April 2025 Issue

THE

MUSEUM

M A R GA R I TA

& GA L L E RY

GA R D E N

GUIDE

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F E AT U R E S

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The Artist Issue

Museum & Gallery Guide

Explore the inspirations, stories and processes of

Art and culture abound in central OK — here’s where to

four local creators

start savoring them

APRIL 2025

Natural Diamond Council Global Ambassador, Actress Lily James

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D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLUME 1 1 I SSU E 04

Dining 54 GOOD TASTE BAR SEN’s delectable vision 56 THE DRINK How the Plaza’s Margarita Garden grows

Culture 60 LOOKING BACK The path of legendary performer Te Ata 62 ONE MORE THING Thunder Up in style at City Nights

Trending 12

PERSON OF INTEREST Lyric Theatre thrives under Ashley Wells

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STYLE Fashion inspired by the arts

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SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

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FROM THE EDITOR

64 WHAT’S ONLINE

20 HEALTH April is Donate Life Month

Home 24 DESIGN A vibrant remodel for the 21st century 4

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ON THE COVER Abstract art by Sara Kay Michael.

4200 W MEMORIAL ROAD, SUITE 101, OKLAHOMA CITY

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PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Drew Smith

drew.smith@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin

julie.partin@405magazine.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Vanda Holland

vanda.holland@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@405magazine.com

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Kayden Anderson Emma Rowland

READER SERVICES

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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APRIL 2025

405 Magazine Volume 11, Number 4, April 2025. 405 Magazine is published monthly

by Hilltop Media Group at 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Suite 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, 405.806.0672. ©Copyright 2024 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

IT’S ICONIC. IT’S OPEN. B O O K N O W AT O K A N A R E S O R T . C O M .

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F R O M

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E D I T O R

Immersed in Inspiration The annual artist issue is always so beautiful. I would love to frame the pieces featured and hang them around my house; I can picture the Sara Kay Michael piece on our cover above the loveseat in our living room, and the floral landscapes by Ricki Lee Scheef in the dining room.

There is no shortage of phenomenal visual artists in this town we could showcase. Narrowing it down to only four is the hard part. In this cover feature, you will meet a pastel artist who works with layered impressionism, a muralist with a passion for patterns, a sketch artist with a southwestern flair and an abstract painter with an ardent love for color. Senior writers Evie Klopp Holzer and Lavinia Creswa flesh out this beautiful spread with words and Charlie Neuenschwander expertly photographed each creator (pg. 31).

You will also find the Museums and Galleries Guide useful; it’s chockfull of lovely places to spend a day strolling and exploring (pg. 40).

Speaking of arts, in this issue you will meet the executive producer of a local theater company whose life’s path led her home — and to the stage (pg. 12), and read about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s innovative program promoting local creators (pg. 62). I was able to see it action at a recent game and left inspired by enthusiasm from the artist, team and fans.

We are also excited to debut a vibrant home design layout (pg. 24) and give the lowdown on one of the most anticipated new restaurant openings of the year that is quite likely to become your favorite new noodle spot (pg. 54).

I hope this issue finds you experiencing beauty in one of its many forms — be it a painting, a sunset or a smile!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

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FIND WHAT YOU’RE FREE TO BE

Let inspiration move you in Eureka Springs, from the streets to the soul.

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TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST 12

STYLE 14

SOCIAL HOUR 16

H E A LT H 2 0

Backstage Magic CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Ashley Wells' dedication helps drive Lyric Theatre P. 12

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T R E N D I N G

Patience and Passion Lyric Theatre’s Ashley Wells

BY K R I S T E N G R AC E P H OTO S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

A

shley Wells’ resume will tell you that she has been working for Lyric Theatre for 22 years. But if you ask her, she’ll tell you that her love and dedication for the Official State Theatre of Oklahoma began when she was just 16 years old.

As a child, she spent many Saturday nights in the audience with her parents, but the year she turned 16, she auditioned to dance in the summer musicals. That season there were five shows, and she was offered a part in all five, despite her young age. She remembers rehearsing during the days and performing at night all summer long. It was the beginning of her lengthy love affair with theater.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Wells went to Oklahoma City University for two years and then left for Mountain View Conservatory, in Texas in May ’92. Shortly after, she headed for New York. She worked at several regional theaters such as Music Theatre of Wichita, Casa Manana in Fort Worth and North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts, before landing a part on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing.

Living in California in 1996-1998, she eventually found herself working in casting for Ron Howard’s films and discovered that she had a gift for getting actors to give very good auditions. She knew how to make actors feel safe. She then fell in love, got married and moved to Florida. After having a child, a job opportunity brought the couple back to Oklahoma … where Wells got a job in the business office at her beloved Lyric Theatre.

She also choreographed many of the shows and began assistant directing.

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dance and sing, who grew up to be someone who helps run the same $5 million organization,” she said. “Lyric has been here since 1963. There are not a lot of organizations that have been around so long, especially after COVID.” Wells and the team at Lyric were able to keep the theatre afloat through the pandemic with daring innovation and creativity. “Michael Baron, the Producing Artistic Director, and I produced Grease and we took it outside — we produced it on the McGuinness High School football field.

We did shows on the outdoor Myriad Garden stage. We did a Christmas show at Harn Homestead; a pared-down version of the play with a scene at each of the buildings at Harn Homestead, just trying to keep the crowd moving. We were the only Christmas Carol happening in the world in 2020. The New York Times interviewed us.”

Memorable as that experience was, the benefits for keeping the theater’s presence strong go well beyond notoriety. “When you ask any entrepreneurs looking to move their company to Oklahoma, the first thing they ask is, ‘What does Oklahoma have to offer to my employees?” Wells is quick to answer. “Oklahoma City has a thriving arts community! Between the ballet, the Philharmonic, our theater and so many other community theaters, the economic impact that we have in this state is vital.”

Wells is enthusiastic about the Lyric Theatre lineup for the 2025 season and the Oklahoma talent behind it. “We recently closed a sold out run of Waitress, which was a crowd favorite, and in April we open an intriguing new play, a Grapes of Wrath sequel Mother Road by Octavio

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Solis, and in the summer at the Civic Center we have Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and then Beautiful, the Carole King Musical, followed by the traditional Oklahoma. In the fall we’ll be back in the Plaza with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and our season closes with A Christmas Carol. This year everything is done by Oklahomans and for Oklahomans — our cast, our sound designers, our costume designers.

All the money stays in Oklahoma to revitalize Oklahoma.”

Wells is currently running Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy, which teaches young people ages 6-18 to sing, dance and act. Teaching dance classes there was one of her first jobs when moving back to Oklahoma.

Susan Webb, Lyric Theatre’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations, said about Wells, “She’s a very quiet partner in making beautiful things happen for this theatre. The actors take center stage. But none of that can happen if you don’t have someone behind the scenes with heart, attention to detail and patience.”

The Lyric Theatre — and all of Oklahoma — is lucky to have a person as passionate about the arts as Ashley Wells.

→ For more information visit lyrictheatreokc.com.

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T R E N D I N G

The Art of Dressing

S T Y L E

1.

Celebrate a season of creation

2.

