Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Oklahoma’s most-viewed artist, legendary muralist and former University of Central Oklahoma art professor Bob Palmer, 74, is offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for artists. This innovative event will not only provide a competitive platform for artists to showcase their work but also increase their visibility in the art world. It’s a chance for seniors to see the talents of Oklahoma’s artists in a whole new light.
On Friday, July 11, 10 artists will gather at 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall, a 35,000-square-foot complex located at 4848 Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City. Their mission is to create top-voted art using items available in the mall as the event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 11 and 12.
“It is not every day seniors get to witness artists creating, so this should be a special two days,” Palmer said. “The best part, aside from witnessing artistry in person, is that each voter can provide feedback on the brilliance being created in front of them by voting on the top three new pieces.”
These 10 artists will have the rare privilege of competing as they create new artworks using items selected from a vast array of unique and timeless treasures thoughtfully displayed across the vendors’ booths in the well-curated complex.
“Here at 3 Strands Vintage (Antique Mall), we are so excited to host this event,” said Cindy Gardner, mall owner. “All of our vendors spend so much time curating their inventory and can’t wait to see it come to life.”
The mall is one of the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. Its massive size has drawn vintage enthusiasts and collectors alike. Mall management assures the competing artist that there will be plenty of objects they can interpret into their art pieces, well within the price range of the sponsorships outlined in the contest.
“It is novel and new that Oklahoma artists and sponsors are invited to apply to participate in a new form of art competition event,” Palmer said. “The artist’s mission is to reinterpret classic items of existing craftsmanship and artistry into new works of art. Mixed-media seen with new eyes as a novel assemblage can create stunning pieces, telling a story while providing new texture, dimension, color, and patina.”
The objects the artists will interpret will be available from the mall’s stock to spark the creativity. This opportunity to compete in the event is open to beginners and advanced mixed-media artists. Regardless of their age, skill level, or preferred medium, they will find exciting opportunities to increase their visibility in the art world. This event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming all artists and art enthusiasts to participate and enjoy the creative process.
Seniors are invited to watch the artists and vote on the top three creations. They can also take advantage of food trucks in the parking lot. Live music will be offered throughout each day, creating a vibrant atmosphere that ensures everyone feels engaged and part of the artistic process. This event is not just a showcase of art, but an interactive experience that encourages everyone to participate and engage with the artists and their work.
One of the local television network’s affiliates has already promised to attend both days to capture the artistry for segments to air later that evening on their broadcasts.
The artists will have two days to create their interpretation of what “art” means to them using the vast variety of items available in the trendy booths of the well-curated mall. Depending on the size and medium, some artists will work inside, while others may create in the parking lot. Artists may bring mobile workshops if they plan to create art from their items in the parking lot.
Each artist will solicit sponsorship from an individual or team of their choice. Seven of the artists who have applied to compete have already secured sponsorship. Those sponsors will have the first right of refusal to purchase the artist’s creations, but the artist will set the price of each item.
If the artist determines that their creation is of more value than the sponsorship and the sponsor declines the first right of purchase, it will be available for sale to the public.
Sponsorships will range from $500 to $1000. Half of that amount will go to the artist, while the sponsor is rewarded with the work that the artist creates. The other half will be used to purchase items needed for the new artwork from vendor booths and a designated charity. This is a unique opportunity for sponsors to support local artists and receive a one-of-a-kind piece of art in return.
While watching the artists create art from objects that might have been considered single-purpose for decades, the voting process will be simple and accessible, encouraging everyone to participate.
Each visitor will receive a ballot upon entry, and they can cast their vote for their favorite artwork at any time during the event. The ballots will be tallied on Saturday, the 12th, to determine the winners.
Additionally, some of the funds will support the artists who receive the most votes from the public. The ballots tallied on Saturday, the 12th, will determine the winners, with the first-place artist earning $300, the second-place artist $200, and the third-place artist $100.
The creative energy and excitement in this interpretive showdown should be palpable! All this artistic activity will likely inspire the public with countless ideas on how to create art from repurposed items of great sentimental value to previous generations themselves.
Seniors will be free to interact with each artist throughout the two days. They can ask questions about inspiration, form, function, design, and color. This unique opportunity may inspire budding artists to try this mixed-media art form for themselves.
“This new type of competition is aimed at celebrating not just the artists’ talents but also the vibrant arts culture within Oklahoma, encouraging everyone to partake in the joy of creativity and innovation,” Palmer said.
Local YouTube videographer Lawrence Ross will capture a YouTube treatment of the artistic process as it progresses.
Again, seven state artists have already secured their sponsors and signed up, so those seeking those last three opportunities need to contact Palmer through his website: MURALS BY PALMER – Mural Artist Dr. Bob Palmer.
His hardback coffee table book “Painting Oklahoma and Beyond,” with 500 photos of his murals, is found at: Available Illustrated Books – Oklahoma Books Online.
