by the creativity of its community members. With so many unique enthusiasts, our art culture is rich in diversity and engagement. This creative way to express ourselves communicates our community history, values, and stories. Whether or not you have an eye for pictures or a talent for painting, you can get involved in Edmond art. The Edmond community is a place to support, create, and discover. Attend VIBES and support local artists. Engage with the Fine Arts Institute and create. Explore Edmond and discover. There are many opportunities to get involved, if you just keep your eyes open. Simply driving down Broadway Street or walking around UCO will allow you to experience the rich culture of Edmond art. Take some time to stop and listen. You never know what a piece of art might tell you about who we are as a community and what our future holds.

Knowledge Tree in Downtown