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

A celebration for master craftsmen and women across our state and beyond, the annual Festival of the Arts returns to Bicentennial Park at the end of this month. From photography and paintings to mixed media and jewelry, the creative energy pulsing through downtown will be palpable. With the artistic landscape being painted in the heart of our city, it seems only fitting to craft something ourselves, and what better place to start than in your own closet? Intentionally select pieces or brands that spark inspiration. Austin-based brand Molyan handmakes canvas coats, each adorned with vibrant stitching and intricate patterns. Oklahoma’s own Sydnie Peebles recognizes the potential of the pieces all around us (including vintage gloves) as she creates exquisite Sydnie Banks handbags. New York-based twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato create breathtaking jewelry, sourcing materials from their global travels and fellow creatives.

With no shortage of artistic expression and imagination, be bold and inventive through the art of dressing.

3.

1. Lovebirds, Lily Dress: Gretta Sloane 2. Lizzie Fortunato, Garnet,

4.

Larimar & Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace: M.Drattel 3. Sydnie Banks, Le Dita Glove Bag: Sydnie Banks 4. Molyan, Mesa Jacket: Molyan 5. Freya, Freesia Hat: Edit & Co. 6. Seychelles, Game Changer Boot: Betsy King Shoes

6.

5.

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YOUR TEAM FOR

ACCOUNTING

FINANCIAL REPORTING

FP&A

TREASURY

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T R E N D I N G

Girl Scouts Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon PHOTOS BY SUNDANCE PHOTOGRAPHY The 21st annual Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon — named for the Girl Scouts’ founder, Juliette Gordon Low — was held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to raise funds and awareness to aid Girl Scout programming throughout western Oklahoma. With the support of more than 500 community leaders and advocates each year, JLLS has raised more than $6.1 million for Girl Scouts since its beginnings in 2004, providing leadership and life skills for thousands of Oklahoma girls.

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S O C I A L

H O U R

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T R E N D I N G

SixTwelve 10th Anniversary Party PHOTOS BY SHEA ALLEN SixTwelve celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Diamond Mardi Gras Ball at Tower Theatre. Food was provided by Kam’s Kookery, plus a King Cake by Brown, music

by The King Cabbage Brass Band and dancing to BUMP Worldwide.

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S O C I A L

H O U R

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T R E N D I N G

H E A LT H

Parting Gifts Celebrate Donate Life Month this April

BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA

D

ying can be a really scary subject.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we will deal with in our lives. But there is a way to make thinking about your own mortality easier for yourself, as well as your family: While estate planning is important to ensure your cherished family heirloom goes to your favorite niece, registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is just as essential to make sure your valuable organs are passed along to someone who really needs them.

LifeShare Oklahoma is a federally authorized, non-profit organization tasked with arranging and procuring organ and tissue donation for the state of Oklahoma. One donor has the ability to save up to eight lives through organ donation and affect as many as 75 lives through tissue donation. President and CEO of LifeShare, Jeff Orlowski, explained: “Hospitals are obligated by Medicare to notify us any time a patient passes away in their facility. We then evaluate if there is potential for donation.” This occurs whether or not you have registered as a donor.

If you are on the registry, a representative from LifeShare will sit down with your family to answer questions and help them understand the process of donation. If you are not on the registry, your family is then forced to make another difficult decision during their time of grief.

Orlowski emphasized the gravity of talking with your family about your decision to be a donor.

“It is really important for your family to know your wishes,” he said. “It provides a great source of comfort for the family and gives you the opportunity to leave a legacy.”

There are a few negative rumors swirling around organ donation that Orlowski took the time to debunk. One of the questions LifeShare hears most frequently is regarding the care one will receive from medical professionals if they are a registered donor. Orlowski said, “If you 20

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are involved in an accident, a doctor’s number one priority is to save your life. The team providing lifesaving care and the team involved in donation and transplant are completely separate.” Basically, no one in the hospital is going to benefit from you dying, and they will continue to work as hard as possible to ensure that does not happen.

The second misconception LifeShare hears is someone thinking they may not be in good enough health to be a donor. Orlowski said, “Nearly everyone can donate something.

The oldest donated liver I was personally involved with was 93, and we have transplanted lungs from a 78-year-old patient. I have seen

transplanted kidneys from patients in their early 80s. It really is true that age is just a number.”

He notes that there have even been donors who were once transplant recipients themselves.

“They may have had a liver transplant, but their heart and kidneys went on to help someone else.

We are going to look at the total picture and evaluate each organ to determine what they can donate.”

With more than 800 Oklahomans and over 100,000 people nationwide waiting on a lifesaving transplant, please consider joining the registry to Donate Life. It is the greatest legacy you can leave.

BECOME A DONOR There are many ways you can register to be an organ and tissue donor in Oklahoma, the most common being through the DMV when you get a driver’s license. You can also register online at LifeShareOK.org, when you apply for your hunting and fishing license or even through the Health App on your cell phone.

PROMOTION

From Hopeless to Healed “A BATTLE I FINALLY WON” “FROM TORTURE TO TRIUMPH”

At Be Well Acupuncture, we see many patients who have tried everything to relieve their migraines—medications,

inflammation, and calming the nervous system—something that many migraine sufferers desperately need. “Then, I hit a

This is something we see often at Be Well Acupuncture. Patients who have suffered for years start seeing real, lasting

lifestyle changes, even giving up their favorite foods—only to still struggle with the debilitating pain. One of our patients, Sarah, was in that exact situation before she found us.

“For years, migraines controlled my

breaking point. I remember lying in bed, gripping my head, thinking: I can’t live like this anymore. I needed something different, something that might actually change my life instead of just numbing the symptoms. That’s when I decided to

relief—sometimes for the first time in their lives. Acupuncture isn’t just about treating pain; it’s about restoring balance and giving people their lives back.

Fast forward a few months, and Sarah’s life looks completely different.

life. Not just the pounding headaches but the nausea, the dizziness, the sensitivity to light and sound. I was trapped in a cycle

try acupuncture.”

From the very first session, Sarah felt a shift. She noticed subtle changes in her

“I now only have three “bad” migraines a month—and even those aren’t as intense as before. I can plan my days

of pain, one that dictated what I could do, where I could go, and how I lived my life. At my worst, I was suffering through five migraines a week—crippling, mindnumbing pain that left me lying in dark rooms, missing out on work, family time, and everything in between. I tried

stress levels and overall tension, and as the weeks went on, her migraines started to lessen in both frequency and intensity.

“After a few sessions, I noticed something: the migraines weren’t coming as often. They weren’t gone completely, but they had changed. Instead of five

without constantly fearing the next wave of pain. I feel like myself again.”

At Be Well Acupuncture, we are honored to be part of stories like Sarah’s.

Seeing our patients regain their freedom and take control of their health is why we do what we do.

everything. Nothing worked.”

When Sarah came to us, we took a

unbearable migraines a week, I started having a few manageable headaches. I

If you or someone you love struggles with chronic migraines, acupuncture may

different approach. Instead of just focusing on masking the symptoms, we worked on

could function again. I could go to work without worrying about shutting myself

be the missing piece. You don’t have to live in pain—let’s start your healing journey

identifying the root cause and bringing her body back into balance. Acupuncture works by improving circulation, reducing

in a dark room. I could make dinner for my family without feeling like my skull was about to explode.”

today.

