Once a year, the Artisans gather together to visit several art galleries. Friday, July 20th, marked our 4th Annual Artisans Gallery Crawl. This year, we partnered with a few of the amazing artists, gallery owners, and restaurateurs of the Plaza District.
We started the evening with delicious small bites and cocktails at The Pritchard, where they graciously provided us with an awesome space to mingle with our fellow Artisans and get acquainted with lots of new faces. Rachael Crawford, Opening Night 2019 Co-Chair gave us the inside scoop on Arts Council OKC’s upcoming New Year’s Eve party and Selena Skorman, Plaza District Executive Director took some time to talk to us about current happenings and upcoming events in the Plaza District.
This group of 50 Artisans then embarked on a journey through the Plaza District, beverages in tow. (Thanks to Vanessa House Beer Company!) Our first stop was DNA Galleries where owner Lindsay Harkness visited with our group and talked about the history and evolution of the shop, how they locally source their merchandise, and about how their gallery section is curated. Side note, two of our attendees currently have art being sold at DNA Galleries!
Next, Artist and Plaza Walls Board Member, Dylan Bradway gave us a personal tour through the Plaza Walls. Dylan has been involved with the Plaza Walls project since its inception and has a really awesome perspective on the project. This is the segment of our Gallery Crawl where we all got sidetracked with impromptu photo shoots, because . . . Plaza Walls.
At this point, we’d been wandering around in the Oklahoma heat and everyone needed sustenance. So, we rallied the troops and made a stop at Empire Slice House’s back garden for some ‘za before heading over to The Forge to talk with the blacksmiths of Iron Masters. The Forge is Iron Masters’ awesome new space where they gave us a live blacksmith demonstration and even let a few of our bravest Artisans try their hand at the craft!
We’re very grateful for the hospitality shown to us by all of the businesses in the Plaza District! Everyone had a great time, and we’re already looking forward to 2019’s Gallery Crawl. If you missed this one, make sure you go ahead and sign up to become an Artisan so you don’t miss any of our upcoming events. (https://www.artscouncilokc.com/artisans) Membership is free! We only ask for your volunteer assistance with Arts Council OKC’s other programs.
Hope to see you at the next event.
