Some people see an empty wall – others see a blank canvas for art that is larger than life. Murals not only enhance an area’s curb appeal, but also represent Oklahoma’s rich culture and diverse communities.
The following is a listing of a few of these murals around Oklahoma – chock-full of symbolism, bold patterns and even historical references.
This Land Mural
By: Rick Sinnett
200 S.E. Fourth St., OKC
Driven by the idea of creating art for the people, Rick Sinnett, a self-taught artist from Mustang, took on one of the most ambitious projects of his career: beautifying Oklahoma City’s grain silos along Route 66. The This Land Mural, which originated from a Kickstarter campaign, took Sinnett three years to complete.
The 100’ by 128’ mural depicts many Oklahoma state symbols, including a bison and scissortail flycatcher, in Sinnett’s signature vibrant, geometric style.
Yukon’s Best
By: Carlos Barboza
220 W. Main, Yukon
Carlos Barboza, a muralist of Costa Rican descent, has left his mark on many buildings throughout Oklahoma. In Yukon’s Best, he pays homage to the place he grew up. With a penchant for portraiture, Barboza covered the exterior of Yukon’s Best Flour Mill in black-and-white, photo realistic renderings of Garth Brooks and the mill’s former mascot, the Czech Queen. The mural has other hidden details, like an excerpt from a 1906 postcard and Yukon High School’s mascot, the Original Miller.
Connected Pathways
By: Nanibah Chacon
533 South Peoria Ave., Tulsa
Painted against a bright blue background, the Connected Pathways mural comes alive in movement and dance with three pairs of decorated moccasins. Located next to the Indian Health Clinic in Tulsa, the 110-foot mural is a nod to the Native American communities in the area. Nanibah Chacon, a Diné and Chicano artist, based the design on pairs of ceremonial moccasins that belong to Indigenous women from Tulsa.
Loading Mural
By: Kristopher Kanaly
116 N. Main St., Miami
Kris Kanaly, an award-winning
artist and founder of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, transformed the side of the Main Attraction Beauty Academy in Miami, Oklahoma, with one of his colorful designs.
The Loading Mural includes ultra-flat abstractions of terracotta buildings, as well as cacti and outdoor landscapes. His murals, which can be found throughout Oklahoma, center on otherworldly themes of time, space and travel.
Wildflower Butterfly Mural
By: Rhiana Deck
406 Flynn St., Alva
Monarch butterflies flutter over clusters of Indian Blankets in the Wildflower Butterfly Mural by Rhiana Deck, an Oklahoma City artist. Although it may appear to be a simple design, the clusters of flowers and butterflies form the shape of a larger butterfly when viewed from a distance. Deck painted the mural on the Cushenberry building while participating in the 2022 Northwest Mural Fest, sponsored by the Alva Mural Society.
Building the City of Legends
By: Palmer Studios
323 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville
Building the City of Legends, located on the Southern Abstract building in Bartlesville, recounts the town’s unique history as Oklahoma’s first oil boomtown.
Spearheaded as a community project by the Leadership Bartlesville Class XX, the mural comprises three distinct panels that depict historical events spanning from 1880 to 1929. Artist Bob Palmer, who owns Palmer Studios, drew his inspiration from hundreds of historical images provided by the Bartlesville Area History Museum and the Bartlesville Public Library.
Image cutline: Connected Pathways by Nanibah Chacon showcases three pairs of decorated Native American moccasins. Photo/art by Nanibah Chacon
