TulsaPeople May 2025

May 2025

Mental health awareness is addiction awareness.

Addiction is a real mental health disorder. That’s why we work with community partners including physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, law enforcement and more to provide addiction recovery services to those in need. This month—Mental Health Awareness Month—and all year long, we’re beating addiction one life at a time.

LEADING CHANGE. ADVANCING CARE.

grandmh.com • 24/7 CRISIS LINE: 800-722-3611

FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS

Leaders with Heart INTEGRITY. COMPASSION. FAITHFULNESS. As Founder of AVTAX Inc., a nationwide ad valorem tax company, Charles (Charlie) Pennington’s 50-year career has been marked by dedication and excellence. However, it is in his later years that Charlie has truly found his calling and left an indelible mark on countless lives.

For 15 years, he has been involved with Pets Helping People (aka Muddy Paws).

The organization started in 2009 for the purpose of training women with criminal backgrounds and becoming contributing members of society by preparing them for careers in the dog-grooming industry.

To date, 338 graduates work in 83 grooming shops and 36 own their own businesses. The program has a 95% job placement and the recidivism rate is 1%.

“Pets Helping People graduates have the dignity that comes from completing a program, gaining a marketable skill, and earning a livable wage. Additionally, the multi-generational effect of seeing moms restored with their families and children who live in a secure environment without fear is beneficial for everyone,” says Charlie.

After graduation from the University of Colorado with a degree in Finance, Charlie arrived in Tulsa in 1975, where he found the cost of housing affordable,

compassionate teachers, and many welcoming churches. He and his wife Katheryn raised four children here.

The business community was growing and filled with prospects. Charlie initially started his property tax career with the Southland Corporation’s Tax Department.

He later became a regional manager for Property Tax Service Co. and then became a founding partner of AVTAX Inc., which was a national property tax-consulting firm. AVTAX was eventually acquired by CBIZ, a professional services company.

“I believe there are many seasons in our life, and one of those comes when we look outside our families after our children are grown and the demand of careers are not as strong,” Charlie says. “Each of us knows nonprofits that need our acquired wisdom, financial support, and time to help those who want a ‘helping hand.’ In the end, our lives are personally blessed by serving with other volunteers who have the same community spirit of goodwill and love.”

Charlie’s efforts toward charity work are driven by his unwavering faith and the exemplary influence of his parents and friends. In addition to his service with Muddy Paws, he also has dedicated his time and resources to aiding communities in Ghana and working with Russian orphans, bringing joy and support to those in need.

“A long-time friend and supporter of First Oklahoma Bank, Charlie is known for his integrity, compassion, and faithfulness.

His selfless actions and commitment to giving back serve as an inspiring example to all who know him,” says Tom Bennett Jr., Executive Chairman of the Board for First Oklahoma. “Charlie Pennington is indeed a good man, whose legacy of mercy and kindness continues to transform lives for the better. It is a privilege to call him our friend.”

Midtown: 4110 S. Rockford Avenue | South: 100 S. Riverfront Drive, Jenks FirstOklahomaBank.com

Chad Hanson, DO | Board certified in orthopedic surgery

Specialized orthopedic care to keep you moving.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our OSU Orthopedics clinic led by Dr. Chad Hanson, boardcertified orthopedic surgeon. A specialist in sports medicine, Dr. Hanson brings extensive experience in ACL knee and hip arthroscopy, as well as shoulder, elbow, ankle and wrist surgeries. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or seeking relief from chronic joint pain, our mission is to restore your mobility, reduce pain and help you return to the activities you love.

OSU Orthopedics 744 W. 9th Street, Suite 100 918-631-8877 | osumedicine.com

Care that goes beyond.

Contents MAY 2025

VOLUME 39 ISSUE 7

7

CITY DESK Puppet pals tackle tough subjects.

Tulsa mom honors daughter.

Improv for everyone.

3 recent benefits.

Five Moons Garden at the Museum of Tulsa History, formerly known as Tulsa Historical Society and Museum

26

50

Tulsa Historical Society and Museum gets new priorities along with a new name. BY MICHAEL OVERALL

Tulsa’s casinos offer gaming, live music, nightlife and more fun. BY TIM LANDES

29

SPECIAL SECTIONS

SNAPSHOTS OF SUMMER Get your camera ready to capture some memories.

There are 98 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day so we’ve come up with 98 ways to celebrate the summer with something to do every day.

43 65

Cancer clinical trials.

Happy 150th to Kate Barnard.

TULSAPEOPLE HOME AND DESIGNER SHOWCASE PROGRAM

May 2025

MAY 2025

Whether you’re in the mood for music, food, carnival games or cultural entertainment, find your fun at one or more of these summer festivals. BY MADISON WALTERS

38

DIVE IN Splashy spots worth a drive. BY LAUREN ROGERS 4 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Put a bow on it.

TULSAPEOPLE

RED-HOT ROSTER

LIFESTYLE Books and bouquets in BA.

SUMMER TRAVEL

BY MADELINE CRAWFORD AND MADISON WALTERS

33

55

FUN AND GAMES

59 ON THE COVER Clockwise from top right, Stella Atom, Tulsa Botanic Garden, Mother Road Market, Oklahoma Aquarium, Five Moons Garden, Joe’s Farm, Josh’s Sno Cone and Admiral Twin Drive-In

BY STAFF

TABLE TALK Moroccan food shines on Studio Row. It’s ice cream sandwich season.

Sperry’s retro soda fountain.

Mid-week dinner deals.

CITY DESK: GREG BOLLINGER; TABLE TALK, LIFESTYLE, FIVE MOONS: MICHELLE POLLARD

TELLING ALL OF TULSA’S STORIES

Spring Savings Are In The Air Save energy and money with instant cash-back offers and rebates Getting rewarded for buying energyefficient products or making energy-saving updates to your home is easy. Just visit PowerForwardWithPSO.com to find offers and rebates for appliances and equipment, HVAC, insulation and sealing, electronics, home maintenance items and more. It’s the perfect season to save with PSO.

Find Money-Saving Rebates At PowerForwardWithPSO.com

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER Volume XXXIX, Number 7 ©2025. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage.

S

pring in Tulsa is busy. We’re all buzzing around like bees flying from bloom to bloom. We return home to our hives for a shower and a change of clothes before we’re out the door and on the road to our next commitment.

The parents I know consider the end of the school year to be just as busy as the hectic month of December, shuttling from event to event before summer is in full swing.

I certainly hope you plan some time for yourself. To give you some ideas, we’ve packed plenty of to-dos into this issue.

On p. 10, our May Tulsa 10 — the 10 can’t-miss events this month — includes fi lm screenings, Tulsa Botanic Garden’s special summer exhibit “Florigami in the Garden,” and cultural events like the Tulsa City-County Library’s Zarrow Award event recognizing author Kwame Alexander. I’m looking forward to the 25th anniversary of the 5x5 Show and Sale supporting Tulsa Artists’ Coalition. On p. 20 I had the chance to visit with TAC member and former president Dean Wyatt in his studio and talk about this milestone for the longtime artist organization.

Memorial Day on May 26 is the unofficial start of summer. Whether you have traditional plans to kickstart the season or wish to try something new, we’ve come up with 98 things you can do between then and Labor Day on Sept. 1. Check out our robust Summer Fun Guide on p. 29.

If you’re like me and crave water-related fun when the temperatures turn to triple digits, our summer travel feature on p. 38 detailing two new waterparks — OKANA in Oklahoma City and WOKA near Siloam Springs, plus plenty of things to do nearby — might be just the ticket.

A quintessential sound of summer is the ice cream truck. Still to this day, when I hear that jingle come through my neigh6 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

borhood or when I’m walking the River Parks trail near 41st Street, the sound perks my ears and I instantly start craving an ice cream sandwich. Th is summer I plan on making batches from Natalie Mikles’ recipe on p. 62.

Something additional in this month’s issue is the new special section, TulsaPeople Home. Led by Editor Kendall Barrow, I hope you take some time to fl ip through the pages to fi nd inspiration for your very own home. It’s a treat for the senses and also includes the program for Designer Showcase, which is a residence renovated and refreshed by 21 local, talented designers. Find the program preview on p. 97 before heading to the Maple Ridge property to see it for yourself May 3-18.

Not far from the Designer Showcase home you’ll fi nd the historic Travis mansion, which has been the headquarters for the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum for decades. I met with CEO and Executive Director David Goldenberg earlier this spring, and he let me know the organization is changing its name to the Museum of Tulsa History. Read Michael Overall’s feature on p. 26 to learn why.

I feel like every month I recite the same sentiment: There is so much to see and do in Tulsa. What can I say? It’s the truth.

Thanks for reading, and happy summer planning. tp

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 P: 918-585-9924 F: 918-585-9926

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller EDITOR Anne Brockman FEATURES EDITOR Tim Landes EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Tiffany Howard CREATIVE DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford ART DIRECTOR Georgia Brooks MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Pollard VIDEOGRAPHER Greg Bollinger SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Andrea Canada ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Melissa Givens Josh Kampf CONTROLLER Mary McKisick RECEPTIONIST/MARKETING ASSISTANT Madison Walters

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Anne Brockman EDITOR

S AY N O T O H A T E

City Desk NEWS

CAUSES

PASSIONS

FELTED W FRIENDS

hen the black curtains part on the small stage, a lively group of puppets springs to life, ready to introduce themselves to an eager audience of elementary school children. They might meet Stephen, a 12-year-old with scars on his arm and head, or best friends Eddy and Clare who show how standing together can make a difference in bullying situations. Created by the Kids on the Block program at Parent Child Center of Tulsa, these puppets offer a safe, engaging way for children to explore and understand life’s challenges. tp

GREG BOLLINGER

READ MORE ABOUT KIDS ON THE BLOCK ON P. 12.

TulsaPeople.com 7

CITY DESK

NOTEBOOK

Mizel Jewish Community Day School 50th anniversary committee members Valerie Otero and Janet Dundee

GETTING IN GEAR Four years after founding Ride to Remember, a bike ride commemorating the Tulsa Race Massacre, Osborne Celestain is upping the ante by making plans to ride from Black Wall Street in Tulsa all the way to New York City’s Wall Street.

Ride to Remember is put on by the Community Light Foundation, a nonprofit Celestain founded in 2021 to fight food insecurity in north Tulsa. But Celestain’s ride will be much longer than the race’s standard 25, 45 or 60 miles. He and other participants, including the Black Leaders of Detroit and other national cycling groups, will segue to The Ride for Equity, which will span 1,650 miles, eight states and 32 cities. The peloton will cycle 60-75 miles each day at a pace of 12 miles an hour, with the ride culminating in New York City on July 4.

“You can’t learn effectively by yourself,” Celestain says. “By riding with a group, you find people that know more than you do — like how to switch your gears.” It’s hard to tell if Celestain is speaking metaphorically or literally because both seem to be true for him. “We do a lot of gear-shifting as we get older.”

His race raises money for causes that seek to end food insecurity, specifically in north Tulsa, where Celestain says statistics show residents live eight years less than other Tulsans due to food-related illnesses. Nonprofits like FreshRX, a community partner with the Ride to Remember, teaches Tulsans with Type 2 diabetes how to cook and eat fruits and vegetables. “You’re never too old to improve your health,” he says.

Celestain encourages Tulsans to meet up with him at Fulton Street Books and Coffee on May 30 where he will be speaking about the race, which will occur the next day. — JORDAN COX

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH QPR — question, persuade and refer — is a nationally-recognized, evidence-based training that teaches people how to recognize and respond positively to someone exhibiting suicidal signs and behaviors. From noon-1:15 p.m. on May 21, Mental Health Association Oklahoma will host a free QPR class for those 18 and older at Legacy Plaza, 5330 E. 31st St. Register at mhaok.org/qpr or email info@mhaok.org. — ANNE BROCKMAN 8 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

READING, WRITING, ARITHMETIC AND EMPATHY Over the past 50 years Mizel Jewish Community Day School has changed a lot, but its values certainly have not. This month Mizel Day School, formerly known as Heritage Academy, will celebrate five decades of being in the community. What began as a school for 18 students from primarily Jewish families has grown to a robust school of 61 students, preschool through fifth grade, with the recent addition of a childcare program.

At Mizel, students from all different faith traditions and backgrounds enjoy small classes with access to a community garden, monthly interactions with senior residents of Zarrow Pointe, a kitchen to provide culinary enrichment and Hebrew lessons. The school helps to grow service-minded citizens through class service initiatives that improve the world through acts of kindness. One of the school’s values is Tikkun Olam — “repairing the world” in Hebrew — so many of Mizel’s programs and initiatives are targeted at just that.

Mizel’s 50th anniversary celebration will be held May 4. Suitably, a gold-themed evening will help mark the golden anniversary, featuring Broadway-style entertainment, a cocktail hour and dinner. Janet Dundee, long-time volunteer and parent of a Mizel alumni, is chairing the celebration. Reflecting on the values that were instilled in her daughter and the benefits of a student base made up of different backgrounds and walks-of-life, she says: “As adults, (Mizel students) are better citizens and community members when they learn these things as children.”

Learn more at mizelschool.org. — JORDAN COX

GREG BOLLINGER

Osborne Celestain

A moving and powerful story takes shape by presenting the complete, unfiltered past of Cherokee Nation.

A NATION OF

RESILIENCE Immerse yourself in our stirring history, and learn about the inspiring people who shaped it.

ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE. Cherokee National History Museum Tahlequah, Oklahoma

CITY DESK

TULSA 10

MAY COMPILED BY MADISON WALTERS

May 2 ANNE V. ZARROW AWARD FOR YOUNG READERS’ LITERATURE This year’s recipient of the prestigious award is Kwame Alexander, a poet, educator and bestselling author of more than 40 books for all ages. tulsalibrary.org May 5 SAVE FERRIS Influential ska band Save Ferris is making their way to Tulsa for a high-energy performance. thevanguardtulsa.com May 9 “MAMMA MIA!” Philbrook Museum of Art’s Films on the Lawn season kicks off with a showing of the movie musical “Mamma Mia!” philbrook.org May 9 GHOUL FRIENDS QUEER CABARET Get ready to dance with the dead at the spooktacular rave Ghoul Friends Queer Cabaret, hosted by Tabitha Litch at The Starlite. instagram.com/ ghoulfriends_queercabaret May 10 TULSA HEART AND SOIL GARDEN TOUR Looking for something to do for Mother’s Day weekend? Take your mom to Tulsa Heart and Soil, a tour that allows the public to view four private residential gardens in full spring splendor. tulsagardenclub.org/garden-tour May 10-11 ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO For lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre, Oddities and Curiosities Expo returns for a shopping experience unlike any other, featuring items like taxidermy, preserved specimens, horror/Halloween items and more. odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com May 17 “REBEL WITH A CLAUSE” SCREENING Join Circle Cinema for a special screening of grammar advice documentary “Rebel with a Clause.”

Ellen Jovin, the subject of the film, will be in attendance for a Q-and-A. circlecinema.org

Through Sept. 21 FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN Tulsa Botanic Garden hosts the Oklahoma debut of Florigami in the Garden, an exhibition of 20 striking sculptures by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. tulsabotanic.org/florigami-in-the-garden 10 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

May 17 RECORD CLUB KICKOFF Listen to new vinyl releases and a feature presentation of Pink Floyd’s 1973 album “Dark Side of the Moon” playing during a showing of “The Wizard of Oz” at Guthrie Green. guthriegreen.com May 31 FC TULSA V. BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC FC Tulsa will host Birmingham Legion during the team’s annual Greenwood Night, honoring the history and legacy of the Greenwood District. fctulsa.com

GREG BOLLINGER

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR TULSA 10 WEEKLY RUNDOWNS.

CITY DESK

PASSIONS

Pain into passion Tulsa mom turns her tragedy into a beacon of hope for others.

BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ

B

ecoming a mother was ingrained into Kristin McQuaid’s soul.

“I wanted it all — the morning sickness, the painful birth, all of it,” McQuaid says. However, the challenges she faced during her journey were many and fi lled with heartache and despair.

After years of struggling to conceive, she was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis, which led to several surgeries and eventually a hysterectomy. Her struggles led McQuaid and her husband, Steve, to explore surrogacy.

“I was so excited when we found a surrogate. I went to all the appointments, read all the books and bought all the baby gear,” McQuaid says. “Everything about the pregnancy was textbook until the very end.”

In 2021 the McQuaids received devastating news; their daughter London, had died before birth at 39 weeks.

“There are no words to describe the complete and guttural anguish that consumed us,” she says. “It was like a black hole.”

With no idea what to do next or how to cope, McQuaid began researching but couldn’t find resources for surrogate families dealing with infant loss.

“After endless searching and calling support groups for infant loss across the 12 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

world, it became clear to me what London’s purpose and mission was,” McQuaid says. In 2021 she founded London is the Reason, a nonprofit that supports both surrogates/gestational carriers and their intended parents after infant loss at any stage of pregnancy. It offers support groups and provides “healing boxes” that are available at various hospitals as well as online at londonisthereason.org.

“There was nothing for me when London passed,” she says. “I want other parents to have something tangible that gives them some sort of comfort.”

The healing boxes contain a handwritten letter from McQuaid, journals on selfhealing, a copy of her children’s book, “Our Angel Gave Us Our Angel,” an inspirational bracelet and other resources.

“I didn’t need to live with London to know her love. Because of her, I can now help other parents find comfort in their grief,” McQuaid says. “London has made me the best version of myself — she is the reason.”

Despite the pain of their experience, the McQuaids continued their journey and in 2022 welcomed son, Ford, through surrogacy and daughter, Bexley, through adoption. tp

PROGRAM HELPS TULSA KIDS NAVIGATE CHALLENGES Puppets are proving to be powerful educators across schools and community centers in Tulsa. The Kids on the Block program began in the 1970s nationally to help normalize disabilities among children. In the 1990s Parent Child Center of Tulsa adopted and expanded the program to address issues like abuse, neglect and bullying.

“When studies have been done on puppetry education, they’ve shown that children view the puppets as peer figures, rather than authority figures,” says Kurt Bennett, youth programs manager at PCCT. “This makes the students feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing information.”

Tailored for pre-K through sixth grade, the program meets children at their developmental level. Each year 30,00040,000 students experience a Kids on the Block performance, primarily through school districts such as Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Union, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs and Kiefer. In the summer, the puppets take the stage at YMCAs, libraries and other community spaces.

One of the most telling responses comes from the “Dear Puppet” letters students write after performances.

“What we see is students aren’t sure what’s safe and what’s not, especially in situations where abuse or neglect may be present,” Bennett says.

Thanks to the puppets, they’re figuring that out. — ABIGAIL SINGREY

GREG BOLLINGER

Kristin McQuaid, with daughter Bexley and son Ford, is the founder of London is the Reason, a nonprofit McQuaid started in 2021 that has now helped people around the world who have suffered infant loss.

Cynthia Carrasco and Kurt Bennett present Kids on the Block, a program of the Parent Child Center of Tulsa.

Meals that give back.

SAVE THE DATE FOR RESTAURANT WEEK 2025!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE BEST TASTING WEEK OF THE YEAR: SEPTEMBER 5-14!

Plans are underway for TulsaPeople’s 19th annual Restaurant Week benefitting the Food for Kids programs of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

PR E SE N T ING SPONSORS

BE NE F I T T ING

ATTENTION TULSA RESTAURANTS: For information about participating in Restaurant Week, contact: Ambika Krishnan at 918.936.4535 | akrishnan@okfoodbank.org

CITY DESK

IN THE CLASSROOM

Innovators of tomorrow Summer camp creates space for kids to develop applied artistic skills.

STORIES BY MEREDITH BOE

CURATED MOMENTS

Preschool educator Tiffany Browning works with educators at the Curated Moments professional development initiative.

14 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

L

ee Tisdale is an artist at his core.

But it wasn’t until founding Tisdale Marketing Solutions in 2019 that he turned his passion for art into a business. And he wants Tulsa’s kids to have the same opportunity.