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HOME DESIGN 24

Designed to Dazzle

JUSTIN MIERS

The Dysons' celebration of creative expression P. 24

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H O M E

Vibrant Living Welcoming an older home into the 21st century

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

P H OTO S BY J U S T I N M I E R S

A STUNNING IRON FRONT DOOR BY MONTE CRISTO WELCOMES GUESTS INSIDE THE DYSON HOME

W

hen Stacey and Bryan Dyson stumbled upon a unique 1970s home located in a quiet Nichols Hills cul-de-sac, they knew they had struck gold. Originally built by Jim Frazier, the home presented interesting architectural lines and curves — plus an exciting opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind living space that reflected the Dysons’ vibrant personalities.

“This house is something that Stacey and I had always dreamed we could do, but we would have never pulled it off from a ground-up build, because it would have been probably too outside of our comfort zone,” said Bryan Dyson.

“Typically when you build up from the ground

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up, you go a little more squared-off and cookiecutter, if you will. This house is anything and everything but cookie-cutter, which we loved. It allowed us to really have some fun with it.”

Enlisting the help of Travis Neely and Phara Queen of Neely + Queen Design, the Dysons embarked on a renovation that would transform the dated property into a stunning, personalized oasis.

“The bones of the house were just amazing,” Neely said. “It had such great character, the kind you just don’t see in new builds today.”

The project was truly collaborative. As COO of Bob Mills Furniture, Bryan Dyson had a go-to furniture resource. He also brought his

previous building experiences to the project. (A serial mover, Dyson has built and sold 16 homes in the area.) The Dysons hired builder Corbyn Roberts to address construction needs, as the property required new plumbing and drainage — as well as a new roof.

Meanwhile, Phara Queen and Stacey Dyson paired bold tile patterns with playful wallpapers, mixing in a healthy dose of color and a little humor. (Note the eyeball-themed wallpaper in the laundry room, directly tied to Stacey Dyson’s career in optometry.)

The designers also tackled the awkward primary suite layout, reconfiguring the space to create a more cohesive and functional

D E S I G N

THE CURVY STAIR RAIL STANDS OUT IN THE PAINT CHOICE: SHERWIN-WILLIAMS TRICORN BLACK.

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THE DINING ROOM FEATURES MOOI "QUEEN COBRA" WALLPAPER, A CORBETT "KYOTO" CHANDELIER AND A CUSTOM GRAEBER DESIGN TABLE.

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TO ACCOMMODATE THE CLIENT'S REQUEST FOR A DRAMATIC FLAIR SURROUNDING THE FIREPLACE, NEELY+QUEEN DESIGN APPLIED A TEXTURED WALLCOVERING, ARTE "VELVETEEN TETRA."

WOOD PANELING ORIGINAL TO THE 1976 HOME BALANCES BEAUTIFULLY WITH CONTEMPORARY ARTWORK, INCLUDING THIS BLACK-AND-WHITE PAINTING BY HOMEOWNER STACEY DYSON.

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EXTERIOR WALLS WERE PAINTED TO BRIGHTEN THE HOME AND HIGHLIGHT ITS MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE.

BOOK-MATCHED SLABS, FABRICATED BY CLASSIC TILE, ADD MOVEMENT TO THE ANGULAR KITCHEN LAYOUT.

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H O M E

D E S I G N

THE VISUAL COMFORT "CALVINO" CHANDELIER MIMICS SHAPES SEEN IN THE GEMSTONE-THEMED WALLPAPER.

PREVIOUSLY A LAUNDRY ROOM, THIS SPACE WAS COMPLETELY RECONFIGURED WITH CUSTOM CABINETS TO SERVE AS THE BUTLER'S PANTRY.

flow. Travis Neely worked and reworked CAD renderings, ensuring each space could operate at its highest level within the home’s set parameters.

Neely and Queen thoughtfully incorporated custom design elements that blended old and new. In the dining room, a snake-inspired wood veneer wall covering by Arte highlights a curved wall, complementing the home’s wooden elements and architecture. In addition, heavy flagstone floors were replaced with 54-inch square porcelain tiles that instantly brightened the home.

For the Dysons, Neely and Queen were essential in bringing their dream home to life.

“They’re just such fun people to work with.

They have such a fun vision, which is kind of our style,” Stacey Dyson said.

Art appreciation also elevates the home.

A commissioned painting by Denise Duong adorns the living room, while Stacey Dyson painted several pieces in the dining room. The home itself stands as a celebration to creative expression — filled with bold patterns, vibrant colors and unexpected design elements.

“We never really follow design trends,” said Neely. “We’re always creating spaces that are timeless, so that our clients can live with them as long as they want to … With the Dysons, we were able to bring the home into this century in a lovely way.”

COLORFUL PUNCHES AND PLAYFUL LIGHTING DEFINE DESIGNS THROUGHOUT THE DYSON HOME.

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meet the masters Four local artists invite us inside their visionary worlds

by Evie Klopp Holzer& Lavinia Creswa portraits by Charlie Neuenschwander

From pastels to paints, from canvas to walls, visual artistry takes many forms. The four Oklahoma City artists in this feature draw inspiration from a breadth of sources, and we are enthused to explore their processes, showcase their work and provide an intimate look at how they each express themselves and communicate with the world around them.

4 0 5 M A G A Z I N E . C Opage M 3131

Pastel Artist

Ricki Scheef

by Lavinia Creswa

S

ocial media has changed nearly every business on the planet. With a few swipes we can find new recipes, check out the hottest style of jeans and learn dewy makeup trends. One click will have products at our door in a matter of days. When pastel artist Ricki Scheef decided to leave her corporate job and dive into creating art full-time, social media was there to welcome her with open arms. In just over a year, Scheef has become a successful artist, shipping her paintings globally to places like Dubai and Australia.

Pastel is an art form that uses finely ground pigment, which Scheef says is a “lost, under-appreciated medium.” Scheef uses pastel sticks, blending the colors together with her fingertips, erasing away areas that are not what she envisioned. Each piece she creates takes an average of 15 to 40 hours to complete, with careful layering of each manipulated color.

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Raised by an archeologist mother and an entomologist stepfather, Scheef said that summers were spent going to museums and national parks that inspired her love of nature — especially animals and flowers — which is reflected in her work.

In January of 2023, Scheef began a self-challenge to create a painting that reflected each day. She would film herself painting and post the videos, along with the completed piece, on Instagram. Scheef noted that she was using art as coping mechanism following a difficult time in her life. “I think a lot of artists are very emotional, and art is born out of grief. People begin painting when they are sad or angry about something, and that was definitely the case for me. There was a lot happening in my life and I think people resonated with what I was sharing.”

Quickly, Scheef developed a following; her pieces were selling to both friends and family as well as customers worldwide. Now, in

addition to selling on Instagram, Scheef also takes commissions to bring people’s vision to life.

Many of Scheef’s commissions are landscapes, and while she uses reference photos, she is a self-described impressionist and focuses more on the feeling the owner will get than the subject itself.

