Art in Altus

By Katrina Goforth

Altus is home to Instagram-worthy art like “Crossing the Red,” a statue in Downtown Altus depicting the cattle drives across the Red River on the Chisolm Trail and “Vision Seeker,” a statue in Hightower Park depicting a Native American sitting deep in thought. But with a little more searching, you will find Altus has more than meets the eye.

Wander Downtown and you’ll find a mural of the famous H.T. Holden “Crossing the Red” across from historic NBC Bank — a piece of architectural art in its own right. You’ll find Art Deco influences at The Towers Apartments that have been newly restored to a historic aesthetic and an old movie theater turned art gallery.

Held in one of four original Downtown Altus movie theaters, the Wigwam Art Gallery features exhibits of Oklahoma and Native American artists ranging from the traditional to the unexpected. NBC Oklahoma Bank owns more than 1,000 pieces of art and displays them in rotation at the Wigwam Gallery. The Wigwam Gallery, located next to NBC Bank at 123 W. Commerce, is only open during regular banking hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an appointment which can be made by calling Aaron Moses at (580) 481-3150 or by email at amoses@nbcok.com.

If you’re out for dinner and drinks at Val’s Restaurant and Pub, stop and admire the local

Katrina Goforth | Altus Times

Altus teenagers were encouraged to draw their favorite fairy tales as part of an annual reading program promoted by the state through the local libraries. Here Jewlie Brzozowski, 15, an Altus High School student, paints upside down a castle scene on a mural that when finished will hang throughout the summer in the Altus Public Library.

ly-painted mural of the Osage Shield and get carried away by the hearts and flamingos that give the building an eclectic feel.

Then, see if you can find the larger-than-life bronze globe on South Lee Street and the puzzle pieces on the corner of Sequoyah and Main Street.

Stop in at the Altus Public Library to see murals painted by Altus’ children and teens as well as their special hand-painted banners hanging from the ceiling — each one painted by a student in Southwest Oklahoma.

THE TOWERS APARTMENTS

101 E. Commerce • Altus, OK 73521 • 580 482-2650

The historic Towers Apartment are conveniently located in downtown Altus, OK close to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. We have immediate opening for new residents. We are affordable income housing for the elderly and disabled. Rent is based on 30% of total annual income, minus any out of pocket medical expenses you may have. We offer 24/7 security cameras controlled access to enter building and all utilities are paid by the Towers Apartments. We also offer FREE transportation wherever you wish to go, grocery shopping, doctors appointments, or to visit a friend. Onsite laundry facility, fitness room, computer and a storm shelter. You will love living at The Towers with so many amenities at your finger tips.