Tisdale started Innovators of Tomorrow, a summer camp for kids ages 10-17 that focuses on two main goals: nourishing their artistic selves and developing skills for real-world jobs. He wants the kids to see firsthand how they can pursue an artistic career, as he did with Tisdale Marketing,

In 2024 Riverfield Country Day School published a book called “Curated Moments: Reggio-Inspired Classrooms for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos,” which digs into the Reggio Emilia approach developed in preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and how it has been translated into teaching and learning in Riverfield’s preschool. It’s all about inquiry, experimentation, creative expression, action and the social construction of knowledge, according to Jen Kesselring, head of Riverfield’s preschool division. It’s also about acknowledging the innate strengths and capabilities of children.

“Curated Moments” stresses that even very young children have a large capacity to “seek relationships and meaning, make connections and construct knowledge in complex and fascinating ways,” Kesselring says.

Head of School Jerry Bates emphasizes that Riverfield, now in its 40th year, has become a strong point of reference for the Reggio Emilia approach, which he says is a philosophy, as well as a way of being and thinking about education. The school supports outside educators with professional development, articles, books, speaking engagements and college courses.

Bates says, “As we heard in our study group in Reggio Emilia in March 2023, ‘Education remains the first line of defense in a tumultuous world,’ and we accept this challenge with fervor.”

With Reggio Emilia, educators want to foster a lifelong love of the learning process. “What better gift could Riverfield offer young children than that?” adds Kesselring.

Find out more at riverfield.org. tp

TISDALE: GREG BOLLINGER; RIVERFIELD: COURTESY RIVERFIELD

Lee Tisdale, standing, is the founder of Tisdale Marketing Solutions, which hosts a summer camp for kids interested in art and digital skills. Tisdale left a career in psychology to follow his artistic passions and create his marketing business.

provider of creative marketing solutions for businesses.

Art was Tisdale’s way to “cope and deal with things” when he was growing up. He recalls authority figures would say things like “You’re never going to make money as a starving artist,” and so he didn’t pursue it professionally until his son inspired him years later. He had kept up on technology, software and tools, posting his artwork on Instagram, developing a following and even winning some competitions.

“A lot of kids out there may not feel like they are the best at art, or maybe they’re being pressured, like I was, to do something different,” he says. Through Innovators of Tomorrow, he provides a community outlet to help kids focus on their art-making skills.

Tisdale and his team of creatives lead the kids in understanding basic concepts, like color theory, alongside digital skills from website-building to logo-making. Students have free time at the end of each class to work on whatever they want using provided tools, like 3-D printers.

The free camp is held on Saturdays over the summer. To apply, kids submit a one-minute video explaining why they want to attend the camp and showcase their artwork.

Tisdale says, “We’re looking for personalities, we’re looking for people who are passionate about their art and want to take it somewhere else.”

Visit tisdalemarketingsolutions.com for more. tp

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CITY DESK

ART SPOT

Live and laugh Nonprofit fosters comedic arts in Tulsa.

BY HEATHER KOONTZ

F

or curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, Tulsa’s thriving arts scene offers countless opportunities to learn new skills and step outside of comfort zones. One such opportunity is Th ird Space, an organization aimed at spreading laughter and the benefits of play across the metro.

As an arts education nonprofit, Third Space provides an inclusive and accessible environment for exploring the comedic arts.

The organization was founded in 2023 when a group of women sought to create a safe space in a male-dominated comedy scene.

Among the founders is Executive Director Melodie Coulter, a writer and comedian.

“We were putting a lot of physical and emotional labor into spaces where it was not appreciated,” Coulter says. “So, we gathered and set out to create a nonprofit space to engage in improv.”

Shortly after the organization’s launch its founders were invited to perform at Blue Whale Comedy Festival and asked to lead workshops at Tulsa Community College.

They’ve since appeared at Oklahoma Comic Con, Mayfest, Orbit Arts and Tulsa Pride.

Following in the footsteps of female comedians before them, Coulter says Th ird Space hopes to build on improv comedy’s 16 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

roots in social work by offering free workshops and classes for the local community.

The classes, which usually have 10-25 participants, provide a unique opportunity for people to learn, practice and connect — often with dinner and free child care.

Coulter says the group hosts anyone with an interest in improv, including those who aren’t interested in performing but in exploring something new, making friends and opening up.

“Our projects differ from other programs in that we specifically focus on those social aspects,” Coulter says. “Tulsa is full of talent, but it also has a lot of communities who would benefit from improv education. We serve individuals who are new to improv and can’t afford traditional classes.”

With a goal of one day occupying a physical theater, the company currently offers Open Plays at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity at TCC and free workshops at All Souls Unitarian Church.

This October the organization will host its first Make ‘Em Laugh, Oklahoma festival.

Made possible by a grant from the TYPROS Foundation, the comedy festival will be free to the public and will highlight the many comedic talents of Oklahomans.

Learn more at thirdspacetulsa.org. tp

Ann Bell performs at last year’s Carney Fest.

SOUND OFF Ann Bell, “Queen of the Tulsa Sound” and a contemporary of the legendary Oklahoma musician, songwriter and producer Leon Russell, returns May 3 to headline the third annual Carney Fest. The festival, named in honor of Russell’s 1972 critically acclaimed album “Carney,” supports the mission of the nonprofit Church Studio Music Foundation and celebrates all things Russell and Tulsa Sound-related with a full day of entertainment, vendors and music.

“I very clearly heard my precious friend and mentor Leon Russell speak into my spirit saying, ‘You got this my sister,’” says Bell of her invitation from Church Studio owner Teresa Knox to headline this year’s concert. “I knew then that this is going to be a glorious night of Tulsa historic music.”

More than 50 years after she began performing, Bell, a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame who toured with Russell, continues to preach the gospel of the Tulsa Sound.

The event begins with a street party at the former home of Russell’s Shelter Records, The Church Studio, at 304 S. Trenton Ave. The day will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ending with a concert at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St., where Bell will perform with her band The Tulsa Sound and special guests, including Paul Benjaman and Jim Sweney. Johnny Mullenax opens the show.

Visit carneyfest.com for details.

— JULIE WENGER WATSON

THIRD SPACE: GREG BOLLINGER; BELL: PIHL CLARKIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Katie Kunkel and Cory Foster, founding members of arts education nonprofit Third Space, workshop skills at a recent gathering at All Souls Unitarian Church while Executive Director Melodie Coulter, left, and Jared Coulter look on.

Something for Everyone

CITY DESK

Donald Feagin and Margery Mayo Feagin sit at a table in the San Souci Restaurant in Havana, Cuba, in 1939.

Stargazing Hotelier’s daughter mingled with celebrities and tycoons, growing up to become one of the city’s most generous Tulsans.

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

M

ore than 5,000 people, waiting patiently for a train that arrived an hour late, burst into cheers as the locomotive finally pulled to a stop at the Frisco Station in downtown Tulsa. Three marching bands and a Marine Corps honor guard then escorted Norma Smallwood from her sleeping car to the steps of City Hall, where the mayor presented her with a huge bouquet of flowers.

That night — Sept. 30, 1926 — the glitzy new Mayo Hotel hosted a banquet for Smallwood, an 18-year-old with long, dark hair tied up in buns over her ears. And

18 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

the first Oklahoman ever crowned Miss America.

Margery Mayo, meanwhile, was just 10 years old at the time. Her father, John Mayo, opened the hotel in 1925 along with his brother, Margery’s Uncle Cass, and its Crystal Ballroom had quickly become the go-to place for Tulsa’s grandest parties.

Guests included a Who’s Who of movie stars, celebrities and business tycoons, with everyone from Charlie Chaplin to J. Paul Getty staying there. Young Margery met so many famous people that it stopped making much of an impression on her. She would

admit later in life that she only vaguely recalled being introduced to Will Rogers.

“I just remember saying how happy I was to meet him and that’s about it,” she said in a Voices of Oklahoma interview.

Thomas Gilcrease, however, would prove to be more memorable.

The oilman and art collector fell in love with Smallwood in 1927, when he was 38 years old and she was 19. They were married in a small, discreet ceremony in September 1928, but the romance between the beauty queen and the oil tycoon made headlines from coast to coast. The couple briefly lived at the Mayo Hotel, perhaps while Gilcrease’s sandstone mansion northwest of downtown was being redecorated.

By 1944 Gilcrease’s acclaimed art collection was open to the public, but hardly anyone noticed. The museum, originally organized in a converted barn, avoided publicity during World War II, and local newspapers stated that “only a few people know about it.”

The official grand opening didn’t come until May 1949, when Gilcrease was 59 and divorced. By then Margery was 33 and married to Don Feagin, a champion boxer and co-founder of Feagin Oil. Gilcrease faded from the headlines while Margery made regular appearances on local society pages. Dedicating herself to philanthropy, she took a special interest in art and history, supporting Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Historical Society and, of course, the Gilcrease.

Margery invested decades of her life volunteering, raising funds, generating publicity and serving on various committees to benefit the Gilcrease and other Tulsa institutions, earning a Governor’s Arts Award in 2006 for contributions to the arts in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Hall of Fame had inducted her in 2002. Without her and countless other relentless supporters over the years, the Gilcrease wouldn’t now be preparing to reopen in 2026 bigger and better than ever after a $139 million reconstruction project.

After her first husband died in 1987, she married business leader Jim Bird in 1992 and became widely known as Margery Mayo Bird. She died Aug. 29, 2012, at age 95, with much of her own legacy intertwined with one of the famous men she had met as a young girl at her father’s hotel. tp

MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY

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Find familiar faces here.

Plan your visit at CrystalBridges.org

Gilbert Stuart, George Washington [The Constable-Hamilton Portrait] (detail), 1797, oil on canvas, 50 in. x 40 in.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2005.27. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Bentonville, AR | 479.418.5700

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CITY DESK

ART SPOT COMING IN JULY:

FACES OF THE 918 PROFILES Seated from left to right: Lynn Page - COPES Supervisor, Amanda Bradley – VP COPES, Emily Farmer - COPES Senior Program Director and Amy Hogan – COPES Clinical Director with many on the COPES team.

Tulsa Artists’ Coalition past president and current board member Dean Wyatt is one of several hundred artists whose work will be sold in the upcoming 25th anniversary 5x5 Show and Sale benefiting the longtime arts organization.

Small pieces, big impact Family & Children’s Services — Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services (COPES) Team Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services Crisis Hotline and Mobile Outreach, one of over 72 programs offered by Family & Children’s Services, is expanding its services to address the increasing mental health needs in Tulsa County.

The expanding COPES team, integral to the fabric of Tulsa, is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of the 918 community.

COPES provides free and confidential crisis intervention for children and adults, operating 24/7 to offer immediate telephone and mobile support for those experiencing suicidal crises or emotional distress.

COPES plays a crucial role in the community by collaborating with family members, friends, schools, law enforcement and other professionals to ensure safe resolutions and stabilization plans. The program addresses issues such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm threats, aggressive behavior, depression and overwhelming anxiety.

To better serve the community, COPES has several initiatives. Three specialized School Crisis mobile teams operate in partnership with Tulsa, Union and Jenks Public Schools, providing crisis response for students from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday. These teams focus on stabilizing youth

crises and connecting families to ongoing support services. Additionally, COPES has enhanced its collaboration with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, ensuring a 24/7 mobile response for crisis calls. Over 400 iPads have been deployed to Tulsa County law enforcement agencies and community partners, enabling immediate face-to-face risk assessment and crisis stabilization with COPES clinicians.

The Community Response Team exemplifies COPES’ commitment to integrated crisis intervention. This team, which includes mental health professionals, Tulsa Police Department officers and Tulsa Fire Department paramedics, responds to 911 calls involving psychiatric distress. The CRT model, operating five days a week, aims to de-escalate situations on-site, avoiding unnecessary arrests or hospital transports.

Moreover, COPES is also part of the Alternative Response Team and Integrated Response Team. The ART, a partnership with the Tulsa Fire Department, responds to low-acuity mental health crises. The IRT embeds

COPES mental health professionals within all Tulsa Police Department patrol divisions, allowing them to respond to multiple officer calls.

COPES’ philosophy of treating individuals in their natural environments, combined with its culturally diverse, trauma-informed approach, ensures better outcomes.

Through ongoing training and education, COPES equips the community with the tools needed for mental health crisis prevention. Its partnerships with core stakeholders, such as the City of Tulsa, TPD, TFD and the 911 center, solidify COPES’ position as a vital resource in the community.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call COPES at 918-744-4800 or call 988.

5310 E. 31ST ST. | 918-744-4800 FCSOK.ORG/SERVICES/CRISIS-SERVICES

The Face of Financial Planning

Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning Access to good and bad ideas are always at your fingertips, which often leads to a cloudy vision of your financial picture.

Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning™ was formed to better align the financial stewardship of our current and future clients with their values. The three founding partners were united around a shared vision for better serving our marketplace with comprehensive planning and fiduciary relationships. Fulfilling this commitment takes a team, which led Bob Skaggs, Joe Kreger, & Matt Longan to merge their individual Northwestern Mutual practices to fulfill this vision. Teamwork is the fuel to turn this vision into reality.

Chisholm Trail is a multi-generational wealth planning firm dedicated to helping families and businesses align their goals and resources with their values. We take a comprehensive approach to organize your wealth planning goals and forecast the journey ahead. Through our collaborative engagement we give clients the clarity and confidence to tackle whatever the trail forward may present. We approach every client relationship with a long-term bond. We strive to honor each client’s values, while remaining diligent and loyal to them and their goals.

Chisholm Trail’s capabilities include Fee-based Planning, Customized Advisory & Wealth Management services, Executive Benefits, Qualified Plans, Business Succession Strategies, Estate and Legacy Planning, Retirement Distribution, Charitable Giving, Risk Management and Education Planning.

The world can be hard to understand, your financial plan doesn’t have to be.

Funktified has one of the largest cap selections in Oklahoma.

From top left down the stairs: Tom Craft, Matt Longan, Kristin Nylander.

Top right: Justin Nelson, Sam Stoia, Grace Hall, Tripp Owen Joe B Kreger, Matt Tyler Longan, and Robert Gerard Skaggs use Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) and its subsidiaries. Investment advisory services provided as Advisors of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank.

Joe B Kreger, Matt Tyler Longan and Robert Gerard Skaggs provide investment brokerage services as Registered Representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). Joe B Kreger, Matt Tyler Longan, and Robert Gerard Skaggs are Insurance Agents of NM.

201 S. DENVER AVE., SUITE 500 | 918-497-1167 | 918-497-1130 CHISHOLMTRAILWEALTH.COM

The Funktified VW bug sits inside the store.

Funktified also offers custom furniture for maximalist lovers.

Sarah and Chris Lopp

The Face of Local Restaurants

Three Sirens Restaurant Group

Back row: Florencio Gonzalez, Holé Molé kitchen manager; Marbella Soto, Shaky Jake’s Burgers and Franks kitchen manager; Krishele Prejean, Market 31 front-of-house manager and social media manager; Barbie Cosgrove, Bird and Bottle bartender; Alex Delgado, Bird and Bottle lead line cook; Joe Konieczka, Bramble Breakfast and Bar front-of-house manager; Front row, seated: Joey Dougherty, Shaky Jake’s Burgers and Franks front-of-house manager and bartender; Brittany Gomez, Bramble Breakfast and Bar kitchen manager

There are many people who make up and keep a restaurant going — from the servers and hosts to the bartenders and food runners. But those are the faces a customer sees when walking into a dining establishment. There are many, many more whose faces remain in the back-of-house, diligently working to make each diner’s experience as exceptional as it can be.

“As the operating partner of Three Sirens Restaurant Group, a collection of six concepts across Tulsa and Broken Arrow, I want to show our appreciation and gratitude to those who keep our restaurants running,” Johnna Hayes says. “These are the people who clean before opening, prep your food and drinks, as well as monitor trends and requests so our diners sit down to a satisfying meal. This is but a snapshot of folks who represent our much larger team.”

The Three Sirens Restaurant Group team is busy this summer preparing for the opening of a standalone Holé Molé on Cherry Street.

BRAMBLE BREAKFAST AND BAR & SHAKY JAKES: 121 N. ASH AVE., BROKEN ARROW | BRAMBLE BREAKFAST AND BAR: 1302 E. SIXTH ST. | BIRD AND BOTTLE: 3324-A E. 31ST ST. | HOLÉ MOLÉ: 1529 E. 15TH ST. | MARKET 31: 3324 E. 31ST ST. S COMING SOON, MOROCCO LOUNGE: 1529 E. 15TH ST. ON INSTAGRAM: @BIRDANDBOTTLETULSA, @ BRAMBLEBREAKFASTANDBAR, @SHAKYJAKESOK, @HOLÉMOLÉTULSA, @MARKET31TULSA

The Face of Funk

Funktified Things are getting funky in Broken Arrow’s Rose District thanks to Funktified, a new home decor and gift boutique that opened in May by owners Chris and Sarah Lopp.

A self-proclaimed lover of bright colors and maximalist design, Sarah wants to take the world out of the white, grays and neutrals and into vibrant color. The shop is bursting with eclectic, funky must-haves. Mirror balls anyone? It’s retro with a twist!

“We offer unique gift items, maximalist home decor, custom furniture options and plenty of one-of-a-kind items imported from France, England and Ireland,” Sarah says. “Many of our items are exclusive to our store and

are custom designed just for us. We want to be your go-to for gift items and funky home decor finds.”

Shoppers are welcome to peruse the shop, which sits in a former service station that the Lopps painted bright pink. The space is adorned with murals by local artist Hightail Creative Co. Many have already found the shop, including its pink British phone booth, the perfect place to snap a photo. “We’re all about living our life in full color,” Sarah says.

102 N. MAIN ST., BROKEN ARROW | 918-505-0873 FUNKTIFIED.COM

3SIRENSGROUP.COM

For information about having your business featured in a FACES OF THE 918 “sponsored editorial” profile, contact adservices@langdonpublishing.com by June 2.

20 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Annual TAC art show and fundraiser hits 25-year milestone.

I

n mid-March Dean Wyatt had already begun working on his submission for the upcoming Tulsa Artists’ Coalition 5x5 Show and Sale. Surrounded by other works-in-progress in his studio that sits along Route 66, easels and walls are filled with canvases speckled and coated in acrylics, his medium of choice. Wyatt’s work is abstract expressionism — his interpretation of both landscapes and the concept of transit, movement and the passing of time. “All things that we go through in life,” he says.

Wyatt is one of more than 250 artists who typically participate in the annual show and sale that TAC started 25 years ago to help fund the artist-led gallery.

Wyatt speculates the fundraiser was inspired by the 12x12 show originated by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. The Tulsa 5x5 version was a hit. “From there the show took off on its own momentum,” Wyatt says. Artists create original works on canvases or wooden panels measuring 5-by-5 inches in size. He says the sale is popular as it provides access to purchasing affordable, original art by many known artists.

TAC was founded in 1986 to provide a community space to support local artists with exhibitions. “It was important then and now,” says Wyatt, who served as president of the organization for 16 years.

Throughout the year the gallery, located at 9 E. Reconciliation Way, hosts monthly exhibitions for local artists, with the occasional regional or international guest artist. Wyatt says the organization fosters member engagement, workshops and support. “As an artist you can feel like you are on your own little island,” he says, emphasizing that this show and sale is “about giving back to an organization that benefits artists.”

The 5x5 show will be on display May 2-17. TAC multimedia artist Gina Alusi has created nine separate 20-inch canvases that can fit together in a 5-by-5-foot display. These nine canvases will be part of a silent auction. Visit tacgallery.org for more. — ANNE BROCKMAN

GREG BOLLINGER

The Face of Mental Health and Addiction

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CITY DESK

BENEFITS

May charitable events COMPILED BY MADISON WALTERS 2 2nd Chance Prom: Fire and Ice Benefits Youth Services of Tulsa. yst2ndchanceprom.com

9 Scholarship Banquet Benefits Lindy Waters III Foundation. lwiiifoundation.com

FORE! Tulsa Golf Tournament Benefits Junior League of Tulsa. jltulsa.org

10 Garden Gala Benefits A New Leaf. anewleaf.org

DANCE OF THE TWO MOONS On March 1 nearly 500 guests gathered for Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa’s annual fundraising event, Dance of the Two Moons, which raised more than $200,000 for the nonprofit that provides health and wellness services tailored to the Indigenous community.