“People will ask for a painting of their ranch in Texas, and I ask if they are sure about that,” Scheef explained. “If you want to see the actual ranch, just hang a photograph. I want them to remember how they feel when they are there. Those are completely different things.

I want it to look almost unrealistic and embody what they love about that ranch.”

Education on pastels is important for anyone hoping to add one to their collection. “They are so delicate and have to be preserved properly behind glass. When I ship a painting, I tell the client to take it directly to the framer because pastels smudge easily, [and] pastels need to be

hung in a room without any steam — so I am heavily involved in client communication.” Scheef finds that the fragility of the medium adds to the pieces’ value. “It makes them beautiful. They are customized and special and each piece I create is completely unique.”

This year, Scheef has begun a new project: a series of horses for each day of the year. Each is listed for sale on her Instagram and is usually sold by the end of the day.

Though the past year has been a whirlwind, Scheef said that she is grateful for all of her success. “I am so excited about the future. What was once my hobby is now my job, and I love creating something new every day.”

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Muralist

Tiffany McKnight

by Lavinia Creswa

O

klahoma City has consistently been nationally recognized for its public art, and muralist Tiffany McKnight has been a major contributor in that space.

Her first mural project came in 2020 when McKnight, along with six other artists, was commissioned by the With Love Project to create the now iconic wall of the Market at Eastpoint on NE 23rd Street. Since then, she has steadily been creating large-scale murals and has participated in both the Plaza Walls and Sunny Dayz Mural festivals. She has an eye-catching design under the Wanda Jackson bridge in Bricktown, and most recently the walls in the new natatorium of the Adult Wellness and Education Center in Norman. However, McKnight is more than an artist — she is an entire brand, with a goal of improving the future of the Oklahoma City art community.

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McKnight has been involved in the arts since an early age and graduated from OU with a bachelor’s in fine arts with a focus on printmaking. While she is primarily a muralist, her practice also includes surface design, which includes patternmaking for textiles.

McKnight defines herself as an abstract artist, and her work is instantly recognizable featuring bold shapes and bright colors. “I am drawn to things like color and sunshine — those things just bring me a lot of joy,” she said. “Colors have an effect on people, as we gravitate toward what makes us happy and feel powerful. I want to create art that will energize a space.”

Last year, McKnight was a recipient of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Artist Entrepreneur Program, where she spent 10 weeks learning skills to become a better artist. The program also taught financial literacy, allowing her to grow her business: People By People,

or PXPOKC, is a creative network designed to provide resources as well as connect artists and business owners with opportunities to collaborate.

“I want to empower myself and other artists to know their worth and negotiate for their value,” McKnight said. She is sharing the skills she learned through the entrepreneur program to educate other artists on understanding contracts and advocating for themselves when taking on projects. With outdoor murals, there is a level of ongoing maintenance that is expected and typically written into the initial contract. “Understanding your value is much more important when you have a five to 10-year contractual agreement,” she explained.

“To me, being an artist is a life-long commitment, and has impacted how I move through life,” McKnight said. “I have never wanted to limit myself. I learn so much from every project, both as an

artist and as the project manager for each mural. I want to continue sharing what I have learned with other artists in this community. The legacy I would like to leave behind, beyond just my physical artwork, is the effect I had on people. Did I empower others to live and create authentically?”

McKnight also noted that she has a new personal mantra: “I want to create an environment that feels inspiring and encourages community over competition. There is room for all of us to pursue our passions.”

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Watercolor Artist

Dylan Cavin

by Evie Klopp Holzer

D

ylan Cavin’s ink wash works take a page from the past, combining images of buffalos, Western characters and Indigenous people with one-of-a-kind historical documents. As an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation, Cavin draws inspiration from his Native roots as well as Oklahoma’s history, exploring “connections between artist and subject, paper and story.”

“Being an artist in Oklahoma, I feel like there’s the rich narrative that comes with that — and being Choctaw,” he said.

Cavin can trace his resourcefulness back to his college days, when an art professor encouraged students to paint on whatever materials were readily available. (Lumber, for example, can be a more affordable

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option than stretched canvas.) Today Cavin paints on recycled papers, including tattered maps and turn-of-the-century ledger book pages.

The old materials not only inspire consideration of context, but also they have a certain quality and texture that Cavin prefers.

“It’s very thirsty paper, so I can put down a lot of water on it and it just, it takes that, and I can work on it again in like an hour,” he said. “I haven’t found a modern watercolor paper quite like that.”

Cavin’s appreciation for art first began during his childhood, when he eagerly consumed Spaghetti Westerns and Jack Kirby comic books.

Some of those images continue to inspire his work today.

His creative process begins by photographing models and family members in various poses; he then references the photographs for his

paintings. Historical documents help Cavin select images, resulting in what he describes as “visual narratives where the medium and subjects intertwine to reflect themes of memory, time and personal history.”

“It is much easier for me as an artist to talk about the subject matter having known it, having been there in the moment, rather than pulling from other people’s photography,” said Cavin.

One stunning example is titled “Orphans and Widows,” depicting a young boy on a McCurtain County ledger book detailing expenses for this vulnerable population.

“He’s not an orphan; the subject matter is my son, but, you know, the way he was looking down, the shadowed face — I think that

played well into the compensation page for the orphans and widows,” Cavin said.

Whether it’s the weathered pages of a century-old ledger or the face of a beloved family member, Cavin’s storytelling artwork blends the lines between past and present — and his talent is turning heads.

In addition to earning accolades in national shows and competitions, Cavin’s art has been acquired for display in Ralph Lauren retail stores and design studios around the world.

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Painter

Sara Kay

by Evie Klopp Holzer

S

ara Kay Michael, the creator behind Art by Sara Kay, champions art therapy. Beyond the heart-infused and funloving finished products, painting has always provided her the means for reflection and self-discovery.

“My artwork is my happy place,” Michael said. “I paint to feel calm, I paint to feel happy. The process is spiritual for me: I pray, I listen to music and I just let the paint flow without overthinking it.”

Michael enjoyed creating art in high school and college, though she has never pursued formal training. Rather, she turned to art for her own personal fulfillment and the occasional side gig. She loved painting angels to sell around the holidays. After college, marriage and starting a family, she created artwork for her home and for friends.

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It wasn’t until years later, when Michael was navigating a divorce, that she considered making art a full-time career.

“I just felt like I had lost everything — my confidence, my sense of self — but the one thing I kept feeling was that painting was my true calling,” said Michael, adding that her parents’ support and encouragement played a key role. “I just chased it and trusted God, and he put a lot of really great people in my path.”

Michael’s colorful art first garnered attention from interior designers seeking pieces for clients’ homes. One pivotal moment came when a designer purchased every piece Michael had brought to show her, resulting in a $2,000 check and a boost to Michael’s confidence.

Further validation arrived when NBA star Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina discovered Michael’s work in 2018. They purchased several

pieces for their home, and then Nina Westbrook showcased Michael’s art in her Nichols Hills children’s boutique.

In addition to selling her art, Michael enjoys sharing her process with others. For the past six years, she has led regular painting classes at Henry Home Interiors in Norman, guiding students through techniques and encouraging them to tap into their own creative spirits.

(Her next class is April 30.) Several of her students have continued to paint — and even sell their own works.

