Oklahoma City Unveils New Public Art Landmark 'Cloud Embrace'

Mayor David Holt dedicates the interactive sculpture in Bricktown's United Way Plaza.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt officially dedicated a new public art installation called 'Cloud Embrace' in the city's Bricktown neighborhood on Wednesday. The interactive sculpture, created by artist Joseph O'Connell and Creative Machines, was gifted to the city by Visit OKC and the Inasmuch Foundation.

Why it matters

The new landmark is expected to become a popular photo spot for visitors, especially during the upcoming NCAA men's basketball tournament. Oklahoma City has been working to expand its public art offerings as part of efforts to attract more tourism and investment to the city.

The details

The 'Cloud Embrace' sculpture features a series of interconnected metal arches that visitors can walk through and interact with. Mayor Holt said the artwork will provide a 'perfect setting' for people to capture photographic memories of their visit to Oklahoma City.

  • Mayor Holt dedicated the new landmark on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

David Holt

The mayor of Oklahoma City who dedicated the new 'Cloud Embrace' public art installation.

Joseph O'Connell

The artist who created the 'Cloud Embrace' sculpture along with his team at Creative Machines.

Visit OKC

The city's tourism organization that gifted the 'Cloud Embrace' sculpture to Oklahoma City.

Inasmuch Foundation

The charitable foundation that partnered with Visit OKC to bring the new public art piece to Oklahoma City.

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What they’re saying

“Our city is already known nationally for our public art, and we continue to add to our portfolio. 'Cloud Embrace' is by Joseph O'Connell and Creative Machines, and it is a gift of Visit OKC and the Inasmuch Foundation.”

— David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City (X)

“'Cloud Embrace' is a perfect setting for visitors to create photographic memories of their visit to OKC.”

— David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City (X)

What’s next

The new 'Cloud Embrace' landmark is expected to be a popular attraction during the upcoming NCAA men's basketball tournament in Oklahoma City.

The takeaway

Oklahoma City's continued investment in public art installations like 'Cloud Embrace' demonstrates the city's commitment to enhancing its cultural offerings and attracting more visitors and economic activity.