2-4 Germanfest Benefits German-American Society of Tulsa. gastulsa.org 3 The Bloom Event Benefits Humble Warrior Collective. humblewarriorcollective.org Party with Paws Benefits Pause 4 Paws. pause4pawsok.com Great Strides Walk Benefits The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. tulsa.cff.org Red, White and Black Masquerade Benefits Union Schools Education Foundation. unionfoundation.org Rock the House: Neon Rodeo Benefits Green Country Habitat for Humanity. rockthehousetulsa.org

BRAINIAC BALL Brainiac Ball, hosted at Arvest Convention Center, was a dreamy evening that featured trivia, aerial silk performances and more, raising over $750,000 for Family and Children’s Services. Pictured at the March 1 event are Ted and Kimberly Osgood and 2025 Event Chairs Kara and Andrew Field.

Run for the Roses Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home. tulsaboyshome.org Runway Run: Galaxy Dash Benefits Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium. tulsamuseum.org Spring Fair and Bazaar Benefits Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com 3-18 Designer Showcase Benefits Foundation for Tulsa Schools and Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. tulsahba.com

RED RIBBON GALA On March 8 Tulsa CARES hosted its black-tie affair Red Ribbon Gala at Arvest Convention Center, raising $1,350,500 in proceeds to go toward their continued work of making sure individuals with stigmatized conditions have equal opportunities for healthy living.

Visit TulsaPeople.com for event photo galleries.

22 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Garden Party Benefits Little Light House. littlelighthouse.org 16 Conservation on Tap Benefits Tulsa Zoo. tulsazoo.org/tap Freedom Balls Golf Tournament Benefits Eagle Ops. eagleops.org Noshville Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters. noshville.org 17 Aviator Ball: A Night of Flight Benefits Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium. tulsamuseum.org Grand Opening for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. stjude.org 19 Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home. tulsaboyshome.org 27 Bunco for a Cause Benefits A New Leaf — Owasso and Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com 29 Reconciliation in American National Symposium: Part 2 Benefits John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation. jhfnationalsymposium.org 30 The Party: Just Wear White Benefits Family and Children’s Services. thepartyok.com 30-June 5 Especially for Kids Festival Benefits OKM Music. okmmusic.org

6 Appetite for Construction: Viva La Fiesta Benefits Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. tulsahba.com

31 Inspire: A Night of Entertainment Benefits The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. tulsacenter.org

7 “The Curse of Stigma” Screening Benefits Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. oica.org

Tulsa Parkinson’s Alliance Rally Walk Benefits Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. oklahomapa.org

EDITORS’ NOTE: HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS SPONSORED BY TULSAPEOPLE.

IHCRC: DANZIGER PHOTOGRAPHY; BRAINIAC, RED RIBBON: TOM GILBERT

Monarch Ball Benefits Domestic Violence Intervention Services. themonarchball.com

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CITY DESK

TULSA TIME WARP

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Building at 624 S. Boston Ave. seen as it was in the 1950s. In the background on the left is the Alvin Hotel (demolished in 1976) and on the right is the Chamber of Commerce building.

From excess to access

I

n the fi rst decade of the 1900s the oil fields outside of Tulsa consisted of drilling operations primarily focused on producing oil but also contending with an excess of natural gas. With no market for the gas in this part of the territory, it was wasted or burned off by producers.

A group of entrepreneurs who worked with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. realized an opportunity to bring the resource to parts of the state that lacked it. In turn they started Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. in 1906, choosing the name before statehood.

24 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

As the company grew, ONG acquired many smaller local service providers and producers. By the late 1920s the company moved its headquarters to Tulsa.

In 1928 the company opened an exquisite general office building on the corner of Seventh Street and Boston Avenue. The 10-story building was designed by architect Arthur M. Atkinson, who was given freedom to incorporate elaborate and lavish details into the building’s interior and exterior.

It has been considered one of the fi rst art deco buildings in Tulsa, even though

at the time the term art deco had not been defined. Today it is known as a great example of the Zig-Zag style.

The building was completed 14 months before the great stock market crash of 1929 that led to the Great Depression and a dramatic change from the architectural curiosity of the 1920s.

ONG utilized the building for more than 50 years before relocating to a new location. The building subsequently saw a series of owners and renovations. In 1984 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. tp

MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY

STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

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TulsaPeople.com 4/15/25 2:05 PM25

Telling all of Tulsa’s

stories

Tulsa Historical Society and Museum changes its name and programming to increase attendance and knowledge about our city’s past.

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

26 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

ARCHIVES: MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY; MICHELLE POLLARD

I

n June 1930 airport manager Charles Short Jr. erected a makeshift, handwritten chalkboard sign announcing Tulsa Municipal Airport had received a record 11,009 passengers that month, making it the busiest landing site in the world.

The nearest competitor, London’s Croyden Airdrome, saw a measly 8,254 passengers that June, according to Short’s sign. Tulsa, the undisputed A photograph of Charles Short Jr.’s chalkboard Oil Capital of the World in the early sign at Tulsa Municipal Airport. ’30s, was also the Air Traffic Capital.

But not for long.

Long-range aircraft reduced the need for coast-to-coast fl ights to land and refuel in Oklahoma, and Chicago Midway would knock Tulsa Municipal off its perch in 1931. The city’s brief reign as the world’s busiest air hub became a largely forgotten episode in Tulsa history.

A photo of Short’s chalk message, however, survived in the collection of the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, stored along with nearly 400,000 other records and artifacts in the basement of the old Samuel Travis mansion, 2445 S. Peoria Ave. David H. Goldenberg, THSM CEO and executive director, recently brought the photo upstairs to display as part of a new monthly rotating exhibit — Collection Chronicles — designed to show off more of the collection. Other items recently on rotation have included Tulsa attorney Patrick Hurley’s cowboy hat, which he wore on trips around the world — fi rst as secretary of War under President Herbert Hoover, then as U.S. ambassador to China under Harry Truman.

Goldenberg says Hurley was also ambassador to New Zealand, a title Roosevelt made up for the Tulsan to spy in Asia.

More recently the rotating exhibit featured a school bell from Alsuma, a segregated community that sat between Tulsa and Broken Arrow before the small town was absorbed into suburban sprawl.

“We decided the collection isn’t something that’s static, that should be two floors below your feet and never see the light of day,” Goldenberg says. “We decided, ‘How can we pick things that would be interesting to the public and bring them out?’”

Accompanied by an informative newsletter that is mailed to members, the rotating monthly exhibit offers a preview of Goldenberg’s larger effort to reimagine the organization’s mission, which includes a name change.

“The word ‘society’ made it sound like a private club, and you’ve got this mansion up on a hill that screams out, ‘society,’” he says. “You want every Tulsan to want to come here, but the name (was) somewhat hampering that.”

THSM had been discussing a name change for several years, according to Board President Cray Bauxmont-Flynn.

“It’s just a question the board and the employees and staff, and (also) the public, have all asked,” Bauxmont-Flynn says. “‘Society’ means something to a lot of people, which doesn’t really fit what we are.

We wanted to make sure that the name was well-associated to what this institution stands for.”

After six decades of being known as Tulsa Historical Society, it’s now the Museum of Tulsa History.

“It’s fantastic for those who don’t know about us,” Bauxmont-Flynn says. “It’s surprising that people in Tulsa still do not know we exist. They have no idea or inclination we exist whatsoever. They think we’re just another old house.”

While Goldenberg didn’t start the discussion, he made the final push for the name change once he became executive director in June 2024 after retiring as a professor and dean at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Renaming and rebranding an organization that dates to 1963 will, of course,

require new signage and even a new logo. Directional signs bearing the new name are already in place along Peoria Avenue.

“We’re ahead of the curve,” Goldenberg says, noting many historical societies across the country are making or considering similar name changes. “It’s a national trend.”

‘THE ONLY PLACE’ One of the “Five Moons” sculptures, which depict five world-famous Native American ballerinas from mid-century Oklahoma, disappeared from the Historical Society’s lawn in April 2022 only to be found in pieces a few days later at a recycling center.

In October 2023 the fully restored statue of Marjorie Tallchief was unveiled. United once again, the five graceful statues appear to be dancing in mid-air above a patch of tall grass on the museum’s grounds. Th is month Goldenberg plans to install 150word plaques to describe who each of the ballerinas were in both English and each dancer’s Native language. QR codes will link visitors with more detailed information. Prior to the new signage, the exhibit offered only the dancers’ names.

Whether it’s a museum visitor or a Chautauqua attendee stepping out from under the giant tent at this year’s Roaring ’20s-themed event to take in the statues, Goldenberg says “(imagine) somebody is down there, and they say, ‘OK, there’s (Moscelyne) Larkin or (Maria and Marjorie) Tallchief.’ But then (they) ask the question, ‘So what?’ There isn’t a story.”

The mission has always been to preserve Tulsa history and teach people about it, but the teaching part has not always received the emphasis it deserved, Goldenberg says.

Left, Museum of Tulsa History CEO and Executive Director David H. Goldenberg and Board President Cray BauxmontFlynn stand by Standard Oil Co.’s original board of directors’ table that was used by John D. Rockefeller. In January 1957 the table was gifted to Henry Zarrow before ultimately being donated to the museum. Right, one of the “Five Moons” sculptures.

TulsaPeople.com 27

FROM the ARCHIVES The Museum of Tulsa History’s collection contains nearly 400,000 items spanning from documents and textiles to photographs, books, architectural elements, furnishings and personal artifacts related to Tulsa’s rich past.

— ANNE BROCKMAN

Enrollment certificate dated April 3, 1913, and issued to Thomas Gilcrease from the commissioner of the Five Civilized Tribes. Gilcrease’s allotment on the Glenn Pool oilfield led him to amass great wealth, allowing him to purchase and become owner of the nation’s most comprehensive collection of art of the American West.

Tulsa Police Capt. Clinton Riggs created the world’s first yield sign on Dec. 21, 1950. Made of wood, the keystone-shaped sign is painted orange and black and was installed at the intersection of First Street and Columbia Avenue.

Changing that will be part of the rebranding effort, too.

“You want something that, no matter who comes in this building they leave with a sense of the history of Tulsa,” Goldenberg says.

Toward that goal the Museum of Tulsa History will launch a new permanent exhibit by 2028 titled “Telling All of Tulsa’s Stories.”

It will include “the good, the difficult and the bad” of what has made Tulsa the city it is, Goldenberg says.

“If you go around the country to citybased museums, they usually have something which tells the story of that city,” he adds, “and that’s the vision of where we want to be in the long run.”

In the meantime, the MOTH will host rotating exhibits that will ensure a steady stream of fresh material to attract visitors.

One planned for next year will showcase a cooperative effort between the museum and Tulsa’s three major tribal nations. Tentatively named “Th ree Nations, One City,” the exhibit will describe how Tulsa has helped shape and been shaped by the histories of the Osage, Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee Nations, with tribal officials fully participating in designing the displays.

“Th is story can’t be told anywhere else in the country,” says Bauxmont-Flynn, a Cherokee Nation citizen. “Th is is where three tribal nations converge into one city.

Tulsa is the only place this happens in the U.S.” COLLABORATION, NOT COMPETITION Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum, with the world’s largest collection of art and artifacts from the American West, plans to reopen in fall 2026 after a $139 million reconstruction project. By 2027 museum officials hope it attracts half a million visitors a year — more than five times the traffic it generated before closing in 2021.

Meanwhile, it’s nearby neighbor Philbrook Museum of Art attracts more than 160,000 visitors a year. Downtown’s Greenwood Rising, the museum dedicated to the history of downtown Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, counts 40,000-50,000 guests per year.

The MOTH can either be overshadowed by the city’s other booming museums or it can ride the wave, Goldenberg says.

“We’re the only one with the power and artifacts to tell the totality of the history of Tulsa,” he says. “That’s why we’re absolutely essential.”

Goldenberg hopes to form some kind of Tulsa museum association that will help the various institutions work collaboratively when resources are in danger — everything from joint exhibits to shared purchasing power of supplies might be possible. April’s edition of the Collection Chronicles featuring the 13th Armored Division during World War II is an example, Goldenberg says. “I could not imagine that we would exhibit something about the liberators of Buchenwald Concentration Camp and not have the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art as our partner.”

Downstairs from his office, Goldenberg’s footsteps echo through the halls of the Travis mansion as he makes his way toward the exit. It has been a quiet afternoon at the museum. Too quiet for Goldenberg. He doesn’t want to hear his own footsteps very often when this place becomes commonly known as the Museum of Tulsa History.

“It’s not a library,” Goldenberg says.

“There should be laughter, talking — no shushing. You want (it) to feel not like a museum is a static, holy place, but rather lively, where people want to come to be entertained and enjoy themselves.” tp

This U.S. Post Office window and mail slots were used in Tulsa’s first post office located in George Perryman’s home near 34th Street and Trenton Avenue. It contains 163 total mail slots.

Perryman (Muscogee) served as Tulsa’s first postmaster from March 25, 1879-Dec. 27, 1885.

28 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY

The Samuel Travis mansion shortly after construction in the 1920s.

SNAPSHOTS OF SUMMER Get your camera ready. There are 98 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We’ve come up with 98 ways to celebrate the summer with something to do every day.

BY MADELINE CRAWFORD AND MADISON WALTERS

1. Grab a selfie with the friendly giants of Route 66 — Stella Atom, Buck Atom, Meadow Gold Mack and, soon, Cowboy Bob. buckatomson66.com

9. Try a new flavor at Big Dipper Creamery. Pony Boy — malted vanilla ice cream with swirls of chocolate sauce and brownies — is a classic. bigdipperok.com

2. Climb the largest natural stone staircase in Oklahoma at Turkey Mountain. riverparks.org/ experience/turkey-mountain

10. A rainbow of holds speckle the 50-foot walls of Climb Tulsa like confetti. Climbers can boulder or belay no matter their level of expertise. climbtulsa.com

3. Swing by Slate Sourdough for a starter kit containing all you need to make your own perfect loaf at home. slatesourdough.com

11. Meet some friends for a Tour-de-Pint on the corner of Sixth and Utica, where breweries America Solera, Cabin Boys Brewery and Marshall Brewing Co. all converge. americansolera. com, cabinboysbrewery.com, marshallbrewing.com

4. Berry and flower picking at Joe’s Farm is a favorite summer activity. Strawberries, blackberries and flowers are available depending on the month. We recommend arriving when it opens for lower temperatures and fresh first picks. joesfarmok.com 5. It’s a Tulsa summertime institution: Josh’s Sno Shack. Hit up its nine area locations for a treat to cool you down. You can’t go wrong with Josh’s Remix — a combination of kiwi, mango and passion fruit flavors. Or try the Firecracker, with cinnamon, passion fruit and pink champagne. joshssnoshack.com

#9 Staying cool with a scoop of pony boy from big dipper

MICHELLE POLLARD

6. With good food, local retail and space to gather, Mother Road Market is a community hub on Route 66. Everyone will have a favorite vendor, from Howdy Burger to Leroux’s Kitchen.

Plus, mini golf! motherroadmarket.com

12. Tulsa Farmers’ Market is a must for certified Oklahomagrown products, including veggies, fruits, meats, flowers and more.

Open Saturdays from 7-11 a.m. at Kendall Whittier, 1 S. Lewis Ave. tulsafarmersmarket.org 13. Summer equals Tulsa Drillers baseball games at ONEOK Field.

Grab yourself a lawn ticket for $7 and tell Hornsby we sent you. tulsadrillers.com

7. Go for a plunge at the Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA. The pool has a two-story slide and zipline across the water, making it the ultimate swim spot for older kids. ymcatulsa.org/hermanandkate 8. Settle in for a double feature under the setting sun at Admiral Twin Drive-In. Be sure to grab some nachos at the concession stand. admiraltwindrivein.com

14. Tulsa shows off its pedal power with the three-day cycling extravaganza Tulsa Tough on June 6-8. tulsatough.com 15. Discovery Lab offers a world of science and learning through interactive exhibits, crafting and experiments. More than just a children’s museum, it is fun for all ages. discoverylab.org

TulsaPeople.com 29

#16 Explore Five Moons and the rest of the Museum of Tulsa History

16. Wander through the Five Moons Garden at the Museum of Tulsa History. The bronze Five Moons sculptures honor the American Indian Ballerinas in their signature ballet pieces. Learn more about changes at the museum on p.27. tulsahistory.org 17. Tulsa Zoo’s Cox Nature Exchange invites visitors to bring natural found treasures and trade them for other artifacts from the zoo’s collection. The program uses a points system based on item rarity and knowledge to exchange bones, shells, rocks and bugs from the zoo. tulsazoo.org 18. Explore the 45 acres of Woodward Park, perfect for a stroll through its two Rock Gardens and Rose Garden, then relax on a velvety-green stretch of grass under 100-year-old trees. tulsagardencenter.org/ park-overview

#25 getting lost in gardner’s

19. A truly made-from-scratch meal, Gambill’s Pastaria and Grocery offers fresh pastas, pizzas, tiramisu and Italian-inspired brews. tulsapasta.com 20. Downtown Jenks is bustling! Check out shops like Cedar and Lily, dine at City Hall Steakhouse or listen to live music at Maggie’s Music Box. There’s so much to explore. jenks.com

#30 colorful cookies from Pancho Anaya

21. FC Tulsa celebrates 10 years as the city’s premier professional soccer team. Don your gold and cheer on the team at ONEOK Field. fctulsa.com 22. Visit Tulsa Air and Space Museum for a robust tour of aircraft displays, simulators and space artifacts, plus a full-dome planetarium showcasing space visuals in high-definition. tulsamuseum.org

#38 Pop a top in a new shirt from ida red

24. Spend a day on Cherry Street with its chic boutiques, luxurious self-care services and plenty of dining opportunities. What are you craving? There’s highend Italian at Prossimo and Sapori, family-style pizza at Hideaway, unbeatable burgers at Society, Irish fare at Kilkenny’s or different takes on Mexican at Holé Molé, Chimi’s and Mi Cocina. facebook.com/cherrysttulsa 25. Get lost for hours in the aisles of Gardner’s Used Books and Comics. Fantasy, romance, westerns, children’s, horror, comics. We wish it was open on Sundays. gardnersbooks.com

#51 Coffee and cuddles at Don’t Stress Meowt

#67 Crepes from Wildflower Cafe, get in my belly! #58 ReFresh, relax and rejuvinate at poppi’s

30 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

26. Start an annual summer photo tradition next to the iconic Golden Driller to measure how much your family grows and changes over the years. exposquare.com 27. While Decopolis sells souvenirs, books, gifts, toys, treats and more, the store itself is also a whimsical sight to behold. With an art deco mini museum, Tulsa visitor center and even dinosaurs, it is a spot to get lost in. decopolis.net 28. Grab a cup of giddy-up at Pony Coffee located in G. Oscar Herron’s former bike shop. The patio is spacious, and the coffee is quality. ponycoffee.com 29. Filming site of the legendary film “The Outsiders,” The Outsiders House Museum preserves the story behind the 1983 classic. Take a tour and grab some iconic merch to match. theoutsidershouse.com

GARDNER’S, MEOWT: TIM LANDES; PANCHO: GREG BOLLINGER; FIVE MOONS, WILDFLOWER, IDA RED, POPPI’S: MICHELLE POLLARD

23. If you are looking for more than just a good book, try a book club at Magic City Books. The clubs cover true crime, BookTok, bookseller’s choice and more. magiccitybooks.com

30. With three locations, you are never too far from Pancho Anaya pastries. The colorful Mexican cookies are a treat for the eyes (and taste buds!). panchoanaya.com 31. Summertime equals patio time. Head downtown and eat and drink at our favorite al fresco spots: In the Raw Vu, En Fuego, Bohemian Woodfire Pizza and Pasta, Fassler Hall and Saturn Room.

32. Beat the hump day blues with music on the lawn every Wednesday at Cedar Rock Inn. Bring your lawn chair! facebook.com/cedarrockinntulsa 33. Williams Crossing Bridge is the latest addition to take in the view of the Arkansas River, aka Zink Lake. We recommend taking a scooter ride from the Midland Valley Trail, through Gathering Place and across the new bridge for a great view. riverparks.org 34. Spend the day and night at one of our three local casino resorts. Learn more on p. 52. hardrockcasinotulsa.com, osagecasino.com, riverspirittulsa.com 35. With summers so hot and so much to do at Paradise Beach Water Park, go ahead and grab a season pass. The lazy river, big wave pool, splash pads and high-speed slides make it a refreshing destination. paradisebeach.com 36. Grab a puffy taco and hibiscus margarita, then enjoy the show at Elote’s Saturday drag brunch the second Saturday of the month. It’s a new theme each time, but always starring the queens! elotetulsa.com 37. Country Bird Bakery is known for its regionally sourced grains and long (but worth the wait!) lines on Saturday mornings. Guarantee your loaf by joining their Bread Club for a unique loaf pre-ordered each week. countrybirdbakery.com 38. Ida Red is the spot for Okie merch.