“I love watching people’s styles evolve and seeing them find the joy in painting,” she said.

Her accessible, joyful approach to art has also led to partnerships with major retailers like HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby, selling select prints and allowing her work to reach an even wider audience.

“I believe the world needs more art, and I want to make it available to everyone, regardless of budget,” she explains. “Filling your home with things that bring you happiness is so important to me.”

As her art career continues to thrive, Michael remains grounded in the personal significance of her creative practice.

“Painting saved me during a really dark time,” she said. “It gave me a means to heal, and it still does. Art will forever be my therapy.”

With her vibrant canvases hanging within homes across the country, Michael’s art is bringing that same sense of peace and joy to others as well.

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OKC'S MUSEUM & GALLERY GUIDE

WITH A RICH CULTURAL HISTORY AND CREATIVELY GIFTED RESIDENTS, CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HAS AN IMPRESSIVE ASSORTMENT OF TREASURES ON DISPLAY AND WONDERS TO EXPERIENCE. CONSIDER THIS ROUNDUP ENCOURAGEMENT TO ENJOY SOME OF THE METRO’S FINEST ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS.

by J U L I E PA R T I N

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1515 Lincoln Gallery 1515 N. LINCOLN BLVD., OKC 1515 Lincoln Gallery is a vibrant collection of contemporary and estate art in a beautifully restored 1920s-era house along Lincoln Boulevard. Guided by founder Susan McCalmont’s passion for fostering art education and meaningful connections, the gallery contains an eclectic array of modern and secondary market art from across the globe.

Oklahoma National Guard Museum 2145 NE 36TH ST., OKC Formerly known as the 45th Infantry Division Museum, this space boasts an extensive collection of military artifacts that offer a captivating journey through the state’s rich military history, including Oklahoma’s esteemed division proudly recognized as the Thunderbirds. Through meticulously curated exhibits, the museum recounts the tales and pivotal moments of the Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard.

50 Penn Place Gallery 1900 NW EXPRESSWAY, OKC Located in the mall of the same name, the 50 Penn Place Gallery is owned by 12 professional artists whose works are also on display in the gallery, including pieces

by Bert Seabourn, Connie Seabourn, Tim Sullivan and others. In addition to the work of the owner-artists, the gallery features pieces from guest artists, and at regularly scheduled art openings, the creators are present to introduce and talk about their work.

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American Banjo Museum

9 E. Sheridan Ave., OKC

DNA Galleries 1709 NW 16TH ST., OKC

The American Banjo Museum spans 21,000 square feet and is dedicated to celebrating the heritage, essence and potential of the banjo. Within its halls, visitors will encounter a treasure trove of over 400 instruments, recordings, film, video, printed music, instructional materials, ephemera and memorabilia, all curated to enlighten guests on details of the American banjo’s ongoing legacy.

It’s celebrating 16 years in the Plaza District this year, and in that time the artists operating the space have featured new, established and emerging artists, welcomed the community to openings, exhibits and conversations and provided a space for local artists to display and sell their work. Some of OKC’s most popular local creators have started their careers at DNA.

ARTSPACE at Untitled

Exhibit C Gallery

1 NE 3RD ST., OKC

645 FIRST AMERICANS BLVD., OKC

Laura Warriner took a chance on the old warehouse district downtown before many people were aware of the area’s potential. Located in Deep Deuce, the focus at ARTSPACE is contemporary art, but the purpose is to create a communal space with ​​quality exhibitions, educational programs, performances, publications and dialogues with the community.

This Chickasaw-owned space in in the Horizons Districtis both gallery and retail space for First American artwork and artisan works such as jewelry, pottery and clothing, all made by Native American artists. It also offers a brokerage service to assist in locating traditional Native American art among its wide range of creators.

Harn Homestead 1721 N. LINCOLN BLVD., OKC The Harn Homestead stands as a cherished Oklahoma gem, offering a window into the territorial history of Oklahoma City. Within its grounds, visitors are transported back in time to experience the elegance of a Victorian home paired with the resourceful values of territorial farm families.

Howell Gallery of Fine Art 6432 N. WESTERN AVE., OKC

Factory Obscura Mix-Tape

First Americans Museum

25 NW 9TH ST., OKC

659 FIRST AMERICANS BLVD., OKC

The immersive art experience in the popular NW 9th Street area just off Automobile Alley was installed and is operated by local artists, for an experience modeled on New Mexico’s interactive Meow Wolf.

This decades-in-the-making project collects myths, artifacts, personal reflections, art and tributes to the 39 Native American Nations who are part of the museum’s grand narrative. Exhibit halls for all ages are on the grounds, as well as outdoor features, an excellent restaurant and guided tours.

Firehouse Art Center 444 S. FLOOD AVE., NORMAN Housed in a repurposed fire station, this non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation has evolved into a dynamic space featuring professional visual arts studios, adult and youth education programs, a permanent gift shop and a dedicated exhibition gallery. Serving as a vital hub for art education, the Firehouse is a leading provider of programming in Norman’s public elementary schools and actively partners with community events, engaging thousands of individuals annually with its diverse range of offerings.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Near Nichols Hills on N. Western Avenue, it has been featuring local, regional and nationally recognized artists since 1991.

The gallery houses a broad cross-section of media, including painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics and more.

JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N. WALKER AVE., OKC The artistic hub of the Paseo Arts District is the creation of Joy Reed Belt, whose lifelong dedication to the Paseo has kept it one of the city’s most beloved hyperlocal districts. The roster of artists includes established and emerging professionals, and the gallery always participates in the monthly First Friday Art Walk.

555 ELM AVE., NORMAN Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, this is one of the finest university art museums in the country. The permanent collection of more than 20,000 objects features Native American art (4,500 objects), French Impressionism and art of the American Southwest.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W. MACARTHUR ST., SHAWNEE After St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee shuttered in 2017, Oklahoma Baptist University acquired the property and chose to keep the Mabee-Gerrer Museum open. Founded just over 100 years ago, the museum’s collections include artifacts from Egypt, ancient Greece, Rome, East

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ONLY AT

4 1 5 C O U C H D R I V E , O K L A H O M A C I T Y, O K L A H O M A 7 3 1 0 2 | O K C M O A . C O M Guy Bardone, Les Dubes de St. Ours, Loches (detail), no date, oil on canvas, 30 × 25 1/8 in., Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Gift of Lyda H. James and Yvonne H. Parker per 1st Interstate Bank of Oklahoma, Trust Division, 1988.008, photo © Oklahoma City Museum of Art

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Museum and Science Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving meteorological artifacts, advancing education in science, mathematics, and safety and celebrating groundbreaking innovations in the field.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 COUCH DRIVE, OKC

Asia, Oceania and Africa, as well as visual arts from the Renaissance through the early 20th century.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art 122 E. MAIN ST., NORMAN Since its relocation to MAINSITE Contemporary Art in 2012, the Norman Arts Council has been a vibrant hub for artistic expression. Showcasing the talents of both local and international artists, it’s curated numerous exhibitions and welcomed renowned performers like Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), No Age and Mutual Benefit. Within MAINSITE, the Library Gallery offers a platform for emerging artists to present experimental and cutting-edge work, fostering creativity and innovation in the arts scene.

Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum 508 N. PETERS AVE., NORMAN Step into the past at the Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum, a cherished gem operated by the Cleveland County Historical Society (CCHS). This

meticulously preserved Victorian home offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Norman and Cleveland County, focusing on the period from 1890 to 1910.

With a dedicated mission to provide a welcoming, engaging and educational experience, the Moore-Lindsay House invites visitors to delve into the fascinating narrative of Norman, Cleveland County and the Oklahoma Territory.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63RD ST., OKC The museum is often referred to as “The Cowboy Hall of Fame” among locals, and while it is a hall of fame for professional cowboys, it’s also home to stunning artwork by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as important collections of Native American art and artifacts.

National Weather Museum & Science Center 1200 W. ROCK CREEK ROAD, NORMAN Experience the awe-inspiring world of weather at the National Weather

Located in the heart of downtown, the OKCMOA is known primarily for its Dale Chihuly collection, including a stunning 55-foot sculpture that welcomes museum guests. In addition to Chihuly, the permanent collection includes works from the Colonial period to contemporary artists.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame/ Gaylord-Pickens Museum 1400 CLASSEN DRIVE, OKC The Gaylord-Pickens Museum is one program within the lovely, stately facility near NW 13th Street and Shartel Avenue.

In keeping with the vision of the Hall of Fame, the museum introduces visitors to famous Oklahomans from politics to pop culture via interactive exhibits. The museum is designed to be educational and entertaining for all ages.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum 620 N. HARVEY AVE., OKC Documenting the events and commemorating the victims, first responders, families and all those affected by the horrific Murrah Building Bombing of April 19, 1995, is the mission of this stunning museum and memorial. The interactive museum is a walkthrough of the details surrounding the heinous act, the heroic efforts to rescue survivors and the story of the city’s successful drive to rebuild in the wake of disaster.

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Oklahoma Contemporary 11 NW 11TH ST., OKC Oklahoma Contemporary’s new $30 million home on the north end of Automobile Alley is itself a work of art, catching the morning and evening sun on its metal exterior. Contemporary art is displayed inside and out, and the space is designed to be an interactive, educational community. Café Contemporary inside the center is a popular downtown eatery, with vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.

Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum 2716 NE 50TH ST., OKC Established in 1967, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum stands to honor the rich heritage of the Oklahoma Fire Service. The museum proudly showcases a diverse array of exhibits and features artifacts spanning centuries, including collections from the esteemed London Fire Brigade.

Oklahoma History Center Museum 800 NAZIH ZUHDI DR., OKC The official caretakers of Oklahoma’s past, including artifacts, interactive components, testimonies, narratives, arts, etc., the museum tells the story of Oklahoma and Oklahomans in a collection of galleries and exhibits. Areas covered include topics as diverse as Oklahomans in space, the African American experience, free enterprise in the state and the stories of our Indigenous peoples.

Open Sky Editions 1303 N. ROBINSON AVE. SUITE 25, OKC Open Sky Editions is a premier art gallery specializing in contemporary and modern art, offering a curated selection of posters, prints, ephemera and publications.

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Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 2401 CHAUTAUQUA AVE., NORMAN Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, the Sam Noble has been entertaining and informing visitors since before statehood. The museum is divided into categories — dinosaurs are in the Hall of Ancient Life, for example — to make planning easier. Permanent and traveling exhibits include collections related to arts, culture, Indigenous peoples, energy and natural wonders.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2020 REMINGTON PLACE, OKC This 400,000-square-foot science museum is one of the largest of its kind, and it’s been a favorite field trip destination for generations of Oklahomans. The Science Floor is where most of the fun occurs, with its hundreds of interactive, educational displays, but there is more exploring to be done in additional galleries and the Kirkpatrick Planetarium.

Tribes Gallery Skeletons: Museum of Osteology 10301 S. SUNNYLANE ROAD, OKC This science museum proudly showcases an extensive collection of more than 450 authentic skeletons sourced from across the globe. At Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, the team offers engaging experiences for families and valuable educational resources for school groups, all centered around the exploration of the intricate form and functions of skeletal systems.

512 W. MAIN ST., NORMAN Tribes is where art comes alive with the spirit of Oklahoma’s rich heritage.

As the premier destination for Native American, Oklahoman and Western art, Tribes Gallery is committed to delivering exceptional experiences since its establishment opened in 1990.

Wildfire Gallery 2927 PASEO, OKC Located in the Paseo Arts District, Wildfire Gallery embodies the essence of contemporary Western art, showcasing a curated selection of local masterpieces and artisan treasures. Its distinctive “New West” collection captivates both admirers and collectors.

In one place, visitors experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. The 175,000 square foot museum, located in Oklahoma City’s new Horizons District, showcases state-of-the-art exhibitions, community events, a café offering unique Indigenous-inspired cuisine, and a museum store featuring exclusive items created by premiere First American artists.

659 FIRST AMERICANS BLVD

OKLAHOMA CITY

WWW.FAMOK.ORG

405.594.2100

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On view now okcontemp.org | 11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City Installation view of Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: HONOR SONG including Neuf, 1994-5.

Photo by Stuart Bennett. Thank you to the Henry Luce Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Oklahoma Humanities, Visit OKC, the Getty Foundation, Oklahoma City Community Foundation and ArtDesk for their generous support of this exhibition.

ON DISPLAY: FEBRUARY 04 - APRIL 26

OklahomaHOF.com | 405.235.4458 1400 Classen Dr., Oklahoma City

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S I G N U P AT 4 0 5 M A G A Z I N E . C O M / N E W S L E T T E R S

EST R THE B ER! E V O C S FF DI AS TO O RIBE TO S U B S C O KC M E T R O H HE T H AT T e best you to th ons ts c e n on nati el desti gazine c 405 Ma ts, events, trav C. n OK restaura and homes in OM A Z I N E .C !

05MAG Y 4 A T D I O S I T V SCRIBE TO SUB

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Join us on April 11 at 7 pm!

Don’t miss this special evening at OKCMOA featuring floral-inspired cocktails, light bites, live entertainment, access to the galleries, and skyline views on the Roof Terrace.

Celebrate all night, then return April 12–13 for Art in Bloom! Explore floral sculptures inspired by our permanent collection, crafted by talented designers from across Oklahoma. Enjoy selfguided tours and engaging workshops throughout the weekend.

Tickets for this exclusive 21+ event are available now, but they go fast.

Scan the QR code to buy yours today.

ONLY AT

THANK YOU FOR 23 YEARS OF SMILES!

PEDIATRIC DENTIST CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

405-348-5757

marthagarzondmd.com 870 South Kelly Avenue Edmond, OK 73003

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DINING G O O D TAS T E 5 4

THE DRINK 56

Party in the Plaza

RACHEL MAUCIERI

Fiestas bloom in The Margarita Garden P. 56

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D I N I N G

A New Noodle in Town The sensational BAR SEN

BY M AT T K I R O UAC

P H OTO S BY R AC H E L M AU C I E R I

PANDAN CINNAMON ROLL

W

ith food, it’s often the fondest memories from childhood, spent around a dinner table or helping in the kitchen, that imprint the most. And even in the most elaborate fine dining restaurant, the humblest nostalgia can manifest amid caviar and jamón ibérico. For Jeff Chanchaleune, the vaunted chef/owner of Ma Der Lao Kitchen, it all comes back to chicken noodle soup. It’s a homespun dish, free of pretense and packed with familial comfort, that many can relate to in some form. But for one of the most acclaimed chefs in OKC, a two-time nominee at the James Beard Foundation Awards and one of Visit Oklahoma City’s Hometown Heroes, that nostalgia has evolved into BAR SEN — a noodle bar like this city has never seen.

