Pieces + Patterns: Modern Oklahoma Textiles Exhibit on Display at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Exhibit featuring textiles and quilts by Oklahoma artists is open from September 13 to December 18
September 16, 2025
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OKLAHOMA CITY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 – Fifteen Oklahoma artists are featured in a new art exhibition on display at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Pieces + Patterns: Modern Oklahoma Textiles opened on Saturday, September 13 in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery. This quilting and textile exhibit explores how contemporary artists are transforming fiber arts traditions. A free artist reception will be held on Thursday, September 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to meet the artists and view the exhibit. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.
The artists featured in Pieces + Patterns bring fresh perspectives to textile art forms. Their works include a range of materials, techniques, and inspirations. The exhibit combines these unique elements to explore how quilting has evolved as both a communal tradition and contemporary fine art practice. It showcases how Oklahoma artists are contributing to the language of textiles.
"Quilts have long existed at the intersection of comfort, utility, and art," said Mattie Barlow, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Associate Director of Archives and Curatorial Projects and co-curator of the exhibit. "Quilts are deeply familiar, woven into the family histories and the broader fabric of the American experience. The ways textiles are used and reused add layers of meaning, reminding us that a quilt can be both a practical object and a powerful work of art."
The artists share cultural traditions and personal histories through their works. Beverly Kirk founded Oklahoma's first African American quilting guild and finds healing and comfort through stitching. Jason Wilson creates paintings inspired by the quilt designs he watched his Native American grandmother assemble when he was a child. Other artists also have strong family ties in their quilting, such as Vicki Conley and Shannon Conley, a mother and daughter who are both featured in the show.
The featured artists include:
- Agnes Stadler of Edmond
- Ann Solinski of Oklahoma City
- Beverly Kirk of Chickasha
- Brenda Esslinger of Moore
- Debi Wanzer of Oklahoma City
- Devida Bushrod of Tulsa
- Elizabeth Richards of Oklahoma City
- Jason Wilson of McAlester
- Lela O'Dell of Oklahoma City
- Mike O'Dell of Oklahoma City
- Rachel Janssen of Edmond
- Sarah Atlee of Oklahoma City
- Shankari Paradee of Mustang
- Shannon Conley of Moore
- Vicki Conley of Moore
Pieces + Patterns is open for viewing during the normal hours of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum. The exhibit is co-curated by Mattie Barlow and Ann Solinski. To learn more about this and other exhibits at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, visit https://www.oklahomahof.com/museum/exhibits.
Photos of the artwork can be accessed here.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