Our favorites are the shirts: from QT pride to Phantasmagoria nostalgia, there will be a shirt to showcase your local niche love. idaredgeneralstore.com 39. Overlooking Tulsa’s skyline, Chandler Park is 192 acres of hiking, baseball diamonds, picnic areas and miniature golf — plus one of the best splash pads in town. facebook.com/chandlerparktulsa 40. Woody Guthrie Center is hosting the “Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit” to explore the genre’s cultural impact through music, fashion, media, activism and more. The GRAMMY Museum exhibit runs through Sept. 7. woodyguthriecenter.org 41. Broken Arrow’s Rose District is poppin’ any time of year, but the summer is special. Hit the farmers market on Saturday morning or visit the popular fountains and splash pad nearby. rosedistrict.com 42. Animal Rescue Foundation of Tulsa is always looking for volunteers to give their dogs some much needed enrichment time through walks and playtimes. arftulsa.org/volunteer 43. Spend a day at Gathering Place. Play at Adventure Playground. Grab a treat at the Lodge or enjoy a picnic at Picnic Grove. gatheringplace.org

44. With over 10,000 animals and 500 species, Oklahoma Aquarium offers plenty of opportunities to get up close with the fishes. Feed jellyfish, stingrays, turtles, sharks and our favorite, Seamore the loggerhead sea turtle. okaquarium.org 45. Picking one thing to do at Philbrook Museum of Art feels like picking a favorite piece of art: impossible. Instead, become a member. Unlimited general admission, discounted exhibit prices, access to member-only events and more. philbrook.org 46. The Church Studio hosts a rotating roster of local musicians during Tunes at Noon on Tuesday and Saturday. Tickets include museum admission, so be sure to block out more than one hour to appreciate the Tulsa Sound. thechurchstudio.com 47. Known for full service fueling and a wide selection of fresh foods, Reeder’s Auto and Tire is the spot for trending candy and treats. Fill up on snacks while you fill up on gas. reederstulsa.com 48. Stop by local staple Savoy for a sweet or savory breakfast. Made from scratch daily since 1918, the casual spot is open seven days a week. We love the Farmer’s Breakfast for a savory option, and of course the cinnamon rolls for the sweet. eatsavoy.com 49. See a concert at Cain’s Ballroom. Pick a show, any show, and it’s a good time. If you’ve never been, it’s considered one of the best music venues in America, so it’s a must-visit. cainsballroom.com 50. Take a docent-led tour at Greenwood Rising.

The museum is divided into four parts, highlighting the spirit of the Greenwood District, the oppression and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the community’s resilience and prospects for reconciliation. greenwoodrising.org 51. Meet your new furry best friend at Don’t Stress Meowt, Tulsa’s only cat cafe. Have a fun play time with adoptable cats in the lounge (reservations required). dontstressmeowt-catcafe.com/tulsa 52. Spend a night under the “scum” lights of Whittier Bar attending a concert by local, regional and even international bands. thewhittierbar.com 53. Tulsa Botanic Garden is an oasis during the summer. Explore its latest addition, the Jim and Cherry Bost Arboretum, which has over 100 types of trees. tulsabotanic.org 54. Looking for a night of hometown honky tonk?

Step out for Tulsey Town Two Step, an evening starting with a dance lesson and lasting into the night with a full band and a good time. instagram.com/ tulseytown2step 55. Make Sunday a music fun-day. Start with Bluegrass Brunch at Mercury Lounge then head over to The Colony for Shoegaze Sunday with Manta Rays, followed by Paul Benjaman’s Sunday Night Thang. mercuryloungetulsa.com, thetulsacolony.com 56. The food and drink at Noche Woodfired Grill and Agave Bar really are that good. Celebrating the taste of Mexico City, you can’t miss on their menu. Start with the house-made guacamole. eatdrinknoche.com

57. Legendary Wu-Tang Clan stops by the BOK Center for their Wu-Tang Clan Forever: The Final Chamber tour on June 16. Run the Jewels opens the show that you will not want to miss. bokcenter.com 58. We love the lounge pass from Poppi’s Spa and Lounge. Two-hour access to the sauna, salt room, color pod and nourish bar will leave you feeling rejuvenated. tulsapoppi.com 59. Jenkins and Co. is a true mixture of goods.

From homeware to jewelry and skin care, the Route 66 staple is for shoppers looking for a handmade or thoughtful gift. jenkinsandcotulsa.com 60. Learn a new craft with one of Garden Deva’s many workshops. From ring-making to painting and metalworking, Garden Deva is a crafter’s paradise. gardendeva.com 61. Knock ‘em down at Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge. The retro bowling alley is fun with friends or co-workers with shareable food options. dustbowllounge.com 62. Tulsa Symphony celebrates a first: Andrea Bocelli performs with the symphony and Maestro Steven Mercurio on June 15 at BOK Center. tulsasymphony.org 63. Tina’s opens at 3 p.m., perfect for knocking off work early to enjoy a burger and fries that rival McDonald’s, plus their signature light lager. tinastulsa.com 64. Livy Lu sports-chic merch for supporting area collegiate teams. Located in the Pearl District, the shop also sells band tees and Oklahoma-themed designs that are just plain cute. shoplivylu.com 65. Zip through the treetops with POSTOAK Canopy Tour Zipline or Treetop Adventure Park. The new adventure park opens June 9. The zipline runs Wednesday-Sunday and guarantees adventure and views of the Osage Hills. postoaklodge.com/ zipline-tours 66. Summer’s Fifth Night sets the mood with live local music at free open-air concerts. Every Thursday during the summer at Utica Square, you can relax on the lawn or dance by the stage. uticasquare.com 67. Wildflower Cafe has delicate flavors with hearty portions. While every bite is delicious, we love their veggie crepes. Now open for dinner! wildflowercafetulsa.com 68. Grab a scoop of Cherry and Almond Bark from Cherry and Bark. Made with local ingredients, our favorite flavor mixes a cherry compote and semisweet toasted almond bark in an almond flavored vanilla base. cherryandbark.com 69. In between “Wicked” movie releases, appreciate the Broadway musical that it was adapted from at Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Celebrity Attractions brings the Broadway sensation to town from May 28-June 15. celebrityattractions.com 70. Go for a spin and ride the indoor Ferris wheel at Scheels. Shop for sporting goods while there then visit the rest of Woodland Hills Mall. scheels.com

TulsaPeople.com 31

72. Take a stroll through Windsor Market for an array of antique home decor. Most pieces have an upscale, European style, displayed with attention to detail and design. instagram.com/windsor_market 73. Rewind to the ’90s for a night. Tulsa’s favorite cover band, My So Called Band, plays the Vanguard regularly. mysocalledbandok.com 74. The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival commemorates 30 years with six weekends of festivities underway in May. Fantasy, pirate, Celtic — select your fate and explore the areas! okcastle.com

#71 Shop for vintage goods at Love Me Two Times

75. Freshen up with a Sweet Summer Pedicure at Sweet Mia’s. The natural nail salon offers a foot soak in cucumber and mint, an exfoliating scrub massage and more, finished with your non-toxic nail color application. sweetmianailspa.com 76. Visit Benjamin’s Biscuit Acres inside Hunter Park for an afternoon with your pup. Split into a large and small dog area, the off-leash green space has a picnic table and pond with plenty of shade. tulsaparks.org 77. Take a family field trip to the Cave House. You will learn the architecture and quirky history of its past as both a chicken restaurant and place to find a speakeasy during Prohibition. cavehousetulsa.com 78. Celebrate the summer solstice with new crystals from Black Moth. Look out for clear quartz and any other stones, rough or polished, that speak to you. shopblackmoth.com 79. No matter your age, you can sign up for the Tulsa City-County Library’s Summer Reading Program. The annual tradition promotes the love of reading and also offers a robust calendar of events for all ages. tulsalibrary.org

#83 Strike a pose in fashion from Black Sheep Boutique

80. Begin your Fourth of July weekend with a bang by running Fleet Feet’s Firecracker 5K. The course runs through downtown with live music, food and drinks after the race. runsignup.com/race/ok/ tulsa/fleetfeetfirecracker 81. Mystery is part of the allure of Boston Title and Abstract. If you are looking for luxury, the art deco speakeasy has a “High Roller” menu with foie gras, wagyu, champagne and more. bostontitleandabstract.com 82. Head over to the Smash Room for a date night unlike any other. Pick out a sledgehammer or an axe to destroy disused items like drawers, printers and more. thesmashroomtulsa.com 83. Black Sheep Boutique sets the trend for summer fashion with florals, bright colors and relaxed silhouettes. Here you’ll find the perfect dress for your upcoming vacation or dinner out. shopblacksheepboutique.com

#90 Dinkin’ around at ace Pickleball club

84. Cool off at WeStreet Ice Center. The rink offers first-time lessons, adult hockey and public skating sessions. Grab dinner at Puck’s while you are there. westreeticecenter.com 85. Spruce up your landscaping and stop by Southwood’s, Tulsa’s largest independent garden center. Look for coneflowers, roses or herbs to start planting at home. southwoodgardencenter.com

32 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

86. Spending more time inside because of the heat? Make your home’s walls more vibrant with a new piece of art. Shop local galleries like The Hulett Collection, Joseph Gierek Fine Art, Liggett Studio and M.A. Doran for that perfect piece. thehulettcollection.com, gierek.com, liggettstudio.com, madorangallery.com 87. From a single session to six-week courses, Tulsa Glassblowing School has been educating Tulsans on the ways of fire and glass since 2007. Step into the heat, learn a new skill and take home your creation. tulsaglassblowing.org 88. With three playgrounds, a pool, an 18-hole golf course, baseball fields, croquet, fishing ponds and a tennis center, all surrounded by a 5K running track, LaFortune Park is an entertainment destination for the whole family. tulsacounty.org/parks/parksfacilities/lafortune-park 89. The bright mint sign signaling coffee and doughnuts will get you to turn in, and the delicious donuts will bring you back. Livi Lee and Co. Donuts sells classic sweet flavors and sausage rolls made fresh daily. livilees.com 90. Everyone and their grandma are playing pickleball this summer. Grab your paddle and head over to Ace Pickleball Club for an air-conditioned match. acepickleballclub.com/broken-arrow-ok 91. With concerts, festivals, markets, fitness classes, and movies in rotation at Guthrie Green, one constant is also always there for your mid-week slump: Food Truck Wednesday, which runs through June. guthriegreen.com 92. Celebrating one year in August, Tulsa Premium Outlets have become the place to shop big brands and find good deals. With over 75 shops, the outlet is fun to promenade on a sunny day. premiumoutlets. com 93. Take a hike at one of Oxley Nature Center’s many trails spanning nearly nine miles overall. Try the Meadowlark Prairie Trail, which leads through prairie flowers and tall grasses — a good path to look for butterflies in the summer. oxleynaturecenter.org 94. If you are looking for a refreshment QuikTrip has your drink. Grab a Cherry Limeade Slushie or a can of Quittin’ Time beer, crafted by Marshall Brewing Co. Cool down and drink up. quiktrip.com 95. Beat the heat and head inside to catch a film at Circle Cinema. Recurring events like Noir Nights and Graveyard Shift, along with today’s feature releases, make it a hot ticket. Don’t forget the popcorn! circlecinema.org 96. Red Heat Ceramics Art Studio offers six-weeklong courses to hone your wheel throwing skills. The beginner classes explore basic form and the joys of creating with clay. redheatceramics.com 97. Pick up the latest releases or some vintage tunes at Tulsa’s local record shops like Josey Records, Starship Records and Tapes, and Studio Records. joseyrecords.com, facebook.com/ starshiprecordz, studiorecordstulsa.com 98. Are you still looking for more to do this summer? Subscribe to TulsaPeople’s print edition and e-newsletter to know what to do, every day! tulsapeople.com tp

LOVE ME: GREG BOLLINGER; ACE: MICHELLE POLLARD; BLACK SHEEP: TIM LANDES

71. Dig through treasures at 60-plus booths in Love Me Two Times vintage store. facebook.com/ lovemetwotimestulsa

RED-HOT ROSTER April 26-June 1 OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Travel back to 1569 at the annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and enjoy a wide range of events like full contact jousting, birds of prey shows and more. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day. Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee • okcastle.com May 2-4 GERMANFEST Enjoy authentic German food, music, dancing and fun at this all-ages German cultural festival that has become a spring staple in Tulsa. German-American Society of Tulsa, 2301 E. 15th St. • gastulsa.org May 3-5 ELOTE’S CINCO DE MAYO STREET FESTIVAL This free street festival features luchador wrestling, Cumbia dance parties, puffy tacos, kids activities, a corn cob derby and more for the whole family!

Elote Cafe and Catering, 514 S. Boston Ave. • elotetulsa.com May 4 BOB CHILDERS’ GYPSY CAFE Live music fans flock to music venues in Stillwater to hear 70-plus musicians share songs and stories.

Multiple venues in Stillwater. • reddirtrelieffund.org/ gypsycafe

TULSA TOUGH: TIM LANDES

May 9-11 MAYFEST Get ready for three days of family-friendly fun with more than 150 visual artists, live music — including headliners Kaitlin Butts and Madison Ryann Ward — and tons of food vendors. Tulsa Arts District • tulsamayfest.org May 15-17 BBQ AND BLUES FESTIVAL The quintessential summer event returns with barbecue tastings, spirited blues performances and fun carnival rides, along with a kids zone. Washington Irving Memorial Park, 13700 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby • bixbyrotarybbq.com

Whether you’re in the mood for music, food, games or cultural entertainment — find your fun at these summer festivals.

BY MADISON WALTERS

May 30-June 1 C-BEAT C-Beat is a weekend of DIY music, art and workshops. This free festival will also include various fun community games. Various locations in Tulsa. • instagram.com/c.beat.ok May 30-June 8 ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS FESTIVAL Enjoy 10 days full of engaging books, creative crafts and thrilling concerts featuring lively performances.

Various locations in Bartlesville. • okmmusic.org

Tulsa Tough

May 15-17 THE BLACK WALL STREET RALLY This three-day celebration provides attendees with the opportunity to experience the Greenwood District’s historic sites and enjoy a well-organized motorcycle rally and festival. Greenwood District, Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street • blackwallstreetrally.com May 15-18 ROOSTER DAYS FESTIVAL Rooster Days is a four-day festival filled with carnival rides, food trucks, an outdoor/indoor vendor marketplace, 5K and 1-mile fun runs, a parade and more. Central Park on Main, 1500 S. Main St., Broken Arrow • roosterdays.com May 16 NIGHT MARKET May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than visiting the Night Market, an outdoor extravaganza featuring lion dancers, food and so much more. 1801 S. Garnett Road • globaldistrict.org May 22-July 31 SUMMER’S FIFTH NIGHT Weekly concerts continue every Thursday with a different artist ranging in genres like country, rock and indie. Utica Square, 21st Street and Utica Avenue • uticasquare. com/events/summers-fifth-night

May 31 BLACK WALL STREET LEGACY FESTIVAL Attend a series of events spread over four days commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Greenwood District, Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street • blackwallstreetlegacyfest.com June 6 T.E.G. INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FEST The T.E.G. International Jazz Fest coincides with Tulsa Arts District’s monthly First Friday Art Crawl for a night of breathtaking art in different mediums. Guthrie Green, 111 E. Reconciliation Way • internationaljazzfest. wordpress.com June 6-8 OKM MUSIC FESTIVAL OKM Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of the arts, bringing together world-class musical performances, cultural experiences and community. Various locations in Bartlesville and Tulsa. • okmmusic.org June 6-8 TULSA TOUGH Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is a three-day party on wheels.

Whether you’re racing to win, riding for fun or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a summer highlight in Tulsa.

Locations vary. • tulsatough.com June 7 BIG RIDE Big Ride returns for this one-day music festival, held in partnership with Tulsa Tough. Tulsa Arts District • bigridetulsa.com TulsaPeople.com 33

July 11-13 TOKYO, OK Cosplay, vendors and panels abound at one of Oklahoma’s largest anime, Japanese and pop culture conventions that’s fun for the whole family. Ruffin Event Center, 1902 E. 71st St. • oklahomaculture.org

June 7-8 WINE AND JAZZ FETE Food and music abound at this festival. Scheduled performances include Espiral7 and Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey.

LowDown, 108 N. Detroit Ave.; Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness, 1162 E. 49th St. • okrootsmusic.org

July 11-15 CIRCLE CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL Five days of the best new independent art, music and film from Oklahomans awaits visitors. Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave. • circlecinema.org/ccff

June 7-July 31 RIVERWALK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Every Thursday night head to Riverwalk’s amphitheater to hear music from local acts all throughout the summer in a family-friendly atmosphere. Riverwalk amphitheater stage, 300 Riverwalk Terrace, Jenks • jenksriverwalk.com June 18-21 JUNETEENTH This year’s theme: Family Reunion! Set on historic Greenwood Avenue, this three-day celebration invites you to embrace Tulsa as home. Oklahoma State University lawn, 700 N. Greenwood Ave. • tulsajuneteenth.org

Night market

June 21 TASTE OF SUMMER Blue Bell provides more than 100 gallons of ice cream in over 24 flavors for this single-day celebration, which also includes water inflatables, arts and crafts, food trucks, treasure digs and many more family-friendly activities.

Central Park on Main, 1500 S. Main St., Broken Arrow • tasteofsummerba.com June 21-22 KIDSFEST This yearly event at Woolaroc features arts and crafts, games, live music, inflatables and so much more. Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville • woolaroc.org June 21-22 ROUTE 66 ROAD FEST Route 66 Road Fest is a one-of-a-kind celebration giving you the chance to take your own journey through the history, attractions, characters and fun of one of America’s famous roads. Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St. • route66roadfest.com

Juneteenth

June 25-28 GREEN CORN FESTIVAL This community celebration dates to Bixby’s agricultural heritage and features special activities like a carnival, pageant, live music, fireworks, games, a 5K and fun run, and more. Charley Young Event Park, 50 W. Dawes Ave., Bixby • bixbyoptimist.com/events/green-corn-festival June 26-29 MUSCOGEE NATION FESTIVAL Carnival rides, cultural exhibitions, live entertainment from both local and national acts, and much more await visitors to this weekend event. Claude Cox Omniplex, 2950 Warrior Road, Okmulgee • creekfestival.com

Circle cinema film festival 34 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

July 4 FOLDS OF HONOR FREEDOMFEST Tens of thousands of spectators gather for this 25-minute firework show with different viewing points around the city.

River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.; Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S. Boulder Park Drive • freedomfesttulsa.com

July 17-19 PORTER PEACH FESTIVAL Celebrate Porter’s agricultural legacy over three days with live music, a parade, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, tractor pulls, free peaches, ice cream/custard and more.

Main Street, Porter • porterpeachfestivals.com Aug. 8-10 LATCHFEST This arts and music festival doubles as a fundraiser for T-Town TNR, an organization that traps, neuters and returns cats. Expect the best of the local music scene, as well as fun activities. Whittier Bar, 2405 E. Admiral Blvd. • instagram.com/latchfest Aug. 9-10 OKLAHOMA COMIC CON Meet Samwise Gamgee himself (Sean Astin) at Oklahoma Comic Con. Other guests include Cristina Vee and Vicki Lawrence. Arvest Convention Center, 100 Civic Center • oklahomacomiccon.com Aug. 14-16 BLUE WHALE COMEDY FESTIVAL One of the top comedy festivals in the region, this three-day event takes over venues downtown for a weekend of laughs.