One of our most anticipated restaurants of 2025, Chanchaleune’s new concept sits directly next door to Ma Der, where Khao Piek Sen (Lao 54

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chicken noodle soup) became such a fan favorite it spawned its own spin-off. And while OKC has its fair share of noodles from ramen to pho, BAR SEN is the first to put Lao noodle soups in the spotlight.

“I’ve always wanted to do another noodle shop, something other than ramen, to introduce something else to the city,” explained Chanchaleune, emphasizing an interest in wanting to open a bar space as well. “Lao people love to drink, and I thought it could be great to have kind of an overflow space for people waiting for next door, so we could hit two birds with one stone.”

With Ma Der, Chanchaleune introduced authentic Lao cuisine to OKC, offering different noodle specials through the week as a means of testing out his idea for a Lao noodle shop.

The test worked: “Our noodles became really popular, especially Saturday’s chicken noodle

soup,” he said. “This is my way of continuing the Lao food moment, and introducing Oklahomans — and, I think, the nation — to a different realm of Lao cuisine, not just sticky rice and papaya salad.”

Along with a variety of shareable dishes, like Lao salad with egg yolk dressing and coconut milk fried chicken (a nod to Chanchaleune’s childhood favorite, Church’s Chicken), those rice noodles — housemade and mostly glutenfree — are the star of the show. Particularly the Khao Piek Sen that he grew up on.

“If I could have one last meal, it would be this chicken noodle soup, but my mom’s version,” Chanchaleune said. “I love her version, but ours is a little different. What makes this soup unique is the viscousness of the broth, which thickens up. It reminds me of chicken and dumplings, really fun to eat.” The heady broth is topped with poached chicken breast,

G O O D

fried shallots, garlic oil, Chinese celery and local quail eggs, with chili oil on hand for those who like it spicy. Lao noodle soups are the crux of the small menu, and in addition to Khao Piek Sen, BAR SEN features a vegan version with tofu, a red curry vermicelli, a Lao Khao Soi with wide rice noodles and ragout-like pork sauce and Suki Yaki, a medley of pork broth and bean thread noodles with a spicy sauce that has quickly become a crowd favorite.

Even the lone dessert, a Cinnabonsized pandan cinnamon roll, harkens to Chanchaleune’s childhood and his mom’s love for the state fair snack. Calling her an avid baker, he adapted her cinnamon roll recipe and added pandan to the cream cheese glaze.

On the bar side, Daniel Johnson serves as beverage director at both Mar Der and BAR SEN. The drink list features sake, a curated wine selection and classic-inspired cocktails, like a

tamarind-infused Penicillin or a tropical Bramble with mango, kiwi and lemongrass. There are also two frozen drinks that are heavily influenced

by Chanchaleune’s childhood, including the bourbon-spiked Frozen Curry Coffee, topped with crumbled pecan coconut cookies that the chef used to eat at his grandparents’ house.

Despite sitting right next to Ma Der, BAR SEN channels its own aesthetic.

“There’s this saying in Lao culture, ‘same but different,’” Chanchaleune noted. “Since it’s an extension, with some similar menu items but a different branch of Lao cuisine, I wanted it to look similar but different.” Using black wallpaper bedecked with emerald green tiles and an upbeat playlist filled with Daft Punk and Chromeo, he described it as moody, with a communal table designed to make guests feel like they’re hanging out at the chef’s house. Baby pictures of family, friends and employees add to that

TA S T E

effect. Outside, a mural of his grandfather, who passed away shortly before BAR SEN opened, is in the works — to complement the mural of his grandmother on Ma Der. Every element of BAR SEN, from the nostalgic noodles to the cookie crumbles and heartfelt murals, is the singular vision of a visionary chef. In a full-circle moment, Chanchaleune recounted living directly behind this very building when he was a baby, only to fortuitously return with the Lao noodle shop of his dreams.

→ For more information visit barsenokc.com

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Growth by the Pitcher The new party spot for the Plaza

BY M AT T K I R O UAC

BLACK STALLION MARGARITA

I

n terms of restaurants and bars, no neighborhood in OKC has boomed quite like The Plaza District. Recent years have seen the openings of Ma Der Lao Kitchen (and its newly minted noodle shop spin-off, BAR SEN), Good For A Few, Takaramono, RADBAR and Osteria. And just when it seemed the only thing missing was a patio party spot, along comes The Margarita Garden to fill a void and quench that thirst.

Owned by Luis Rodriguez and Jeremy Cifuentes, the newly opened agave watering hole is both a culmination and a homecoming. “I was born and raised in OKC, specifically around this area in The Plaza District,” said Cifuentes, recalling memories of the neighborhood before it was the hottest dining spot in town.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, was born in Mexico, and moved to Oklahoma when he was 7. He’s been in the restaurant industry for 20 years, including at Chiltepe’s Latin Cuisine and Bar, a bygone Plaza restaurant owned by Cifuentes’ family. In their own ways, opening a bar in a neighborhood that’s proven so seminal is a return to form. And it’s all thanks to margaritas.

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P H OTO S BY R AC H E L M AU C I E R I

THE EMILY COCKTAIL

“We always talked about opening a bar when the opportunity came,” Rodriguez said. “On Mondays, we would go have happy hour margaritas at Republic (Gastropub) and we decided that would be a staple for us.” In one of their conversations, Rodriguez’s wife jokingly asked, “Why don’t y’all call it Margarita Garden, since y’all love margaritas?” The idea stuck, and the concept bloomed from there, as a neighborhood bar centered around quality margaritas, a peerless patio and a playlist that Rodriguez billed as a combo of old-school R&B, hip-hop and Latin music.

“Since we are Latinos, we want a little bit of our culture, especially since we grew up in the Plaza,” Rodriguez added. “Jeremy’s family had a store where Bad Granny’s is now, then moved it to where The Mule is now. I lived on 16th Street, four houses down from the store where The Mule is, so I’ve known the Cifuentes family since they opened.”

The menu, naturally, is all about margaritas.

“We have a variety of different types of margaritas,” explained Rodriguez. “Some are just lime and agave, others are made with an

orange juice or Mandarin.” He stressed the importance of living up to The Margarita Garden moniker, offering cocktails made with quality and care using their own house mix, without any concentrates or powder-based mixes. These include house margaritas, as well as variations like the spicy Itty Bitty Chile. The Margarita Garden also offers other cocktails and mocktails — including Guatemalan rum drinks that have become a hit, like La Chatia, made with Quetzalteca blackberry rum and edible hibiscus flowers.

