Fellowship Brings Artists From Across The Country To Tulsa

Even though it was technically the second Friday of the month, many people came to the Brady District for the First Friday Art Crawl and saw a unique exhibit at Living Arts, called Medulla.

Artist Mery McNett goes beyond traditional art, incorporating performance art, videos and three-dimensional displays in her focus on the human brain.

There is so much we don't know about our brains, and those unanswered questions sparked something in McNett's brain which inspired the exhibit.

Medulla will be on display through the 28th. It is free and open to the public.

The First Friday Art Crawl also welcomed the inaugural group for the Tulsa Artist Fellowship.

The fellowship helped bring 12 artists from nine states to Tulsa; they said they’re excited to call it home for the next year.

Friday, there was a special reception for the 12 at the 108 Contemporary building in the Brady District. It was the perfect welcome location because the artists will spend much of their time in the district, submerged in the growing art culture.

“I'm very excited to just be a part of this community,” said artist Alice Leora Briggs.

After reviewing hundreds of entries for the first ever Tulsa Artist Fellowship, the group of 12 was selected.

Julie Kirt with Oklahomans’ for the Arts helped make the decision.

"I really think this is the biggest support for artists that has ever happened in this state," she said.

Of the 12, one comes from as far away as Alaska, while others moved only a few miles.

Artist Crystal Campbell said, "I was really surprised this was happening in Oklahoma, and for a long time I never considered I would have this much support here. And it's been amazing."

The TAF will provide the inaugural fellowship class with a stipend, free housing for the out of town artists and workspace.

“They get time to make their own work. This is like research and development time for an artist, which is so rare, and they are going to get to experience the amazing culture of Tulsa - all the resources this community provides," Kirt said.

During their year of work in Tulsa, the artists are expected to dive into the arts community - they'll participate in gallery shows, art festivals and, of course, First Friday Art Crawls.

"You apply to things all the time, and some of them work out and some of them don't, and it's always really nice when they do," said artist Nick Vaughan.

Applications for next year's fellowship are being accepted now. You can learn more here.