Tulsa Arts District. • bluewhalecomedyfestival.com Aug. 23 WILD BREW Guests will have the opportunity to sample fare from some of Tulsa’s best restaurants and wash it down with first-rate local beers, all in support of George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center. Arvest Convention Center, 100 Civic Center • wildbrew.org Aug. 29-31 CHEROKEE NATIONAL HOLIDAY This celebration commemorates the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Nation Constitution with food, entertainment, sporting events and traditional games. Tahlequah • thecherokeeholiday.com Aug. 29-31 ROCKLAHOMA This annual rock festival draws an estimated 100,000 attendees for three days of music, food, vendors and camping. 1421 W. 450 Road, Pryor • rocklahoma.com Sept. 10-13 BORN AND RAISED Saddle on up for four days of music from national acts like Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, Treaty Oak Revival and more.

1421 W. 450 Road, Pryor • bornandraisedfestival.com Sept. 19-21 SCOTFEST A cultural celebration of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture featuring Highland athletics, pipes and drums, Irish dance, whiskey tastings and much more. Central Park on Main, 1500 S. Main St., Broken Arrow • okscotfest.com tp

MAYFEST: MADISON WALTERS; JUNETEENTH: TIM LANDES; NIGHT MARKET, CIRCLE CINEMA: COURTESY

Mayfest

June 7 ROUTE 66 MIDPOINT CORRIDOR ROAD RALLY Check in at various checkpoints along Route 66 — from Edmond to Sapulpa — for the chance to win prizes and meet new friends along the way. Various locations • midpointcorridor.com

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Manhattan Chamber Players Escher Quartet

Natasha Paremski

Cheers for 41 years Mark your calendars for the 41st annual OKM Music Festival, set to take place May 30-June 8, 2025, in Bartlesville and Tulsa.

Known for its captivating talent and variety, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

The festival will kick off May 30-June 8 with the Especially for Kids Festival, which is designed to inspire creativity and cultivate a love for music among younger audiences. The Especially for Kids Festival will feature an array of activities, including live music concerts, engaging puppet shows and immersive art experiences.

Each activity is designed to entertain and provide valuable educational experiences, allowing children to explore the worlds of music and art in a vibrant and interactive setting.

As the Main Festival commences, the festivities will begin on June 6 at Woolaroc. Guests can expect to see renowned Oklahoma saxophonist Grady Nichols, followed by the Manhattan Chamber Players who will present a selection of classical masterpieces that reflect their virtuosity and passion for music. On June 7 the celebration will shift to Tulsa at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center

where the Tulsa Honors Baroque Youth Orchestra will perform before internationally renowned pianist Natasha Paremski will mesmerize the audience. The grand finale of the festival will take place on June 8 at The Refinery in Bartlesville. The internationally acclaimed Escher Quartet will perform their exquisite harmonies and intricate arrangements for the audience. Also this year, the festival will pay tribute to Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most celebrated composers. Known for his ability to integrate the rich traditions of Norwegian folk music into his works, Grieg’s compositions reflect the breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage of his homeland. Festival-goers can expect to hear beloved pieces, such as the “Piano Concerto in A Minor” and “Peer Gynt Suites.” In addition to the main stage events, a series of showcase performances will take place throughout the festival, promising to set a warm and welcoming tone. From the Bartlesville Ringers to the Elvis tribute by Brent Gidden, attendees will relish the vibrant musical tapestry woven throughout the festival.

Visit OKMMUSIC.ORG or call 918-336-9900 for ticket information.

DIVE IN

OKANA, WOKA AND OTHER SPLASHY SPOTS WORTH A DRIVE.

BY LAUREN ROGERS

S

ummertime is coming in hot — and with it are plenty of exciting experiences to explore. If you are looking to take advantage of the longer days this season, consider checking out some of these sizzling stops that are just a short road trip away.

KEEP IT COOL OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark opened early this spring in Oklahoma City. This $400 million development by the Chickasaw Nation is in the up-and-coming Horizons District, which is east of the Boathouse District on the south side of the Oklahoma River.

38 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

OKANA, a name which comes from combining the Chickasaw words “oka” (water) and “inkana” (friend), boasts two massive indoor and outdoor water facilities along with two amphitheaters, an event lawn, various shops, 13 dining establishments and a 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center complete with arcade games, laser tag and more.

The 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, the largest in the region, is open year-round. Guests will find amenities for all ages with 15 water slides (for kids and adults), a wave pool, lazy river, highend cabanas and an adults-only pool.

The accompanying 4.5-acre outdoor adventure area — open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day — is designed for both play and relaxation.

The resort’s centerpiece, the fourth largest pool in the country, is a sprawling sandy-beached lagoon surrounded by ample lounge chairs and palm tree replicas.

The resort includes an 11-story, 404-room hotel and a 27,000-square-foot conference center designed with versatility in mind. Rooms can feature riverfront and lagoon views, with various accommodations designed for couples, families and friends. If you are booking with a bigger group, there are multi-room and bunk suites to choose

from. Day passes also are available for the resort.

For those interested in a more rugged ride, WOKA — standing for Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas — has been flowing in Watts, Oklahoma, since Labor Day weekend 2023. The whitewater adventure park is open to the public year-round, but rentals and concessions operate on a seasonal basis. This 1,200-foot-long, 100-foot-wide channel off the Illinois River offers eight low-hazard drops for thrill seekers at various levels. Activities range from kayaking to river surfing to beginner-friendly tubing, but most rentals are only for individuals over 13 years old. Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. WOKA stresses safety as a top priority and reminds park-goers to be prepared for a challenge.

Visitors can bring their own personal whitewater vessels along with food, nonalcoholic drinks and well-behaved pets. Those interested can take advantage of season and annual passes that come with a 10% discount on most on-site purchases. As you plan your excursion, you can keep up with wave conditions and on-site parking availability at its website, visitwoka.com. (Note: WOKA is a completely cashless park; only cards are accepted.)

CONTINUED ON P. 40

COURTESY OKANA RESORT AND INDOOR WATERPARK

OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark opened earlier this year near downtown Oklahoma City.

Warrensburg

TEE OFF! Play a round at our many gorgeous golf courses.

O U T D OO R FA M I LY F U N

DISCOVER THE SPIRIT TRAIL 10 miles of hiking and biking bliss.

WA R R E N S B U R G FA R M E R S ’ M A R K E T every Saturday with fresh, local goods.

B E R RY P I C K I N G !

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Buckeye Acres Produce picking fresh strawberries.

WARRENSBURG FARMERS’ MARKET

C AS T YO U R L I N E for a chance at your next fishing trophy!

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Pool Days at the zoo.

Enjoy some fun in the sun this summer visiting all of your favorite animals at the Tulsa Zoo.

Plan your Visit | TULSAZOO.ORG/TICKETS

TulsaPeople.com 39

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

The Park House Kitchen and Bar

The Bike Inn

Bar Sen

Conifer

Factory Obscura

Cherokee Cultural Pathway

WOKA Whitewater Park WOKA: COURTESY WOKA WHITEWATER PARK; BIKE INN, PARK HOUSE, NONESUCH, BOTANICAL GARDENS: COURTESY; BAR SEN: QUIT NGUYEN, COURTESY GIANT NOISE; PREACHER’S SON: ROPE SWING GROUP; CONIFER: ANGELINA LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY; FACTORY OBSCURA: MADELYN AMACHER; CHEROKEE CULTURAL PATHWAY: JEFF EDWARDS, COURTESY CHEROKEE NATION BUSINESSES; EXHIBIT C: ERICK PERRY; BRADFORD: EMILY HART; MOMENTARY: COURTESY CRYSTAL BRIDGES AND THE MOMENTARY; BRADFORD: EMILY HART

The Bradford House 40 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

CONTINUED FROM P. 38

The Preacher’s Son

Exhibit C Gallery

The Momentary

Nonesuch

FIND FOODIE FUN If you want a bite to eat after a day spent in play at one of our new regional splash pads, take a look at the menu for one — or a few — of these noteworthy restaurants.

In OKC multi-James-Beard-nominated chef Jeff Chanchaleune launched another concept, Bar Sen, in February near his beloved Ma Der Lao Kitchen. Bar Sen brings a laid-back noodle shop/ neighborhood bar vibe to the Plaza District.

Down the street, popular brunch spot Aurora re-opened last summer in a larger space with an expanded menu and longer hours. The Shared Plate Hospitality restaurant group combined Aurora’s approach with their other restaurant, Social Deck.

With a focus on local ingredients, Aurora now provides a fresh take on contemporary American classics from breakfast to dessert.

Another recent shakeup in the OKC restaurant scene happened at Nonesuch, the city’s first dedicated tasting menu restaurant. Last year, Michelin- and James Beard-awarded restaurateur Kelly Whitaker acquired the fine dining establishment. After a brief closure, Nonesuch reopened in November with a new format. If Nonesuch is on your itinerary, be sure to book your reservation well in advance.

Out east, you can find The Park House Kitchen and Bar in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, just an 11-minute drive from WOKA. This Southern-inspired eatery is located in the historic Park House building, which was constructed in 1897. Go here for brunch, lunch, supper and occasional live music.

From WOKA, Bentonville is just under an hour away by car. There, you can find another chance to eat in a century-old building at The Preacher’s Son. Occupying a restored church built in 1904, The Preacher’s Son — along with speakeasy bar Undercroft — supplies sophistication and style to an array of dishes and cocktails. When the weather permits, try getting a table on the rooftop.

Another Bentonville fan-favorite is Conifer, which uses 100% gluten-free ingredients. Open for dinner seven days a week, Conifer serves farm-fresh foods with divine drinks and an array of gluten-reduced beers.

CONNECT WITH CULTURE No vacation is complete without engaging with the local art scene. The aforementioned Horizons District in OKC is home to the First Americans Museum and the brand-new Exhibit C Gallery. Both of these Indigenous arts centers are next door to OKANA. On the other side of OKC Factory Obscura is a contemporary artist collective that offers immersive exhibits and events. In the Paseo District, Tower Theater is one of OKC’s last original movie houses with an iconic neon marquee and intact auditorium. Hosting events from concerts to karaoke at their Ponyboy lounge next-door, Tower Theater has a calendar worth perusing if you are planning to be in OKC. In Tahlequah, a delightful detour between Tulsa and WOKA, you can tour the town by walking the Cherokee Cultural Pathway. The walkway connects the Cherokee National Historical Museum, the

Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum and the Cherokee National Prison Museum.

Through Sept. 28 the path will be displaying the exhibit “Jeff Edwards: The Future Will Be Cherokee,” which is made up of 13 large-scale reproductions of some of the Cherokee artist’s most recognized works, such as “Sequoyah Warhol” and “Cherokee on the Brain.”

Northwest Arkansas has a few eclectic encounters worth witnessing as well. A satellite of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary in Bentonville is a decommissioned cheese-factory-turned-creative-hub. Then, the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville has a packed show schedule with something for everyone.

EMBRACE FLORA AND FAUNA OZ Trails is a network of more than 550 miles of soft-surface, shared-use trails in northwest Arkansas. The operation is poised to expand with additions like the OZ Trails Bike Park, a chairliftserved downhill mountain biking experience which is slated to open in 2026.

You can slow down on the 3.5 miles of nature trails at Crystal Bridges or take a stroll through the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. OKC offers additional floral fun at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, where the conservatory underwent an $11 million renovation that was completed in late 2022.

For a less manicured hike, trek out to the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve in Tahlequah. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, these 17,000 acres of forest and grassland is the largest privately-protected conservation area in the Ozarks.

SPEND THE NIGHT If you want to stay overnight, there are several unique options gaining attention. Natural Falls State Park offers glamping just a 13-minute drive away from WOKA. With only five yurts on-site, you will want to secure yours early.

Back in Bentonville, mountain bike enthusiasts have raved about The Bike Inn. With a backyard hot tub, sauna and cold plunge, this motel was built with bikers in mind. For entirely different digs, go to The Victoria Bed and Breakfast. Located adjacent to the pedestrian entrance to Crystal Bridges, this upscale B&B gives guests a gourmet breakfast plus access to their garden and seasonal pool.

In OKC, those who choose not to spend the night at OKANA can explore places like The Bradford House. In November 2024 the Bradford House became the first hotel property in Oklahoma to be featured in the Michelin Guide. Owners Jason and Sara Kate Little earned this honor by combining an immaculate renovation of the 1912 Victorian house with outstanding service and amenities.

Folks looking for more freedom to roam can head to the Orr Family Farm in south OKC. With lodging available year-round, the Orr Family Farm is a family friendly destination packed with things to do. You can plan your trip around their different events, like their annual Fall Festival and pumpkin patch, and glamp with the family in one of their Conestoga wagons or teepees. tp TulsaPeople.com 41

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

America’s conservation capital Step into the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with the Johnny Morris Foundation’s world-class conservation attractions — where nature, education and adventure combine. From the rugged trails of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park to the immersive experiences at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, each destination is a tribute to wildlife, conservation and the great outdoors.

Just south of Springfield, near Branson, Missouri, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park offers over 10,000 acres of pristine Ozarks wilderness.

Visitors can hike, bike, ride horseback or join a guided wildlife tram tour through breathtaking landscapes carved by crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls. The park’s conservation center and treehouse learning lab offer hands-on experiences, making it an ideal destination for education and outdoor recreation.

Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, is recognized for his passion for conservation and love for the natural world. The foundation has created a network of attractions that inspire families, nature lovers and future conservationists to explore, learn and take action to protect our planet.

Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve is nestled on the highest point in Taney County overlooking Table Rock Lake. The Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail offers self-guided cart tours that take visitors on a scenic adventure through caves, waterfalls and towering limestone canyons. Along the trail, guests can see native wildlife and enjoy panoramic views. The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum further enriches the experience with native cultural and historical insights and artifacts.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, named America’s Best Aquarium six times, spans over 350,000 square feet featuring a world-class aquarium with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds. Interactive exhibits bring guests face-to-face with some of the planet’s most fascinating species, while detailed dioramas celebrate the heritage of hunting and fishing and their role in conservation. The museum also pays tribute to conservation heroes from around the globe, emphasizing the importance of sustainable wildlife management.

Every moment at a Johnny Morris Foundation Conservation Attraction is designed to educate, engage and ignite passion for the outdoors. These destinations are more than attractions — they are conservation movements in action.

Plan your visit today at VISITOZARKS.ORG.

Discover the Wonders of the Ozarks this summer with a visit to the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation’s premier attractions. Known as America’s Conservation Capital, Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve together form the world’s largest, most immersive conservation and wildlife destinations. Inspired by the vision of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation connects people of all backgrounds to the beauty of nature with a mission to educate, inspire, and conserve the Great Outdoors.

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ANCIENT OZARKS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

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WONDERS OF WILDLIFE

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46 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

MAKE IT ADVENTUROUS | MAKE IT MEMORABLE | MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Make it Springfield, Mo There’s always something new to discover in Springfield. Whether you’re exploring or relaxing, you make the call and set your own pace. Here in the City of the Ozarks, it’s all about making it your own.

Explore more at

SPRINGFIELDMO.ORG

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa offers 2,400 electronic games.

FUN & GAMES!

BY TIM LANDES

You don’t have to go far to have a lot of fun under one roof.

Whether it’s the thrill of electronic gaming, showing your best hand at the card table or a night of dining out and watching a legendary band perform before hitting the gaming floor, spending time at one of Tulsa’s three casino resorts is sure to be a good time. Book a room and make a weekend of it.

All three of Tulsa’s casinos offer hotel rooms of various sizes and amenities, meaning you can make it a staycation. Spend a night or a weekend, relax by a pool and play your favorite games.

50 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa hardrockcasinotulsa.com Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa is owned and operated by Cherokee Nation.

Gaming With over 2,400 games there is something for everyone. Hard Rock offers a “Greatest Hits Lounge” that is a collection of fan-favorite games.

Hard Rock is also home to the only World Series of Poker in northeast Oklahoma. They also offer live craps, roulette and blackjack.

Live music and sports Hard Rock has the most live music stages in the region. There’s Hard Rock Live showcasing legendary national touring acts, stand-up comedians and more. Track 5. is a honky tonk that features many up-and-coming country acts. Amp Bar is for the modern rockers and Riffs is the spot for classic rock. (Also find pieces of memorabilia seen nowhere else in the world throughout the casino.)

For sports fans, Hard Rock offers Replay sports bar with 51 TVs (including two 103-inch screens), a sports ticker and a full bar with 12 beers on tap.

Dining Enjoy a steak with a view at Carvers on 19, which is located at the top of the hotel tower.

The casino also offers buffet dining at The Eatery and casual dining at HWY 66 Diner, Flipside for burgers, Slice for pizza and Salsa for Mexican fare.

If you’re spending the night, there’s also in-room dining.

Hotel, convention space and golf course Hard Rock’s AAA Four Diamond hotel has two pools, hot tub, coffee shop and fitness center.

It also is home to Cherokee Hills — an 18-hole championship golf course.

The casino also offers more than 37,000 square feet of meeting and event space throughout the property, and this doesn’t count the 45,000-squarefoot Hard Rock Live venue that is also available when there isn’t a concert booked.

By the numbers: Electronic games: 2,400 Table games: 36 Hotel rooms: 454 Dining establishments: 6 Music venues: 4 Outside Tulsa Cherokee Nation operates nine casinos throughout its 14-county reservation in northeast Oklahoma. Enjoy thoroughbred horse racing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore through May 14.

Learn more about Cherokee Casinos at cherokeecasino.com.

CONTINUED ON P. 52

TOM GILBERT

Tulsa’s casinos offer gaming, live music, night life and more fun.

CONTINUED FROM P. 50

Osage Casino Hotel 951 W. 36th St. N. • osagecasino.com Osage Casino Hotel is owned and operated by Osage Nation.

Gaming Minutes from downtown Tulsa, Osage Casino offers more than 1,600 electronic games and 15 table games, including craps and roulette.

Dining Enjoy dinner at Stone Creek Kitchen during special events or casual dining at Thunder Bar and Grill. There’s also Roni Peppo’s Pizza Kitchen for that late night slice.

Last year Osage Casino added local favorite Coney Island to the dining options for a quick bite when taking a break from playing games.

Live music The Skyline Event Center hosts national touring acts, while the property’s new bar Swigs features a lounge, immersive screens and an elevated stage for live local music.

Hotel, convention space and pool Osage Casino Hotel has 286 hotel rooms with exclusive pool access on Fridays and Saturdays due to high occupancy rates. The rest of the week the pool is open to the public through the purchase of a pool day pass. And new to the property is an adult-only pool. Visitors and hotel guests can soak up the sun while enjoying full food and beverage service.

The covered pool patio area, located right outside the lower-level meeting space, is available for event rentals and is perfect for outdoor receptions or dinner events.

Speaking of events, Osage Casino Hotel offers 26,000 square feet of banquet space. There is complimentary venue rental with qualifying catering purchase.

By the numbers: Electronic games: 1,600-plus Table games: 15 Hotel rooms: 286 Dining establishments: 5 Music venues: 3 Outside Tulsa Osage Nation operates six more casinos on the reservation between Tulsa and the Kansas border. Spend a night away from home at an Osage Casino in Skiatook, Pawhuska, Bartlesville or Ponca City. There are also casinos in Hominy and Sand Springs. Learn more at osagecasino.com.

A quesadilla from the Fireside Grill and games inside River Sprit Casino

River Spirit Casino Resort and Margaritaville Casino 8330 Riverside Parkway • riverspirittulsa.com River Spirit Casino and Margaritaville is owned and operated by Muscogee Nation.

Gaming Throughout its 150,000-square-foot resort, River Spirit and Margaritaville offers 3,271 electronic games and 31 table games, making it a gamer’s paradise in south Tulsa on the banks of the Arkansas River.

Dining Enjoy a steak at Ruth’s Chris, or for more casual dining have a meal at Fireside Grill or Margaritaville, where there’s a volcano that erupts hourly with a vibrant light and sound show.

Live music and sports The Cove offers top-name live entertainment throughout the year so check the schedule of events. Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar offers live local entertainment seven nights a week.

Last summer the casino opened Gridiron, which is one of the largest sports viewing experiences in Oklahoma, featuring a massive 53-foot by 14-foot-high video wall, 54 televisions and 104 speakers. The sports bar and lounge area seats 157 guests including an upscale 27-seat center bar featuring 24 mounted 70-inch televisions, with an additional 30 televisions located throughout the dining and private booth seating areas.

In addition, it offers two Top Golf Swing Suites for simulated golf and other sports.

