Published on October 28, 2026
10/28/2026
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Visitors to the Oklahoma City Convention Center can now enjoy blown glass artwork from world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, thanks to a reciprocal public art loan agreement between the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA), the Oklahoma City Convention Center and the City of Oklahoma City.
The five-year loan places four artworks from OKCMOA’s permanent collection on the Convention Center’s second floor. The installation includes:
“We are pleased to have these four works by Dale Chihuly on view at the Convention Center as part of this long-term installation,” said Maury Ford, OKCMOA Co-Interim Director and Director of Collections & Exhibitions. “It offers a meaningful way to share our permanent collection with those outside of the Museum and an additional avenue for us to continue in our mission to enrich lives through the visual arts.”
People can view the artwork at no charge when the Convention Center is open for public events.
“I’ve always admired Dale Chihuly’s work and am thrilled to bring it to the Convention Center,” Convention Center’s General Manager Barbara Beaton said. “More than 200,00 people attend events here annually and this exhibit adds to their cultural experience.”
The idea of a public art loan agreement began in 2024 through conversations among the Convention Center, OKCMOA and staff from the OKC’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
“One of the important roles we play in our community is to bring world-class art to OKC residents,” Oklahoma City’s Arts Associate Planner Leondre Lattimore said. “We are thrilled to cultivate this collaboration between two of Oklahoma City’s most iconic organizations.”
Ernesto Sanchez’s 9 x 20-foot oil Massive Communication is also on loan from the OKCMOA. Other artwork in the Convention Center includes Wayne Coyne and Damien Hirst’s Beautiful Mystical Exploding Sun Clouds Taste Metallic Gift Painting, Howdy by local artist Nick Bayer and Virtual Sky by Susan Narduli of Narduli STUDIO.
This and future installations are paid for through Oklahoma City’s 1% for Arts funds already budgeted for the Convention Center.
About OKCMOA
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of the leading arts institutions in the region. The Museum presents a dynamic range of exhibitions organized from prestigious museums and collections throughout the world. The Museum’s own diverse collection features highlights from North America, Europe and Asia, with particular strengths in American art and postwar abstraction. The permanent collection also boasts one of the world’s largest public collections of Dale Chihuly glass, a major collection of photography by Brett Weston and the definitive museum collection of works by the Washington Color painter Paul Reed. The Museum’s renowned Samuel Roberts Noble Theater screens the finest international, independent, documentary and classic films. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors. The Museum serves over 100,000 visitors annually from all fifty states and thirty foreign countries.
About Dale Chihuly and Chihuly Studio
Dale Chihuly is an American artist noted for revolutionizing the studio glass movement and elevating perceptions of the medium. Known for its bold colors and eccentric forms, Chihuly’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections and has been exhibited in fine art institutions, historic cities, and gardens worldwide. Chihuly utilizes a variety of media to realize his creative vision, including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro. Located in Seattle, Washington, Chihuly Studio supports the artist’s vision and unyielding creativity, which has spanned more than five decades.
About 1% for Arts
The 1% for Arts ordinance requires 1% of the construction budget for City of OKC buildings, parks and trails to be set aside for public art. The art selection process in OKC is resident-driven from beginning to end. From the initial selection committee meetings to final approval by the City Council, at least 30 residents and stakeholders are directly involved in the decision, along with an additional 10-20 advisors and City staff. Artists interested in learning how to be considered for art selection should email okcarts@okc.gov. Visit okc.gov/arts to learn more about the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and the 1% for Arts Ordinance.