They’re planning on expanding the kitchen, and creating more “shareable bar food with a twist,” but for now guests can pair their tequila with tacos, nachos and quesadillas — ideally on the idyllic patio, poised to become a warm-weather sensation.

“We want everyone to feel like when they come in it’s a party, and have fun and enjoy the music and their drinks,” Rodriguez said. “We want to be the party spot for the Plaza.” → For more information visit @the_margarita_ garden on Instagram.

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D R I N K

LEFT TO RIGHT: MG SIGNATURE MARGARITA, THE CHATIA, THE BLACK STALLION, AND THE MEXICAN CANDY SHOT

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When Art and Basketball Collide The Oklahoma City Thunder's City Nights highlight local artists. P. 62 405MAGAZINE.COM

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B AC K

Bearer of the Morning Remembering legendary Oklahoma performer Te Ata

BY L I N DA M I L L E R P H O TO C O U R T E S Y O F O K L A H O M A H I S TO R I C A L S O C I E T Y

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he was born Mary Frances Thompson in 1895 in the tiny town of Emet in the Chickasaw Nation, but years later as Te Ata she toured the world, performing for royal families, heads of state and twice for President Franklin Roosevelt.

Growing up, she attended a Chickasaw school for girls, then high school in Tishomingo — where she met white children for the first time. She graduated in 1919 from the Oklahoma College for Women, now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. It was there she was introduced to performing and to theater instructor Frances Dinsmore Davis, the woman who would help guide Thompson’s life and career in a direction she could never have imagined.

Davis recognized Thompson’s talent, urging her to find inspiration from her background and incorporate familiar Native American stories and songs for her senior performance. She started using the name Te Ata, which means “bearer of the morning,” to reflect her heritage.

It was the beginning of a journey and a career that seemingly knew no bounds and led her to international fame.

After graduation, she joined a traveling Chautauqua circuit and perfected her storytelling skills as she crisscrossed the country before enrolling in more training at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She later moved to New York City and performed in several Broadway productions. There she met Clyde Fisher, a naturalist and future curator of the Hayden Planetarium, and they married in 1933.

Te Ata’s talent seemingly knew no limits, and soon she was attracting the attention of some of the biggest names and most important people in the world. In 1939, she entertained President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their guests King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Later the king and queen asked Te Ata to perform in England.

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TE ATA, AN OKLAHOMA CHICKASAW STORYTELLER, DANCER AND SINGER, PERFORMED WORLDWIDE.

Her commanding presence allowed her to entertain and advocate for Native American culture, including the presentation of a one-woman show where she dressed in buckskin clothing, used authentic props and interpreted history and tribal songs. She performed throughout the United States and internationally until the late 1970s.

She was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1957 and the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 1990. She was named The Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year in 1976 and was honored as Oklahoma’s first Cultural Treasure in 1987. Close friend Eleanor Roosevelt named a lake in her honor in upstate New York.

Te Ata, a member of the National Congress of American Indians, was proud of her heritage and family. Her father, T. B. Thompson, the last treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation, operated stores in Tishomingo. Her uncle, Douglas H. Johnston, was the last governor of the old Chickasaw Nation.

In an interview with Chickasaw.tv, her great-nephew Mason Cole said most of her strength lay in her warmth, her openness, her friendliness: “She was a very personable woman, and when you dealt with her you had the sense that you were dealing with someone who was almost a force of nature, a very gentle but also very proud, very independent, a true bearer of the Chickasaw culture and of her own Oklahoma heritage.”

When she was named Oklahoma’s first Cultural Treasure, Cole said it was a magnificent experience for the entire family. “I couldn’t imagine it happening to someone more suited for the role, and I’m so sorry that she only got to enjoy it for a short time.”

Te Ata died in Oklahoma City on Oct. 26, 1995.

Nominations Open MAY 1 - 31

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OKC Thunder’s City Nights A celebration of local art and culture

BY JA K E D U R H A M

VILONA MICHAEL

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his season, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been enhancing its relationship with the community with City Nights, a special series that blends basketball, culture and art. Part of the team’s 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition lineup, this initiative turned Sunday home games into a celebration of OKC’s growth, creativity and energy.

P H OTO S BY J I M M Y D O

REX SMITHERMAN AND JUSTIN WILSON

City’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, which symbolizes the city’s energy and creativity.

“The City Edition Uniform exemplifies Oklahoma City’s evolving landscape that we see in every neighborhood in all quadrants of the city,” said the Thunder’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brian Byrnes.

JOSHUA JAIYE FARRELL

Artists for the Fresh Take Poster Series included Barrett Tarr (a.k.a. Kid Lennon) — Palms of Progress, Zachery Junker (a.k.a.

StepbackZach), Yovany Avendano (a.k.a. VNICE) from Tulsa, Savannah Tallbear from Oklahoma City and Jenee’ Staicer from Tulsa.

Extending Beyond the Court

City Nights and the Fresh Take Poster Series A Uniform That Tells a Story On Nov. 12, 2024, the Thunder unveiled their 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition Uniform, which incorporated a distinctive design that reflects Oklahoma City’s growth and cultural renaissance. The uniform prominently features “OKLAHOMA” across the chest, marking only the second time a Thunder jersey has centered the state’s name.

During Sunday home games, branded as “City Nights,” fans saw both the City Edition uniforms and a matching court design. The “City Nights” theme is a nod to Oklahoma 62

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The Thunder’s City Nights games offered fans an exclusive artistic experience. Each game featured a limited-edition Fresh Take Poster Series, presented by Michelob ULTRA in collaboration with the Thunder Artist Group (TAG). Posters are created by local artists and highlight a diverse range of cultural elements such as art, fashion, music, culinary arts and fitness. The series showcases the diversity and vibrancy of Oklahoma City’s artistic community, with each poster telling a story about the city’s culture and heritage.

In addition to the Fresh Take Poster Series, the Thunder introduced exclusive in-arena retail collaborations with Round21, a sports and art platform founded by Oklahoma native Jasmine Maietta. These limited-edition items support the importance of local creativity and craftsmanship.

A mobile art exhibition, the City Bus, will also bring original artwork and interactive experiences to metro events like the Festival of the Arts in April. This initiative is designed to take art out of traditional gallery spaces an d into the heart of the community. By doing so, the City Edition celebration extends beyond the Paycom

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TIFFANY BRAXTON AND THUMY PHAN

Center and allows more residents to engage with Oklahoma City’s artistic community.

A Platform for Community Engagement The OKC Thunder’s City Nights are a tribute to the city’s rich artistic culture and its people. By integrating local artists into the game-day experience, the Thunder creates a relationship between sports and creativity, offering fans an experience beyond basketball.

As the season progresses, City Nights will continue to serve as a platform for storytelling, unity and artistic expression, reinforcing the Thunder’s connection to Oklahoma City’s past, present and future. → Fans can explore the City Edition collection and learn more about the initiative at okcthunder.com/ city.

D’ANGELO TODD AND MELISSA GRIGGS

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A proposed 12,500-seat amphitheater is back, this time at a new location in Yukon.

The developers had proposed the music venue for Far West OKC before the city council voted it down after an outpouring of protests from nearby neighbors.

The new location would be just west of Frisco Road and north of I-40 and has already received preliminary approval from the City of Yukon.”

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