By the numbers: Electronic games: 3,271 machines Table games: 31 including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker games Hotel rooms: 483 including 54 suites Dining establishments: 6 Music venues: 3

Osage Casino Hotel’s new bar Swigs features sports broadcasts and live local entertainment.

52 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Outside Tulsa Muscogee Nation operates eight other gaming and entertainment facilities on its reservation that stretches south of Tulsa.

Locations include Muskogee, Eufaula, Bristow, Checotah and Okmulgee.

Learn more at creeknationcasinos.com.

RIVER SPIRIT, OSAGE: COURTESY

Hotel, convention space and pool The AAA Four Diamond resort hotel has 483 rooms and suites, Emerge Spa and Salon, and a resort pool exclusively for hotel guests that features the swim-up Landshark Pool Bar and cabana rentals for day-long fun.

River Spirit offers more than 50,000 square feet of convention space.

Experience world-class gaming, casual dining, live entertainment, and cozy accommodations at Osage Casino Hotel Tulsa—your perfect staycation destination.

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TulsaPeople.com 53

Choctaw Landing

5 regional casino and resort destinations worth visiting this summer

BY TIM LANDES

RIVERWIND CASINO Check into the 100-room Riverwind Hotel, located at Norman’s Riverwind Casino and then let the fun begin.

Owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, Riverwind has more than 2,800 electronic games, a poker room, table games such as blackjack, baccarat and roulette, off-track betting and more.

Check the calendar for upcoming live performances at Showplace Theatre.

Among the upcoming acts are Scotty McCreery on May 10 and Randy Rogers Band on May 16.

Riverwind Beats and Bites Music and Food Truck Festival returns for the ninth year this summer. The festival is comprised of four monthly concerts, starting with Josh Turner and Edwin McCain on June 14. Each date is accompanied by special visits from food trucks and retail vendors.

1544 State Highway 9, Norman • riverwind.com WINSTAR WORLD CASINO AND RESORT Dubbed the world’s biggest casino, this property, owned by Chickasaw Nation, sits near the Oklahoma-Texas border on Interstate 35.

There’s shopping and a world-class spa and wellness retreat, as well as 54 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

two different pools to fill your day with relaxing fun. There are two 18-hole golf courses designed by D.A. Weibring and Steve Woldfard Golf Design. The WinStar Golf Academy has the latest technology to help anyone lower their handicap.

Lucas Oil Live is the 6,500-seat entertainment venue that will host Vince Gill on May 30, Def Leppard on June 21 and I Love the ’90s Tour on July 11.

777 Casino Ave., Thackerville • winstar.com CHOCTAW LANDING Located within the lush forest surrounding Hochatown, Choctaw Landing offers an exclusive resort experience within the Oklahoma wilderness. The new casino hotel has more than 600 electronic games and table games, plus multiple dining options like the Tuko Grill that offers indoor and patio dining.

Spend a day at Oka Sita pool relaxing on a lounger or rent a cabana for a guaranteed spot to enjoy a cocktail from the bar when not cooling off in the pool. In the evening mosey over to Cypress Lawn and enjoy live entertainment at the amphitheater.

Enjoy taking in art? Choctaw Landing offers a self-guided art walk comprised of 40 pieces of art created by more than 20 Choctaw artists.

272 N. State Highway 259A, Hochatown • choctawlanding.com CHOCTAW CASINO AND RESORT If you enjoy gaming, Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant features more than 7,400 electronic games — 3,200 of which are in a non-smoking environment.

There also are more than 100 table games offering craps, roulette, baccarat, pai gow and blackjack.

Stay in the 21-story Sky Tower that has 1,000 rooms or park your camper in the RV park.

On May 18, Halsey plays the Grand Theater, Maxwell performs on June 21 and Clay Walker on July 5.

The Durant location has plenty of food options — from fine dining at 1832 Steakhouse, to enjoying sports and a meal at The League, to casual bites at Bamboo Noodle Bar or Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar and more.

4216 S. Highway 69/75, Durant • choctawcasinos.com tp

GREG BOLLINGER/COURTESY

DOWNSTREAM CASINO Located near Joplin, the Quapaw Nation casino resort is a short drive up the Will Rogers Turnpike.

With both indoor and outdoor pools, guests of all ages can find some water-filled fun. Many hit the nearby 18-hole Eagle Creek Golf Club for a day’s worth of 9-iron action. Others opt for a relaxing session at Nee Spa. On the gaming floor, guests can try their hand at any of the 1,800-plus slot games, poker tables, craps, roulette, blackjack or other table games.

Bring an appetite and enjoy a bison tenderloin, a house specialty at Red Oak Steakhouse, which is just one of several dining options at Downstream.

Live entertainment this summer includes Lit and Fuel on June 13, Cole Swindell on June 27 and I Want My ’80s Tour featuring Rick Springfield, Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young on July 24.

69300 E. Nee Road, Quapaw • downstreamcasino.com

Lifestyle HOME

HEALTH

TRENDS

Betsey Johnson Garnet heels, $89, Shiraleah minibag, $62, from J.Cole Shoes, 9930 Riverside Parkway.

MICHELLE POLLARD

PUT A BOW ON IT

The bow trend is still everywhere these days. From shoes and bags to lifestyle accessories, picture frames and hair design. These springtime finds tie it all together.

TulsaPeople.com 55

LIFESTYLE

STOREFRONT

SHOP FAV O R I T E S

Daily Grace Co. journal, $24.

Julie Walsh and Cassie Imel

Feminine fantasy

Broken Arrow storefront mixes flowers with books, gifts and more.

Medium arrangement, $75.

BY EMMA SIMON

B

56 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

“Demon Copperhead” (paperback)

by Barbara Kingsolver, $22.

BOOK AND BLOOM 115 E. Dallas St., Broken Arrow 918-957-5153 • bookandbloomba.com 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday.

MICHELLE POLLARD

est friends Cassie Imel and Julie Walsh are living the dream.

Since 2017 they’ve owned and operated the floristry shop Penelope and Lu, which is known for its romantic wedding and event arrangements. But they’d always talked about another business idea, and three years ago the timing was right to open Book and Bloom, a bookstore and flower shop in Broken Arrow’s Rose District.

“We used to be teachers,” Imel says. “So while we started as just a flower shop, we always dreamed of incorporating books someday.”

The store seamlessly mixes both interests. There are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along one wall and a fridge display full of flower bouquets on another. Their product arrangements look more like whimsical, curated installations of florals and books. They also carry bookish items like mugs and journals.

A door separates the storefront from Imel and Walsh’s workshop where they operate the full-service retail florist part of the business. It’s also where they like to host their flower workshops, which they put on throughout the year.

In addition to Book and Bloom’s own workshops, Imel says they host other small businesses that rent out the space to use for their events. “Some are established and others are very new and run out of the home,” she adds. Th is leads to an event calendar with everything from sourdough courses to cookie decorating lessons.

“We wanted to bring back that old-school bookstore feeling, somewhere that fostered community — not just for our customers but for our employees, too.” Imel says. “I think we’ve accomplished that.” tp

LIFESTYLE

HEALTH

Game changer Oncologist helping change the standard of care for gynecological cancer patients through clinical trials.

BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ

Dr. Michael Gold is a gynecological oncologist at Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute. He is photographed in front of the center’s Wall of Ribbons.

MICHELLE POLLARD

D

r. Michael Gold’s passion is research. More specifically gynecological cancer research.

As a gynecological oncologist at Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, he has been part of multiple research publications that have led to game-changing clinical trials in the gynecological cancer realm. Several of these clinical trials have made vital improvements in cancer survival rates and reduced side effects from treatments.

“We have had some fantastic breakthroughs as a result of clinical trials,” Gold says. “With the development of personalized medicine and immunotherapy, we have been able to increase survival rates and reduce the toxicity of the cancer treatments themselves.”

As a member of OCSRI’s team, Gold is active in clinical research focusing on gynecologic cancers occurring in the female reproductive tract such as ovary, uterus and cervix. Before joining OCSRI he served as

the director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In addition to his current role Gold is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine.

Founded in 2016, OCSRI is a community-based oncology practice known for pioneering clinical trials, cutting-edge technology and breakthrough cancer care.

They work as a team of surgeons, radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, and genetic risk counselors to provide individual and comprehensive cancer care for each patient. Clinical trials are an integral part of OCSRI’s visionary plan.

“We are actively involved in national and industry-sponsored trials that can provide our patients with the latest developments in cancer research,” Gold says.

He uses an archery analogy to explain the benefits of clinical trials to his patients.

“We compare standard care (chemotherapy) to arrows that are shooting at the cancer,” he says. “When we add in a clinical trial, we are adding another arrow to our quiver, one that is maybe sharper or shoots straighter. It’s just another weapon in our arsenal of treating cancer — it doesn’t take away from anything else we are doing.”

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are the final step in a long process that begins with lab research.

Patients who qualify have access to the newest and potentially the most effective drugs and treatments, which are otherwise not available to them “These trials can test new ways to treat cancer, find and diagnose cancer, manage symptoms and even prevent cancer from recurring,” Gold says. “Almost all clinical advances in cancer treatment have come about because of clinical trials.”

Recently OCSRI became a main member site of Philadelphia-based NRG Oncology, which enhances OCSRI’s research capabilities by providing direct access to government-funded studies to expand on their ongoing clinical trials.

Gold says NRG Oncology is a National Institutes of Health cooperative group with international collaboration in Asia and South America as it develops new cancer treatments and improving patient care.

“Because of our status as a main member,” he says, “we are now offering the same trials as top cancer treatment centers such as MD Anderson or Johns Hopkins.” tp TulsaPeople.com 57

LIFESTYLE

Happy Birthday, Kate

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

I

’ve never been able to keep a daily diary. The routine doesn’t agree with me. It becomes a chore, like floors that must be swept.

Also, I’m not good at it. My few attempts produce dull entries that read: “Hot day. Made sun tea.”

On the other hand, I find great joy in sitting outside in dappled sunshine and reading with a notebook and pen at hand.

Great thoughts surface.

Or so I imagined.

I came across this note I made years ago: “What do I care what people think about garbanzo beans?”

What in the world inspired me to write that?

It is by no stretch of the imagination a profound thought. It is indicative, though, of a person (me) who looks in awe at birds rocketing into shrubs and wonders: “How can they do that without poking themselves in the eye?”

58 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

With a well-deserved sense of humility I set off for Oklahoma City recently to attend an Oklahoma Women’s History Conference.

(Genuine profound thought: The Road to Hell Paved with Good Intentions is a garden path compared to the Turner Turnpike. Why don’t we have a high-speed rail service between Tulsa and Oklahoma City?)

The conference was organized by Jennifer Lynch, Ponca City’s Pioneer Woman Museum director. It was fi lled with young historians — teachers, students, professionals and history enthusiasts. I was on a panel about early Oklahoma women activists and talked about Kate Barnard, a fiery political reformer. Author Rilla Askew talked about Angie Debo, the state’s premier historian, and Ruth Brown, a white Bartlesville librarian fi red in 1950 for her civil rights activities.

Autumn Brown, assistant professor at Oklahoma State University, gave a keynote

address about Clara Luper, a Black history teacher in Oklahoma City. In the 1950s Luper took her class to New York. They traveled a northern route and for the fi rst time, the Black students sat at a drugstore counter and drank a Coke. Also for the fi rst time they ate a meal inside a restaurant instead of receiving it in a paper bag out the back door. They took the segregated southern route home. The trip was life changing.

Until then, they had assumed the entire country was segregated.

Back in Oklahoma City, Luper and the NAACP Youth Council staged the historic Katz Drug Store sit-in in 1958. Luper, who died in 2011, is memorialized for her pioneering leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement.

I am not a trailblazing pioneer in anything, but I know the value of books, history and teachers. They can inform, inspire and guide. They are the roots of grassroots.

That is why I’m helping plan bookstore birthday parties this month for Barnard — free celebrations that will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the fi rst woman elected to state office. (FYI: The second woman elected to state office was Tulsa’s Norma Eagleton in 1979 as corporation commissioner.) Barnard was a fearless social activist who championed, fi rst and foremost, public education and the well-being of children. She famously said, “A child is the state’s greatest resource.”

Barnard’s historic birthday is the nominal reason for the parties, but an underlying mission is to celebrate history, books and community involvement. Barnard’s life work epitomized all of that. The free and open-to-all parties will be held May 24 at two Tulsa independent bookstores, Oak Tree Books, 2812 E. 15th St., and Magic City Books, 221 E. Archer St. Elected officials, past and present, will drop by. Askew, Michael Wallis, Randy Krehbiel and other writers will be there to sign copies of their books.

I mentioned the bookstore birthday events at the women’s history conference, hoping others would organize similar Kate Birthday Parties of simple, grassroots community activism. Sunu Kodumthara, history professor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, emailed me this: “In these times that we are living, it gives me great comfort to remember that community still exists, and it is our strength.” tp

ASHLEY GUERRERO

MUSINGS

Table Talk

MICHELLE POLLARD

DINING

FOOD

DRINKS

PUMP A IT UP

beautiful May day calls for lunch at one of the newest patios in town: The Pump, 602 S. Lewis Ave. Try the chicken cutlet sandwich, a flattened chicken breast coated in panko breading and fried up golden before being sandwiched in a soft roll with mozzarella, arugula pesto, olive tapenade and roasted bell pepper.

The former 1960s gas station hosts regular events like trivia, live music and barbecue every Thursday, and much more. Its patio features tables, conversation pits and yard games.

On May 31 The Pump will host its annual crawfish boil with the folks from Lassalle’s. Last year’s was a huge hit and The Pump is expecting an even bigger celebration this year.

Learn more at pumpbartulsa.com. — ANNE BROCKMAN

TulsaPeople.com 59

TA B L E TA L K

DINING OUT

The right note Moroccan food shines at Studio Row restaurant Notes of Marrakesh.

BY JUDY ALLEN

Chicken tajine with caramelized prunes and apricot served with sefa noodles 60 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

MICHELLE POLLARD

C

hef and owner Sovana Benis learned how to cook at the heels of the women in her family — her mother, grandmother and aunts — in her native country of Morocco. In early 2024 she opened Drive-Th rough Marrakesh at 17th Street and Sheridan Road to showcase the delicious cuisine of her youth.

That summer Benis moved to a larger location on Studio Row across from The Church Studio. She renamed it “Notes of Marrakesh” to play to the area’s music history. The cozy vibe leans toward casual lunch and dinner or a midafternoon nosh with hot, minty Moroccan tea.

A friend and I popped in recently for lunch — a fi rst visit for both of us. Traditional, conical-shaped cooking vessels called tajines play a prominent role in Moroccan cooking, and you’ll spot many of them on tables fi lled with tender braised lamb, chicken or meatballs and a side of homemade bread. I opted for the meatballs, which were tender and saucy and topped with two fried eggs and a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese — an addition Benis says was traditional for her. I was dubious, but the stew and soft cheese were a delicious combination when tucked into a wedge of her crisp, warm bread.

My friend enjoyed the seafood pastila, consisting of a mixture of mussels and octopus, rice noodles and preserved lemon tucked into crispy phyllo dough. According to my friend it reminded her of Russian Coulibiac, a traditional dish of seafood and rice wrapped in puff pastry. Both sweet and savory Moroccan dishes tend to lean into warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger, and the dishes we tried were no exception.

Benis’ menu runs from breakfast through lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served all day and includes pancakes studded with anise, fennel, flax and poppy seeds; an assortment of house-made breads and pastries; and savory lamb sausage with eggs. Coffee and

Notes of Marrakesh opened last August along Studio Row.

Pancakes are made with anise, fennel seeds, almond flour, flax seeds and poppy seeds.

tea are available as well. In season, specifically late summer into fall, look for fresh fig toast — something to add to the list of things to try next visit.

Benis, who is charming and friendly and visited with us as well as the other tables, told us folks sip on smoothies in Marrakesh as an alternative to coffee. We sampled the pineapple, coconut and lemon version, which was rich and not too sweet. She says the avocado, fig and almond version is popular in Marrakesh, so count that as another reason to return.

For lunch, she says her harira soup is a popular item — it’s a traditional Moroccan soup chock-full of lentils, chickpeas and thin noodles in a richly spiced red broth.

In addition to main dishes, the menu offers a small assortment of salads and sandwiches. Benis hints her favorite menu item is the eggplant sandwich. “It has an amazing tahini sauce,” she says. Appetizers include “sheep in a blanket” and a puff y pizza, but per her suggestion we tried the cream cheese cigars — crisp, fried-to-order phyllo dough stuffed with an herby cream cheese mixture — and they were the perfect introduction to the flavorful meal ahead.

Notes of Marrakesh is a small operation — just Benis and one or two others take care of the tables, bar and kitchen, so don’t be in a hurry. But if you take the time to relax at a table you will be rewarded with some delicious homestyle Moroccan cooking. tp

NOTES OF MARRAKESH 315 S. Trenton Ave. • 916-398-8199 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-midnight, Saturday

A variety of hot drinks, such as mint and green Moroccan tea, is available.

TulsaPeople.com 61

TA B L E TA L K

WHAT’S COOKING?

COOL TREATS A

t the first sign of summer we’re ready to dive in. Give us a sunny day, and we’re breaking out our sandals, sitting on a patio and standing in line for a Josh’s sno-cone.

It’s in these glorious days of May when we’re also eager to start cooking some classic summertime favorites. We’re grilling hamburgers, making strawberry shortcake and looking forward to homegrown Oklahoma corn and tomatoes. And of course, there’s the favorite food of summer: ice cream!

Ice cream sandwiches are great for graduation parties and birthdays, and you can make mini ice cream sandwiches everyone will love at bridal and baby showers.

The best ice cream sandwiches start with a cookie that has some oomph. You don’t want a wimpy cookie here. Our cookie suggested here has a cup of oats, making it sturdy enough to hold the ice cream. Once you have packed your ice cream between the cookies, roll the ice cream edges in sprinkles for a cute finish. — NATALIE MIKLES

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg and egg yolk and beat until combined. Beat in the vanilla.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, beating until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. (The dough will be thick.)

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough into 24 balls and drop onto parchmentpaper-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1.5 inches between the cookies.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and press to allow the ice cream to reach the cookie edges. Roll in your favorite sprinkles, wrap with plastic, and freeze until firm. tp 62 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

MICHELLE POLLARD; WHAT THE ALE: TOM GILBERT

HELLO, SUMMER! ICE CREAM SANDWICHES 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 quart ice cream, softened Sprinkles

Ice cream sandwiches to-go

Don’t want the mess of making them at home?

Tulsa has some great spots that will make them for you. Here are a couple of our favorites.

ROSE ROCK MICROCREAMERY: Fun flavors are what bring us back to Rose Rock. Try the cookie bowls made with flavors like Vietnamese coffee, lavender honey or midnight chocolate. For ice cream sandwiches, you can’t beat cookies and cream or the vegan cookies and cream. Find Rose Rock at 113 E. Fifth St., 1601 E. 15th St. and 115 N. Main St. in Broken Arrow.

BIG DIPPER CREAMERY: Big house-made chocolate chip cookies are filled with a generous scoop of ice cream. There’s the vanilla bean, but we also love the dark chocolate or the salted caramel with brown butter ganache smashed between those delicious cookies. Find Big Dipper at 3633 S. Peoria Ave., inside Mother Road Market at 1124 S. Lewis Ave., and 120 N. Main St. in Sand Springs. — NATALIE MIKLES

RETRO REWIND For decades the hum of a soda fountain and the clinking of ice cream scoops filled the air inside Sperry’s Rexall drugstore — a place where locals came for prescriptions, gifts and old-fashioned chocolate malts. Though the original Rexall has been gone for years, its story isn’t over. Fans of “The Outsiders,” the 1983 film based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, began making the 20-minute pilgrimage from The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa to Sperry in order to visit what locals fondly called The Old Drugstore, as well as other filming locations like the DX Gas Station.

With help from the nonprofit Upward Sperry, the DX Gas Station was rebuilt and the drugstore reopened in September 2024 to help draw more people to town. Some of the nostalgic charm of The Old Drugstore remains, with vintage photographs and old apothecary bottles reminding visitors of the building’s past. But to draw in a new crowd, Natasha Woodard — business partner of owner Kevin Watkins — added a simple menu of burgers, fries, coneys and Frito pies for lunch, and biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, toaster sandwiches and muffins for breakfast. Woodard says it’s been nice to see more people visiting Sperry. She’s also added an extensive drink menu with coffee drinks, lotus energy and different types of iced tea. Big scoops of ice cream with dozens of toppings to choose from are popular with customers of all ages.

