Culture Conveyed through Oklahoma Public Art

By Jacki Dunn of Oklahoma Art in Public Places

Do you recognize the Osage shield on this Oklahoma overpass? Have you noticed your bridges, highways, state government and university buildings looking a bit nicer these days? The enhancements you may have seen are the result of the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program, a department within the Oklahoma Historical Society. The program is managed by a two-person office created by the state Legislature in 2004 to facilitate projects that improve the local environment, reflect our cultural values, and express Oklahoma?s identity and pride.

How does it work?
When state government builds a new building, bridge, highway, or completes a large renovation, a small percentage of the project budget goes to enhance the surrounding community; the enhancements are public art. Public art is free and accessible, and it beautifies our communities; it creates a unique sense of place for residents and visitors.

How does it affect education?
Public art is a valuable tool for education. The Oklahoma Art in Public Places office has online educational materials teachers can use in the classroom for free. Materials are written so every teacher can find a way to relate public art to their curriculum. All major subjects are represented in each engaging resource, built so a teacher may peruse it for inspiration or present it directly to the students using a smartboard or projector.

One such project you may have seen is the Heritage Bridge, located on the Turner Turnpike, roughly 30 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. The artist, Steven Weitzman, designed wonderful enhancements that celebrate our agricultural and Native American histories. Oklahoma Art in Public Places? online resources make the Heritage Bridge art accessible to the classroom through a dynamic, visual presentation and related in-depth information. Pulling from themes inherent in the design and structure of the bridge, staff has developed comprehensive lesson ideas about a variety of topics such as bridge design, basket weaving, essay outlines, and linear equations. Links to additional online resources are provided to help capture the students? interest.

Through its educational resources, Oklahoma Art in Public Places staff hopes to inspire teachers and students in the classroom, and foster an appreciation for Oklahoma?s public art treasures.

Click here to visit the Oklahoma Art in Public Places website.