Oklahoma Contemporary's 'ArtNow' Exhibit Showcases State's Creative Talent

The biennial exhibition highlights over two dozen contemporary artists living and working in Oklahoma.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The latest edition of Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center's biennial exhibition "ArtNow" features a diverse array of works by more than two dozen contemporary artists living and working in Oklahoma. The exhibit, titled "ArtNow 2025", explores the theme of "Materials and Boundaries" and showcases experimental art pieces using a wide range of mediums and practices. The eclectic show includes inflatable paintings, interactive installations, hand-knitted sweaters, and sound-based sculptures. The exhibit will be on view through February 15, 2026, before Oklahoma Contemporary moves on to its next major exhibition.

Why it matters

"ArtNow" highlights the vibrant contemporary art scene in Oklahoma, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists living and working in the state. The exhibit provides a platform for these artists to share their work with the public and explore themes of place, identity, and materiality. In a state often overlooked for its artistic contributions, "ArtNow" celebrates Oklahoma's thriving arts ecosystem and the important role it plays in the cultural life of the community.

The details

The "ArtNow 2025" exhibition features work by over two dozen Oklahoma-based artists, with 20 out of the 26 artists creating new pieces specifically for the show. The diverse range of mediums and practices on display includes Katelynn Noel Knick's large-scale inflatable paintings, Marwin Begaye's striking black-and-white prints, Kendall Ross' hand-knitted woolen sweater installations, and Nic Annette Miller's interactive "Beehive States" piece that allows visitors to don a beekeeper's helmet and hear recordings of buzzing insects. The exhibit also includes sound-based sculptures like Aaron Jones' "Quadraphonic Spring," which immerses viewers in a layered audio composition within a geodesic dome structure.

  • The "ArtNow 2025" exhibition opened in September 2025 and will be on view through February 15, 2026.
  • Oklahoma Contemporary will follow "ArtNow 2025" with the exhibition "Anthony McCall: Solid Light" from March 13 to July 27, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center

A nonprofit multidisciplinary arts center in Oklahoma City that hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Trent Riley

The executive director of Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center.

Alexa Goetzinger

The guest curator for "ArtNow 2025" and an independent curator, nonprofit professional, development consultant, and grant writer based in Oklahoma City.

Virginia Sitzes

The guest curatorial assistant for "ArtNow 2025" and an award-winning printmaker, muralist, and active arts advocate living in Oklahoma City.

Aaron Jones

An artist and architect based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, whose sound-based sculpture "Quadraphonic Spring" is featured in the "ArtNow 2025" exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“When we talk about all the ingredients that make such a wonderful exhibition, it's our commitment to upholding the arts ecosystem in the state. We know the arts are such a key component of all the wonderful things happening here in Oklahoma, and we're just thrilled to play a small part.”

— Trent Riley, Executive Director, Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center (The Oklahoman)

“It's super eclectic. The work is really strong. I'm proud and privileged and honored, humbled, all those things, for sure. I admire the diversity and all the different talents. ... It feels like I'm in the science fair next to my project.”

— Aaron Jones, Artist (The Oklahoman)

What’s next

Oklahoma Contemporary will follow "ArtNow 2025" with the exhibition "Anthony McCall: Solid Light" from March 13 to July 27, 2026, exploring the intersection of cinema, sculpture, and drawing through large-scale, immersive installations.

The takeaway

The "ArtNow" exhibition celebrates the vibrant contemporary art scene in Oklahoma, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their diverse range of creative practices and materials. The exhibit's eclectic mix of works highlights the depth of talent and innovation within the state's arts community, challenging perceptions and showcasing Oklahoma's important contributions to the broader cultural landscape.