With its retro charm, The Old Drugstore isn’t just a stop for “Outsiders” fans — it aims to once again become a gathering place for the community in the heart of Sperry.

Above, the OD Cheeseburger; below, owner Kevin Watkins and business partner Natasha Woodard

The Old Drugstore, 16 S. Cincinnati Ave. in Sperry, is open 6 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. — NATALIE MIKLES

Pearl Beach Brew Pub owner James Speegle and brewmaster Mitch Hull

WHAT THE ALE

NETTING SUCCESS James Speegle never planned on running a brewery. He started by organizing sports leagues with OSSO Sports and Social, a recreational adult sports league in the state.

For 15 years, Speegle has organized leagues for kickball, bowling, Wiffle ball, volleyball and more with the post-game tradition of gathering at a sponsor bar.

The leagues grew, and one day, Speegle thought: Why not become the sponsor bar?

In 2015 he and a partner opened Beacon Bar in Oklahoma City with a modest bar and enough space for a single sand volleyball court out back.

When demand outgrew supply he opened Lighthouse Beach Bar with space for six sand volleyball courts.

Further success led him to search for a Tulsa location. An existing local brewery with a skyline view and space for volleyball courts caught Speegle’s attention at 418 S. Peoria Ave. He stepped in for a drink, and by the time he left he had a new idea: Pearl Beach Brew Pub, where they brew their own beer and play volleyball.

“Brewing was not anywhere on anybody’s bingo card. When we started out, we were playing kickball in a field with our buddies, but the brew system came with this building and this location. And luckily, our good friend Mitch Hull is a very accomplished brewer and has been known for making good beer for a while,” says Speegle, who brought Hull onto the team.

Open since 2019, Tulsa’s Pearl Beach Brew Pub serves a variety of beers from light lagers to lemony goses. They offer leagues and their beers at both the Tulsa and OKC locations. — TOM GILBERT TulsaPeople.com 63

TA B L E TA L K

A LA CARTE

BAKERY

These local bakers are the epitome of sweet success as the winners of TulsaPeople’s annual A-LIST Readers’ Choice Awards.

MERRITT’S BAKERY 3202 E. 15th St., 918-747-2301 9521-G S. Delaware Ave., 918-296-9000 4930 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow; 918-250-1607 • merrittsbakery.com ANTOINETTE BAKING CO. 207 N. Main St. • 539-777-1674 antoinettebakingco.com Bricktown Brewery

Hump day deals 3 Wednesday dinner deals to beat the mid-week blues How about a half-price pizza to get over the mid-week hump? On Wednesdays BRICKTOWN BREWERY’s wood-fired pizzas are half-off. Choose from: the Carnivore layered with sausage, Canadian bacon, ground beef, peppered bacon and pepperoni; Chicken-Bacon-Ranch; the Veggie piled high with olives, peppers, mushrooms and pepperoncini; and other pizza pie pleasures. One of our favorites is the barbecue chicken pizza with roasted chicken, cilantro, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, peppered bacon and barbecue sauce. At half price it comes out to about $7 a pizza. 3301 S. Peoria Ave. • 9409 E. 71st St. • 11909 E. 96th St. N., Owasso • bricktownbrewery.com

SAINT AMON BAKING CO. 8156 S. Lewis Ave. • 918-364-2143 facebook.com/saintamonbakingco COUNTRY BIRD BAKERY 1644 E. Third St., Unit B countrybirdbakery.com COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET 1502 E. 15th St. • 918-779-6137 chocstulsa.com Coffee House on Cherry Street

MCNELLIE’S Wednesday burger night is one of the longest-standing restaurant deals in town.

For years Tulsans have known to head downtown or out to McNellie’s south Tulsa location for a great value on a burger and fries. The price has gone up over the years (some of you may remember when it was $3), but with the increase in food costs, $6 for a pub burger and fries is still a great deal. The original charburger is served on a toasty brioche bun with seasoned hand-cut fries. Beer enthusiasts know this is the place to find more than 60 beers on tap and hundreds of interesting pints, cans and bottles from both Oklahoma and around the world. 409 E. First St. • 7031 S. Zurich Ave. • mcnellies.com — NATALIE MIKLES 64 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

MICHELLE POLLARD

On Wednesday nights, when you don’t know what to make for dinner and you’re only halfway through a long week to boot — it’s puffy tacos to the rescue! Every Wednesday night from 4 p.m. to close, ELOTE’s veggie and chicken puffy tacos are just $2.50. We love the veggie option filled with black beans and roasted sweet potatoes wrapped in an airy flour tortilla. And though it’s not part of the special, we can’t go to Elote without ordering the house queso, a delicious blend of cream cheese, salsa and spices. Pair it all with a $5 happy hour margarita and your mid-week mood will improve exponentially.

514 S. Boston Ave. • elotetulsa.com

3 LAKE HOMES WE LOVE + DESIGNER SHOWCASE TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS HOW TO BUILD A HOME FROM SCRATCH

918.298.4477

RenHardWood.com

Contents SPRING 2025

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1

67 TRENDS • 10 things to gift your host • Meet home organizer Kristin Switzer

73 LIVING • How to design a home from scratch • At home with designer Francie Winchester • 4 recent home sales

88 FEATURES • A Grand Lake home is updated to suit a growing family • New construction on Grand Lake hits all the marks • A Carlton Landing retreat provides a relaxing getaway with a focus on family

118 DESIGN MINDS Charles Stevens Dilbeck — Architecture wunderkind

SPECIAL SECTIONS 78 Top Real Estate Professionals 97 Designer Showcase

3 LAKE HOMES WE LOVE + DESIGNER SHOWCASE TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

JJHOMES PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW TO BUILD A HOME FROM SCRATCH

Designer Chelsea Harper-Wilson of Harper House Collective curated the finishes in this bright and inviting kitchen.

To read more about how to design a home from the ground up, go to p. 73.

ON THE COVER See p. 91.

PHOTO BY KACEY GILPIN AND VORA QUINN TulsaPeople.com 65

HOME

EDITOR’S LETTER Volume 5, Issue 1 ©2025. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage. published by

W

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 P: 918-585-9924 F: 918-585-9926

hile it has always been

find a vacation home of your own. Get a feel

my mission to make

for recent lakeside real estate sales at two up-

our family home

and-coming destinations on p. 77.

feel as luxurious and

If building your dream getaway is more

comfortable as a vacation home, sometimes

your speed, then you will not want to miss

you just need to get out of town.

our feature on p. 73 that highlights tips

A change of scenery can do wonders for

from a pro for the exciting yet overwhelm-

your psyche — letting go of the checklist

ing process of designing a home from the

of to-dos, the office just miles away or the

ground up.

piles of laundry haunting your mudroom.

And for those of us lucky enough to

Sure, the beaches and mountains are nice

score an invitation to someone’s lake house,

but there is something to be said for a short

we have rounded up the perfect selection of

drive to one of Oklahoma’s many beauti-

gifts for your host on p. 67. After all, if you

ful lakes ... so much so that we decided to

make a good impression, they might just

devote an entire issue to the topic.

invite you back for more fun — something

On the pages that follow you will tour

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller EDITOR Kendall Barrow CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Anne Brockman Tim Landes Tiffany Howard EDITORIAL & MARKETING ASSISTANT Madison Walters CREATIVE DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford ART DIRECTOR Georgia Brooks MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Pollard VIDEOGRAPHER Greg Bollinger SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Andrea Canada ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Melissa Givens Josh Kampf CONTROLLER Mary McKisick

MEMBER

TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

we could all use. tp

three different homes. Two at Grand Lake, one recently updated for a growing family (p.

Langdon Publishing Company sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue of Tulsa People was printed on recycled fibers containing 20 percent post-consumer waste with inks containing a soy base blend. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally, meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

88), while the other was built from scratch to suit its owners’ needs for years to come (p.

91). And a third (p. 94) can be found at one of the state’s most recent hotspots, Carlton

Disregard any TulsaPeople subscription solicitation that is not directly mailed from the Langdon Publishing office at 1603 S. Boulder Ave. Contact Langdon Publishing directly if you are interested in subscribing or renewing your TulsaPeople subscription.

Landing, which draws inspiration from the popular beach town of Seaside, Florida.

Each of these homes is unique and inspiring in its own way thanks to a handful on the road.

After reading about these relaxing retreats you might find yourself inspired to 66 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Kendall Barrow EDITOR

S AY N O T O H A T E

MICHELLE POLLARD

of Tulsa-based designers taking their talents

Trends COME BEARING GIFTS

W

hether you are a frequent visitor or this is your first invitation to the lake, it is inadvisable to show up empty handed. Here are our top 10 gifts sure to make an impression on your host.

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY KENDALL BARROW

Woven Marbella tote, $64, and matching zippered pouch, $48; trucker hat, $35; all from Ribbons.

TulsaPeople.com 67

HOME

TOP TEN Choose one of these fun, themed gifts to bring on your next lake visit.

Etched fish paddle board, $34.99, Amber Marie and Co.

Chip and dip server, $52.99, Amber Marie and Co.

Lake-themed cocktail napkins, $6.99 per package, Amber Marie and Co.

Trucker hats, $35, Ribbons.

Geometry tea towels, $19 each, Ribbons.

68 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Yacht club servers, $42; Lake Life plastic cups, $15 for a set of 10, Magpie.

Sea salt and coastal mist candle, $74, Magpie.

Blue agate coasters, $18 each, Magpie.

MICHELLE POLLARD

Guest book, $32, Magpie.

In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog.

The store your pet deserves!

2803 SOUTH HARVARD | 918-624-2600 | OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-6, SUNDAY 12-5

HOME

MEET THE CRAFTSMEN

Perfectly placed Local organizer Kristin Switzer keeps things in order.

BY SARA PLUMMER

K

70 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Kristin Switzer turned her passion for organizing into a career where she is now able to help others.

“We organize kitchens, pantries, closets, playrooms, garages — anything in your home we can organize,” she says. “We come in and help you go through this process that just seems overwhelming. We all have an unspoken to-do list, those things you have to tackle, but you don’t have the time or energy to do. We love helping with that.”

The first step in the process is a consultation with the client to see the space and get photos and measurements. Switzer then presents a proposal with recommended services, products and an estimated budget.

“I get a real feel for the space and the client and what their goals are,” she says. “Over the past three-and-a-half years I’ve really

MICHELLE POLLARD

ristin Switzer has always liked organizing, even as a kid.

“I remember organizing the medicine cabinet or the pantry or the linen closet. I didn’t realize organizing was a unique skill set until I was an adult,” she says.

And she didn’t know she could make a career out of that skill until 2020 when she and her family moved into a new home with a walk-in pantry, something Switzer had never had before.

“I just started looking on social media to look for ways people had organized pantries, and I started following a few different people that had some good ideas and realized they were doing this for clients,” she says. “I said ‘People will pay you to organize?’ It just didn’t occur to me that it was a marketable service.”

Switzer started researching professional organizing businesses and found 2B Organized, a national company that had several franchises across the United States.

She liked that the company already had a structure and proven methodology, giving her a solid first step into entrepreneurship.

“And the best part has been the support I’ve gotten from other franchisees. We have about 15 franchise owners across the country, so it’s not huge, but there’s a good number of us now and we’ve become friends,” she says.

Switzer opened 2B Organized in Tulsa in June 2021, which now includes seven team members and a goal of hiring even more in the future.

The company offers several different services in Tulsa, but the most popular are in-home organizing, downsizing, moves and relocations.

Sapphire Jubilee 65T H A N N I V E R S A RY OPER A BALL 2025

SUNNY RAE BARKETT

CHARLOTTE GENE BOEDEKER

CARLYLE MAURA BUTLER

NEELY KATE HOLLEY

MAYA GABRIELLA JACOB

LUCY MARIE KACERE

OLIVIA ROSE LAI

ADDISON ELIZABETH MEYERS

CATERINA MONCADA

LAUREN ISABELLA MURET

ELLIE OLIVIA MURRAY

AVA NICOLE OVERLAND

LAUREN CHRISTINE PEREIRA

SYDNIE LAUREN SCHAUDT

LONDON HADLEY SIEGFRIED

ANNA CATHERINE SIMON

MARIN CAROLINE SMITH

KAMRYN JOELLE TEWIS

The Guild of Tulsa Opera congratulates the 2025 Opera Ball Debutantes.

The historic Opera Ball’s 65th anniversary was celebrated March 8, 2025, at the Mayo Hotel.

Future Debutantes, Squires, and friends of Opera are invited to

OPERA BALL 2026

MARCH 7, 2026 • THE MAYO HOTEL The Guild of Tulsa Opera is proud to continue this social and educational program for rising seniors in Green Country.

Please visit www.TGOTO.org or contact TulsaOperaGuild@gmail.com for more information on Opera Ball 2026.

Switzer aims to get a feel for each client’s goals, ensuring the organized space meets their unique needs.

TIPS FOR SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZATION FROM KRISTIN SWITZER • Start with a small and easy area. A junk drawer or that pile of mail on your counter is a great place to begin. First, pull everything out and place like-items together. Next, discard any trash or items that you don’t need. Finally, place your items to keep back in the drawer and contain them using small bins or trays.

• Place an empty donation box in a designated area in your home. As you come across items that you no longer want or need, place them in the box to be donated. You’ll be amazed at how quickly that box will fill up.

• Schedule a donation pick-up with a local charity — Salvation Army and Family and Children’s Services both provide donation pick up. Give yourself a couple of weeks to collect items around your house. This can include big items, too, such as furniture.

• Challenge yourself to create clear surfaces.

Countertops and tables collect items easily 72 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

and create visual clutter in the home, which in turn increases stress and anxiety. Clear one surface in your home that you see regularly such as your coffee table.

• As the temperatures get warmer in spring, this is the perfect time to review your winter clothing. Did you wear that sweater or those boots at all this season? These items will be fresh on your mind, and you’ll have an easier time decluttering.

• Remember the 20/20 rule: if you don’t use the item regularly but are afraid to get rid of it, could you replace that item for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes? Could you borrow the item from a friend or family member? If yes, then consider donating it or getting rid of it.

• Find a home for everything. Each item in your home should have a specific place to live.

This makes finding your items and tidying up so much easier.

figured out what works well in a lot of spaces, but then every space is a little different.”

And as people get older and look to downsize into smaller homes or retirement communities, the need for help to declutter and prepare for a big move becomes even greater, Switzer says.

“A lot of seniors we work with, they might have been in their house for more than 20 years, they might have raised their kids in that house. They’ve collected stuff in their garage and attics and everywhere,” she says. “We help with that entire process. We want to make this transition and downsizing process a lot easier. And it’s really rewarding.

I just love it.”

For Switzer, one of her favorite spaces to work on is the one that got her started.

“Pantries are one of those great starter projects because there isn’t a lot of decisionmaking for the client. ‘How do you feel about expired food? Want us to toss it all?

Great.’ There’s not a lot of sentimental items in a pantry,” she says, but it’s a space that makes a big impact. “They see it and say, ‘This looks amazing.’ And it feels great.

They’re in there every day, so it gives them instant joy.” tp

Living

BUILT FROM SCRATCH

JJHOMES PHOTOGRAPHY

D

esigner Chelsea Harper-Wilson of Harper House Collective curated the finishes in this bright and inviting kitchen. To read more about how to design a home from the ground up, turn the page.

The space features a striking green island topped with a durable quartz countertop paired with warm wood lower cabinets and crisp white upper cabinetry. The white zellige-style backsplash adds texture, while brass hardware and matte black accents provide contrast.

TulsaPeople.com 73

HOME

HOW TO

Making every detail count Expert tips for designing a home from scratch

BY GRACE WOOD

T

here are few things more exciting — or overwhelming — than designing your dream home from the ground up. The freedom to make every design decision is exciting, but the sheer number of choices can quickly become daunting. From selecting finishes to ensuring a cohesive vision, the process can feel like a high-stakes puzzle.

Enter Chelsea Harper-Wilson of Harper House Collective, a Tulsa-based luxury interior design studio. Specializing in new home design, she partners with homebuilders to bring her clients’ visions to life — down to the smallest details. Harper-Wilson has developed strategies to help homeowners navigate the design process with confidence — here is her expert advice for tackling a new build from start to finish.

COMMUNICATE YOUR INSPIRATION It’s helpful to have inspirational touchpoints to share with your design team — and they don’t have to be limited to Pinterest boards, Harper-Wilson says. “I’ve seen it all. I’ve had someone bring in a rug and say, ‘I want my house to look like this,’ and even a client who showed me a picture of their dog to use as inspiration for their home’s exterior colors. I like to see what you’ve saved on social media and hear what specifically draws you to those images. Maybe it’s just the light fixture or a certain detail. Imagery is the best way for me to understand your design direction.”

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Chelsea Harper-Wilson of Harper House Collective designed this dining space by layering textures and natural tones. The statement, woven light fixture adds dimension while complementing the nature-inspired wallpaper, which pulls in the kitchen island color. A tulip table grounds the space, while plush upholstered chairs and a woven jute rug provide softness.

SELECT THE RIGHT FINISHES When selecting finishes, it’s important to ensure they align with your home’s overall design vision. A designer can help streamline this process by narrowing down choices that fit your style. Strong vendor relationships also play a key role. “I’ve built strong connections with local vendors over the years, which makes a big difference,” HarperWilson says. “When we walk into a lighting store, for example, our rep has 20 years of experience and can help guide decisions based on budget, brand and size restrictions.”

Working with a designer who has established vendor partnerships provides expert guidance from multiple angles, making the process feel far less overwhelming.

Some finishes may be visually stunning but not the most practical for everyday

living. Opt for finishes that not only look great but also fit your lifestyle and needs, Harper-Wilson advises. “Engineered wood flooring has come a long way: it’s not waterproof, but it’s durable enough for kitchens, pantries and high-traffic areas, so I have no worries about using it in those spaces. My biggest concern right now is marble or natural stone countertops. Everyone loves the look, and they are gorgeous, but they’re not as durable as quartz. They can scratch and stain, especially in high-use areas like a kitchen island. If you have small kids, you might not be happy with marble in a year. I always recommend finding a balance between aesthetics and functionality — there are harder surface materials that offer the same look without the maintenance headaches of natural stone.” tp

JJHOMES PHOTOGRAPHY

IDENTIFY YOUR VISION AND ASSEMBLE A STRONG TEAM When starting the design process for your new home, having a clear concept and the right team in place can make all the difference. “At the very beginning, have a vision — or at least a loose idea — of your style and what you’re looking for, then find a team you trust to execute it,” Harper-Wilson says.

“It’s never too early to bring in a designer who specializes in new construction, as they can collaborate with your architect to ensure your vision is incorporated from the start.

Building a strong team of a designer, an architect and a builder who work well together sets you up for success.”

HOME

AT HOME WITH...

Designer Francie Winchester stands in her living room that features bold patterns, a mix of furniture styles and pops of greenery.

Francie Winchester Designer shares a glimpse inside her personal home.

BY LAURA DENNIS

MICHELLE POLLARD

D

esigner and business owner Francie Winchester was always determined to turn her passion for home design into a career. After earning a degree in interior design from Oklahoma State University, she moved to New York City where she spent 12 years honing her skills in high-end interior design. Most notably, she earned the position of senior designer for one of the nation’s top design professionals, Tom Scheerer. Her projects spanned from New York City to San Francisco and even outside the United States in Antigua. While working for Scheerer and Hamilton Design Associates, many of Winchester’s projects

were featured in publications such as House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living and New York Spaces.

After a successful career-building decade in the Big Apple, Winchester felt ready to open her own firm and put down roots in her hometown. In 2016 she and her family made the move back to Tulsa where she established Francie Winchester LLC, a full-service design company that offers services as simple as refurnishing existing spaces and as complex as complete renovations.

“I love when I get to work on a project where we’re renovating because you’re typically working with an older home and with

architects and contractors,” she says. “I love the collaboration with everybody.”

