Deep in the heart of Oklahoma City lays a Spanish-style village with clay-tile roofs and traditional-style stucco buildings. This unique part of town was built in 1929 as the first shopping district north of downtown. Throughout the years it has undergone a lot of changes before evolving into the creative arts district that it is today.
The Paseo Arts District has now become the epicenter of arts and culture in Oklahoma City. It can be found within the area between 30th and North Dewey and 28th and North Walker, and within these streets you will find a vibrant and thriving group of artists. This district is bursting with art galleries, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, theatres and much more. The bustling and inspiring Paseo Arts District was named one of
the 10 Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association in 2010.
This part of the city contains 17 art galleries and the studios of more than 60 artists, all within a short walking distance of each other. These artists are brought together by the Paseo Arts Association, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and preserving this historic arts district.
The Paseo Arts Festival – A Celebration of Imagination
If you are visiting Oklahoma City during the Memorial Day Long Weekend, you will be able to enjoy the celebrations at the Paseo Arts Festival. This festival is a showcase for the original works of local artists and also featured will be a great selection of live music and artwork. Proceeds from the events will go towards supporting the Paseo Arts Association. The festival is attended by approximately 60,000 people every year.
The artists featured in the festival are selected by expert jurors and all types of artwork are represented, from ceramic to jewelry to painting and sculpture. Walk through the displays and take in all the art, and perhaps you’ll even find that perfect piece to take home with you. There are so many superb art galleries within this district, from the Artscape Gallery to a.k.a. Gallery to Houx Studio and JRB Art and the Elms.
Don’t forget to also check out the entertainment that will be featured on the north and south stages of the
festival. Some of the best musicians and entertainers in Oklahoma will perform here during the festival.
If you are enjoying the festival with your children, they will love to spend time in the “Artists of the Future” children’s area. Here they will have the opportunity to paint, draw, sculpt and explore their own creativity with a number of hands-on art projects.
One of the most exciting children’s activities that take place at the festival is the “Paper Play Theatre” which allows children to construct their own puppets and then watch the StarDanceSwan studio dance and sing the story of each child’s puppet.
The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, but the art galleries and culture of the Paseo District are there to enjoy all year long.
About the Author: Cynthia Howe is a freelance travel writer and art enthusiast who has attended the Paseo
Arts Festival for the past three years in a row. When she visits, she stays at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Oklahoma City Oklahoma.