3 minute read
Edmond Life and Leisure - June 26, 2025
FAI to kick off exhibition on July 10
The Edmond Fine Arts Institute proudly presents “Oklahoma Sounds,” a new gallery exhibition by award-winning artist Marie Kash Weltzheimer, opening Thursday, July 10th, with a public reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This dynamic solo show explores Oklahoma’s deep musical roots through the lens of visual art.
A signature member of the Pastel Society of America since 1989, and a Master Circle Honoree with the International Association of Pastel Societies, Marie brings decades of mastery and passion to this unique body of work. Her newest collection celebrates the spirit, stories, and sound of Oklahoma musicians—those you know and love, those time may have forgotten, and those you’ve yet to discover.
“Oklahoma is rich in musical talent, and I want to showcase that through my work,” says Marie. “Music expresses love, joy, anger, sorrow, praise, worship—there’s an ordinary beauty in the creation of it that, in turn, creates an extraordinary human connection. My goal was to create art that you can hear and feel.”
Marie’s personal history with music drives her fascination with the energy between a musician and their instrument. The pieces in Oklahoma Sounds highlight not only well-known artists but also under recognized contributors to the state’s musical legacy. Through expressive portraiture and narrative composition, she invites viewers to emotionally connect with each subject—and perhaps discover a new favorite artist.
Marie Kash Weltzheimer has earned numerous “Best of Show” honors in national and international exhibitions, including the Oklahoma Art Workshops Annual National Juried Exhibition and the prestigious Steven Leitner Award from the Pastel Society of America’s Annual Exhibition in New York City. Her work has been published in The Best of Pastelseries, The Pastel Journal, and has graced the covers of two albums by guitarist Edgar Cruz.
Born in Ohio and raised in southern Oklahoma, Marie earned her degree in commercial art from the University of Central Oklahoma and transitioned from a career in graphic design to a fulltime fine art practice. She works primarily in oils and pastels, with a focus on still life, portraiture, and landscapes. Her art is held in private, corporate, and public collections across the country.
Join us at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute on Thursday, July 10th to celebrate the opening of Oklahoma Sounds and experience the vibrant connection between music and visual art. The event is free and open to the public.
