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I don’t think anyone can properly define what art is. Perhaps that’s part of its allure—it is without borders or limitations and yet its undefined nature can articulately convey the deepest aspects of humanity without uttering a word. 

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It is this wild and philosophical beast that, as Picasso put it, “washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” 

For me, art is about seeing the world from someone else’s vantage point. Visiting a local museum or art gallery is a perfect opportunity to explore new territories, perspectives and stories. In Tulsa, we are fortunate to have two large museums, Philbrook and Gilcrease, and a few privately owned galleries that each strike their own distinct chords. 

Tulsa’s art galleries promote and sell the work of various artists, many of whom are local. What I enjoy most about them is the constant churn of new work that’s being added. As pieces are sold, room is made for the new. It’s a perpetual metamorphosis.

Here’s just a few of my favorite galleries in Tulsa and sample of the beautiful work they offer. 

<h3>M.A. Doran (3509 S. Peoria Avenue)</h3>

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11294" rel="attachment wp-att-11294"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran-copy-front-500x336.jpg" alt="Doran front entrance by Sarah Neal Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Doran front entrance by Sarah Neal Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="336" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11294" /></a>

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11295" rel="attachment wp-att-11295"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran-copy-inside-500x371.jpg" alt="Inside Doran gallery by Sarah Neal Tulsa, Oklahoma" title="Inside Doran gallery by Sarah Neal Tulsa, Oklahoma" width="500" height="371" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11295" /></a>

Located on Brookside with its white, curved façade, M.A. Doran is known for its extensive collection of contemporary art and sculpture as well as its support of many renowned artists in Oklahoma. The main floor features the active exhibits, while the upstairs loft houses a large supply of constant pieces that are available to purchase.

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11296" rel="attachment wp-att-11296"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran_perspective1-500x500.jpg" alt="James Zwadlo Pedestrians Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="James Zwadlo Pedestrians Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="500" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11296" /></a>

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11297" rel="attachment wp-att-11297"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran_perspectiveDETAIL.jpg" alt="James Zwadlo Pedestrians Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="James Zwadlo Pedestrians Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="378" height="563" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11297" /></a>

I appreciate the perspective and how the details lead your eye throughout James Zwadlo’s mixed-media composition, “Pedestrians” (36x36).

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11298" rel="attachment wp-att-11298"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran_sculpture-500x652.jpg" alt="Clayton Keyes The Hunter, Legacy Fulfilled Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Clayton Keyes The Hunter, Legacy Fulfilled Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="652" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11298" /></a>

Ceramic artist, Clayton Keyes is a recent MFA graduate from the University of Tulsa and was recently invited to showcase his work in the 2012 NCECA Biennial Invitational “Push Play” in Seattle. His work is stark and poignant. There’s several currently on display such as this one, “The Hunter, Legacy Fulfilled” (56x16x18).

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11299" rel="attachment wp-att-11299"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doran_Marilyn-500x536.jpg" alt="Ben Steele Campbell’s Crayons, Green Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Ben Steele Campbell’s Crayons, Green Doran Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="536" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11299" /></a>

Loved this oil on canvas piece, “Campbell’s Crayons, Green” (44x40), by Ben Steele. Homage or criticism of pop art? It’s up for interpretation by you, the viewer. 

<h3>Joseph Gierek, 1512 E. 15th Street</h3>

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Next time you’re driving down Cherry Street, stop by Joseph Gierek’s gallery. It has an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and installation pieces that range from modern to southwest. When I was an art student at The University of Tulsa, I would drop by frequently because of the quality and variety of work the gallery provides.

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11301" rel="attachment wp-att-11301"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Gierek_Guthrie.jpg" alt="Shepard Fairey Woody Guthrie Centennial Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Shepard Fairey Woody Guthrie Centennial Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="496" height="603" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11301" /></a>

The day I dropped by, I found several great pieces by local artists, plus a few renowned such as Annie Leibovitz, Jasper Johns and this nice screen print by Shepard Fairey: “Woody Guthrie Centennial” (24x18). I fell in love with this one.

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11302" rel="attachment wp-att-11302"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Gierek_Thoreau-500x423.jpg" alt="Kate Rivers Thoreau’s Garden Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Kate Rivers Thoreau’s Garden Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="423" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11302" /></a>

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11303" rel="attachment wp-att-11303"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Gierek_Thoreau-detail.jpg" alt="Kate Rivers Thoreau’s Garden Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Kate Rivers Thoreau’s Garden Gierek Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="336" height="487" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11303" /></a>

<h3>Tulsa Artists' Coalition (TAC) Gallery, 9 E. Brady Street</h3>

<a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?attachment_id=11304" rel="attachment wp-att-11304"><img src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TAC-500x730.jpg" alt="Tulsa Artists Coalition (TAC) Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" title="Tulsa Artists Coalition (TAC) Gallery Tulsa Oklahoma" width="500" height="730" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11304" /></a>

My heart beats in the Brady District where the TAC Gallery resides. It’s unique in that it is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that supports Oklahoma artists, many who are just emerging into the local art scene. The gallery features one artist per month, and hosts around 10 shows a year.

The day I stopped by, they were preparing for their acclaimed, annual fundraising event, “5x5”. The gallery was closed, and I wasn’t allowed to take a peek inside since the public had not viewed the work. Each year, artists from all over the state are invited to pick up a 5x5 canvas and create an original piece. All proceeds go to support the gallery and its mission. It’s become such a popular event that many people line up hours in advance to purchase their favorite pieces.  

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This is an interior shot of the gallery during an opening reception I attended last year. One of the high points of going to a reception is having the opportunity to speak with the featured artist candidly. It’s always an honor to hear an artist discuss the thought that was invested into their work.


<h3>“Art is approachable.”</h3> 

A friend and local artist recently said this and it resonated with me. Art shouldn’t be intimidating or pretentious. It is thoughts and emotions made visible for others to experience. So please go out and get lost in one of our local galleries. Tulsa’s art community is vibrant and the natives are friendly. Examine the work from different angles. Discuss it. Find a piece you love and one you don’t. Ask why, because somewhere in all the brushstrokes, carved edges, and distressed finishes, we not only discover a different perspective, but a piece of ourselves.