Winchester’s personal taste is reflected throughout her 1930’s Cape Cod style home in the heart of midtown. The coastalinspired exterior features a charmingly symmetrical yet cozy silhouette with weathered cedar shingles and shutters. “I was immediately drawn to the feel of it,” she says.

The interior boasts an abundance of natural light and original characteristics such as the 1.5-inch hardwood floor panels and arched doorways. The intimate aesthetic of the home’s interior is magnified by Winchester’s artistic style, which she TulsaPeople.com 75

Yellows and warm whites color the bathroom walls and shower, making the small area feel more open and spacious.

The home’s sunroom is flooded with natural light, creating an inviting area for the family to gather.

The dining room features an eclectic array of elements including a Saarinen tulip table, Thonet-style bentwood chairs and a rattan light fixture from World Market. The console table serves as both a buffet and bar.

76 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

describes as “comfortable, clean and unfussy.”

A neutral palette mixed with pops of bold color, touches of green plant life and a mix of rattan and modern furniture yield her signature simple-chic vibe.

As for the bones, she says the house was in great condition when they purchased it, so minimal work was needed. The hardwood floors were refinished and the textured walls on the first floor were smoothed down and painted a warm and inviting creamy white.

Most recently, the single bathroom on the second floor was redesigned and enlarged to accommodate her family of four. “The bathroom was the biggest construction project,” she says. “It was tiny, so we took space from the closet next to it in order to increase the width by 2 feet.”

Winchester’s favorite spaces within her home are the main living area and sunroom, which are divided by a double-sided, whitewashed brick fireplace. Both offer a vast, bright space and hold enough seating for the whole family.

In the main living room you’ll often find Winchester and her husband sitting in their favorite patterned club chairs positioned near the fireplace. Along the wall sits a midcentury modern sofa with its sleek lines and tapered legs crossed in casual sophistication.

Beside it sits a simple, white modern coffee table adorned with art books and fresh flowers in a vintage vase.

“This house is really an homage to my years of working for Tom Scheerer,” she says.

“His style always spoke to me, and I basically combined all of the things that I loved best from his work and implemented them into my own home.” tp

HOME

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY

A look at local lakeside real estate

BY SARA PLUMMER

CLAREMORE HOME: MATT CHOQUETT; TALALA HOMES: AJ MCMATH; SKIATOOK HOME: RGB STUDIOS

A

s the days get longer and warmer, thoughts of summer cannot help but creep in. For many Oklahomans, summer is synonymous with spending time with friends and family at one of the state’s more than 200 lakes.

For those who really love lake life, having a house or property at an area lake can be a worthwhile investment.

“The benefits of owning a home near the lake are relaxation, privacy and recreational opportunities,” says Jen Miller-Morrow, a broker associate with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors. “It can also be a good investment, especially if you plan to rent it out as a short-term rental.”

Two up-and-coming Tulsa-area lakes for home buyers are Skiatook Lake and Oologah Lake, about 30 and 40 miles north of Tulsa, respectively.

“The Skiatook and Oologah lake areas are becoming increasingly popular as the suburbs of Tulsa are moving more that direction. We have seen an increase in relocations to the area as buyers want to leave city life,” she says.

“Both lakes are great for fishing and swimming. Oologah is a larger lake, so you don’t notice it being as crowded. Skiatook is closer to Tulsa so that is a big upside for some people.”

For those looking to buy a lake house Miller-Morrow says there are several things to keep in mind including if the property is in a flood zone — which could drastically impact insurance costs — or if it is part of a homeowners’ association that could have fees and restrictions.

“Are there waterfront rights? Are there restrictions to lake access? If your home is lakefront, what maintenance needs may be needed to the shoreline or dock? These are all great questions to ask your Realtor,” she says.

Miller-Morrow says it also is important to know what the primary purpose of the home will be.

“If this is an investment property, you may want to find a fully furnished home that is already being used as a short-term rental,” she notes. “For buyers looking to live there full time, accessibility is something to keep in mind — how far are you going to be from the amenities you may need.” tp

This well-maintained home overlooking Oologah Lake features four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf bathrooms and a four-car garage. The expansive property in Claremore has easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and boating.

SOLD PRICE: $1,195,000 ACREAGE: 80 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,865

This newly constructed four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home offers picturesque views of Oologah Lake. The property in Talala also features a three-car garage with plenty of windows throughout the home.

SOLD PRICE: $738,766 ACREAGE: 10.10 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,550

This five-bedroom, four-bath home located in a gated, planned community in Talala is just a five-minute drive to a boat dock and 15 minutes to Redbud Marina at Oologah Lake. An abundance of windows provides beautiful views of sunrises and sunsets along the lake.

SOLD PRICE: $750,000 ACREAGE: 10.02 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,055

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Skiatook includes an office and game room with lake views. The two-car garage has an 8-foot door and vaulted ceiling for a large vehicle and boat, as well as other upgraded amenities throughout the home.

SOLD PRICE: $540,000 ACREAGE: 0.64 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,300 TulsaPeople.com 77

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS The residential real estate professionals presented here in company groupings

represent the top individuals whose total volume (listings plus sales) totaled at

least $7 million, and top teams whose total volume totaled at least $10 million.

The following pages include professional profiles and display ads purchased by Top Real Estate Professionals to inform readers of their services.

INDIVIDUALS

ACCENT Paul Wheeler THE AGENCY Philip Shain CASA LIGHT REALTY LLC Charo Naifeh CHINOWTH & COHEN Brad Borem Susie Genet Kelli Smith Natalie Richardson Kristi Reed Jennifer Miller-Morrow Tonya Elison Melissa Mansfield Taylor Bay Kristee Barlow Val Gaudet Missy Hagin Pittman Kay Sullivan Gayle Roberts-Pisklo Carrie DeWeese Amy Proser Shawn Peters Jennifer Wykoff

Christina Gnose Tiffany Webb Montse Torres Blake Montgomery Austin Kirkpatrick Deb Wilmoth Cindy Rodgers Carmen Plunk Amos Radlinger Jack Wallace Monica Castillo Casey McFarlane Cindy Morrison Kristi Russel SC Clifford Allison Kamm Alisha Cooper Megan Forehand Jennifer Robertson

Janice Koss Ashley Wozniak Michelle Bradshaw John Pellow Amy Main Angela Cianfrone Rick Shaw Tammy Luczak Carol Berry Tammy Salerno Susan Brooks

COLDWELL BANKER SELECT Kristin Winton Maria Chupp Jeanette Bagrosky Suzanne Mobley Michelle Jansen Sally Mulready Caroline Gorinsky Huesler Kimberly Brewer Paula McGuire Roger McClure

EPIQUE REALTY Robin Wilson

CONCEPT REALTY Robert Kleven ENGEL & VOELKERS TULSA Taylor Zinn Chris Zinn

EXP REALTY Lindsey Morris Amanda Dudley David Hallman Jennifer Samuelson Jennifer Blackwell Hannah McCullough Darryl Baskin Brian Sanchez

Amber Dollar Drew Lolato KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE Kara Folkins Jennifer Sanders Amy Cavallin Carol Pankey-Davis Andrea Pinney Jamie Goodnight Kathryn French Braxton Thomas May West Kevin Beaty Holly Berry Elizabeth Beaubien KELLER WILLIAMS PREFERRED Kristin Bell Caleb Branham Chet Wilson Tina Bell KELLER WILLIAMS PREMIER Juli Sunday Edwards Darren DeLozier Yer Thao THE GARRISON GROUP Kelly Garrison

MCGRAW REALTORS Katy Houchin Laura Bryant Mike Keys Belinda L. Tucker Micah Tjeersdma Angela Cozort Sherri Sanders Sally Moseby Laura Hawkins John Smucker Rachel Close Lewanna Shaw Jamie Calkins Pam Case Sue Ann Blair Chris Noel Anna Brooks Diana Patterson David Palik Lori Lassman Brian Dausses Lindy Collins Heather Caputo Mary Kollman Stephanie Joy NAIL REALTY GROUP Sarah Nail PEMBROOK REALTY GROUP Stephanie Ross REALTY ONE GROUP DREAMERS Joanna Ford RE/MAX RESULTS Rosetta Britton John Broostin Brett Friesen Anne Gift Kelly Kilmer Kevin Lynch Marie McManus Kim Parker Lee Ann Pierce

Jennifer Sarracino Christina Shortsleeve Robert Smith Shannon Vaughn Amy Whitmarsh Kath Williams James Woods SHEFFIELD REALTY Allison Sheffield SOLID ROCK Heather Brewster Katie Brown Lisa Goins Monty Danderson Lori Kindle Libby Lalli WALTER & ASSOCIATES INC. Peter Walter Blake Loveless Marlene O’Malley Dan Martin Barbara Winder Holly Lehman Franky Neal WE CONNECT OKLAHOMA REALTORS Marc S. Bullock

TEAMS CHINOWTH & COHEN True & Co. Group Alli Hayes Real Estate Group Tiffany Johnson Homes COLDWELL BANKER SELECT The G7 Group Rainwater Team Laurie Jenkins Team

Maureen Kile Team McGuire Cooley Team The Slemp Team Jeb Perry Team Alicia Parker Team The Vermillion Group Jay Miller Team Trish Allison Team Beverly Jeanes Team Pollard | Sams Team Kevin Rhoades Team RCL Red Door Group Corrie Egge Team Nico Real Estate Group Bonnie and Chantal Gross OK Homes & Lifestyles Martin Bakovic Team BK Team Hildebrandt Home Team Chris Swart Team CONCEPT REALTY Concept Realty Team ENGEL VOLKERS Chris Zinn Group EXP REALTY The Collective Group The Magnolia Group Burger and Co. KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE Amber Davis Jennie Wolek Jessica Scott Kasia Olek Max Heckenkemper Drew Ary Apryl Pritchett Holly Brumble Ricky Underhill and Angela Miller

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY PREFERRED The Rentz Team Brian Frere Home Team The Ratzlaff Team The Cochran Team Hometown Home and Ranch The Ashley Group Biersdorfer-McCoy Team KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY PREMIER Shields & Co. Colt Realty Group Dailey Properties Red Fox Realty Group Paramount Group First Family Home Team MCGRAW REALTORS Don Burns Home Team Laura Grunewald & Associates Ragan Group Woodward Group The Bradshaw Group Rise Home Real Estate Group Lawrence & Roberts Real Estate Team REALTY ONE GROUP DREAMERS Carrie Ballard — Ballard Home Team RE/MAX RESULTS Dream Home Team Hearts to Home Team Home Connection Team Pierce Properties Summit Real Estate The Preferred Team SOLID ROCK Gillette Markham Group

CONGRATULATIONS

Top Realtors!

80 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

c o ng ratul ations to our tulsa a r ea

top agents & teams

amy main

angie cianfrone

ashley wozniak

beverly jeanes team

The Brian Kirk team

bonnie & chantal gross

Carol berry

caroline gorinsky huesler

chris swart

Corrie Egge Team

G7 group

Hildebrandt Home Team

janice koss

jay miller team

Jeanette Bagrosky

Jeb perry group

john pellow

Kevin Rhoades team

Kimberly Brewer

kristin winton

The jenkins team

maria chupp

maureen kile team

Martin Baković team

Mcguire cooley team

michelle bradshaw

Michelle Jansen

NICO REAL ESTATE GROUP

paula m c guire

the parker team

Pollard sams team

The red door group

rick shaw

roger mcclure

sally mulready

the Slemp team

susan brooks

Suzanne mobley

Rainwater team

tammy luczak

tammy salerno

the vermillion group

trish allison

www.c bselect.c om

PETERS LUXURY PORTFOLIO

Celebrating 20 YEARS OF SELLING TULSA DREW PETERS

SHAWN PETERS

918-607-1752

918-808-2239

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®

2024 Top Producing Agent for C&C Owasso 22 years of experience negotiating and successfully closing contracts Jen Miller-Morrow goes far beyond simply putting a sign in the yard — she advertises heavily. For 22 years, she has helped clients through one of the largest and most important investments of their lives. “My clients have become some of my closest friends,” says Jen. “I love my career and I am truly blessed with the best buyers and sellers.” Jen specializes in residential properties, commercial buildings and land, new construction and vacant land. Jen has been a Multi-Million Dollar Award Winning Top Producer since 2003.

1441 E. 41st Street • Tulsa • OK 74105

918.638.7653 | JENMILLER.COM| JENMILLER@CCTULSA.COM

Diana Riley Patterson Sarah Nail nail realty group

Nail the Sale

Top 100 Real Estate Professional Sarah Nail is the Broker/Owner of Nail Realty Group. Sarah is known for her care, compassion and exceptional customer service. Sarah’s background in public relations from Oklahoma State University gives her the skills to uniquely market using the latest technology and strategies to serve her clients.

SARAH NAIL | NAIL REALTY GROUP 918-284-6245 | NAILREALTYGROUP.COM SARAH@SARAHNAILPROPERTYGROUP.COM

82 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

McGraw r ealtors

Grand Lake waters run deep for Diana Riley Patterson. She came from a family who listed and sold Grand Lake for years. Today, she continues their legacy as McGraw Realtors Grand Lake’s top agent.

Patterson says, “I love Grand Lake and want everyone to experience what I have been so blessed with all my life.”

While Patterson has had her license since she was 21, she entered the profession eighteen years ago. She feels her success comes from hard work, relationships and honesty with her clients. Grand Lake is her home and she loves sharing it with her family, friends and clients.

THE POINTS ON GRAND LAKE – Large and beautiful 5 BR, 3.5 BA, DIANA PATTERSON | MCGRAW REALTORS 165 feetRILEY of shoreline in Party Cove, gentle slope to the water, ni upper deck and| lower patio, outdoor fireplaces on both levels 918-629-3717 SOUTHGRANDLAKE.COM garage, great views of Grand Lake from almost every room and j

2025 VISIONTULSA 2025

Vision Tulsa is an important economic development

tool for the City of Tulsa and Tulsa Regional Chamber published annually by Langdon Publishing.

TULSAPEOPLE .COM/VISION

Mark Grosserode (grosserodefineart.com) presents

“Meditations in Watercolor”

Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery Lindsborg, Kansas May 4th - July 20th, 2025 84 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

available anytime, anywhere.

TULSAPEOPLE.COM/DIGITALEDITION

KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

KARA FOLKINS

JENNIFER SANDERS

AMY CAVALLIN

CAROL PANKEY-DAVIS

ANDREA PINNEY

JAMIE GOODNIGHT

KATHRYN FRENCH

BRAXTON THOMAS

MAY WEST

KEVIN BEATY

HOLLY BERRY

ELIZABETH BEAUBIEN

JENNIE WOLEK

AMBER DAVIS HOME TEAM

KRISTIN BELL

CALEB BRANHAM

CHET WILSON

THE RENTZ TEAM

THE RATZLAFF TEAM

HOMETOWN HOME AND RANCH

BRIAN FRERE HOME TEAM

THE COCHRAN TEAM

THE ASHLEY GROUP

BIERSDORFER-MCCOY TEAM

AUSSIE REAL ESTATE TEAM

JULI SUNDAY EDWARDS

DARREN DELOZIER

YER THAO

APRYL PRITCHETT

SHIELDS & CO. BAYNEBROOKE GROUP

RICKY UNDERHILL & ANGELA MILLER

COLT REALTY GROUP

DREW ARY

DAILEY PROPERTIES

RED FOX REALTY GROUP

PARAMOUNT GROUP

FIRST FAMILY HOME TEAM

Each office is Independently Owned and Operated.

McGraw Realtors

PENDING

Charming home in prime Midtown location, listed at $920K. Contact Allison Jacobs for more info. 2403 S Troost Ave.

sold

Rustic luxury meets modern living on this 124+ acre estate featuring a custom 3 bed, 2.5 bath home, epic outdoor entertaining, barndo guest quarters, stocked pond, trails, and a gated drive. 21455 E 430 Road, Claremore.

Allison Jacobs (918) 850-2207 ajacobs@mcgrawok.com

carrie warren 918-855-3304 cwarren@mcgrawok. cwarren@mcgrawok.com

LauraBryant 918.808.4780

mkeys@mcgrawok.com

918.693.2961

lbryant@mcgrawok.com

3217 E 61st Place 3 Beds | 6 Baths | 7,970 sq.ft.| $3,250,000

2111 E 26th Street 5 Beds | 8 Baths | 6,326 sq.ft.| $2,725,000

1229 Hazel Boulevard 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 5,239 sq.ft | $2,495,000

2200 S Utica Place 8C 1 Bed | 1.5 Baths | 1,476 sq.ft.|$1,350,000

3248 S Zunis Place, Tulsa 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths |3,938 sq.ft.| $1,250,000

4416 S Orange Avenue 5 Beds | 6 Baths | 5,228 sq.ft.| $1,150,000

301 E 20th Street 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 6,051 sq.ft.|$1,275,000

3528 S Wheeling Avenue 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,596 sq.ft.|$1,050,000

5905 W Charleston Street, Broken Arrow 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 5,492 sq.ft.| $1,075,000

1029 E 38th Place 5 Beds | 6 Baths |3,925 sq.ft.| $999,000

3701 S Atlanta Avenue 3 Bed | 2.5 Baths | 3,354 sq.ft.|$799,000

5815 S Knoxville Avenue 4 Beds | 2 Full and 2 Half Baths | 4,016 sq.ft.| $675,000

222 W 128th Place S, Jenks 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 2,842 sq.ft.|$469,000

6566 E 60th Street, Tulsa 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,725 sq.ft.|$250,000

PENDiNG

69th Street, Tulsa 1.693 Acres | $850,000

86 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

3712 S Madison Avenue 3712 2 Beds | 2 Baths |1,150 sq.ft.| $219,000

TIM HAYES 918 -231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

SHERRI SANDERS 918- 724-5008 ssanders@mcgrawok.com

GORDON SHELTON 918- 697-2742 gshelton@mcgrawok.com

DIANA RILEY PATTERSON 918- 629-3717 dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

McGraw Realtors

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP Call any of the Luxury Property Group Realtors about one of these homes, or any property that you have an interest in.

We will provide you with superior personal service with the highest integrity.

TULSA Experience timeless luxury in this 4-bed, 6-bath Jack Arnold-designed Tulsa estate featuring vaulted ceilings, his-and-hers baths, a screened porch, and a chef’s kitchen—perfectly situated on 1.17 acres with a 3-car garage and 20KW generator. 7271 S College Ave. $2,500,000

HOLLIDAYS HILLS 3 bed, 2.5 bath brick ranch in Holliday Hills with spacious living, glass sunroom, and prime location near parks, schools, and shopping. Large .31 acre park like yard beautifully landscaped with a 2 level deck that provides the ideal space for outdoor gatherings. 5929 S Pittsburg Avenue. $375,000

MOUNDS 78 acres in Tulsa County. 3 ponds, some trees, flat pastures and great location. Vacant land on SE corner of 201st & Harvard Ave. $1,700,000

SOUTH TULSA Charming one-owner condo in the gated South Tulsa community of "The Timbers," backs to expansive green space.

Great room with a stone fireplace, and an upstairs master suite with a private bath and loft.

Enjoy community amenities like pools, tennis courts, and beautifully landscaped grounds near shopping, restaurants, and Jenks Schools. 2806 E 84th St. $239,000.

GRAND LAKE

This gorgeous 2018 custom home in the exclusive Governor’s Retreat sits on a .85-acre corner lot and offers over 2,500 sq ft of upgraded living with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a den. Highlights include a chef’s kitchen with double ovens and a large island, an oversized great room with a gas fireplace, a screened-in patio perfect for watching deer in the backyard, and access to the private neighborhood boat ramp for full Grand Lake enjoyment.

59880 E 333rd Road, Grove. $649,000 MIDTOWN This updated 3-bed, 3.5-bath ranch in Patrick Henry offers over 3,200 square feet of stylish, move-in-ready living— complete with a private guest suite, multiple living areas, and a spacious backyard retreat.

4107 E 47th Street. $549,000

THE VILLAGE This custom designed home was built in 2001 and owned by Don East, a well known home builder in Tulsa! Features include a custom kitchen, open floor plan and a spectacular master bedroom and en-suite bathroom on the first floor. Another bedroom downstairs is used as a home office. Two additional bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs with a study. 3,200 square feet of space plus a 3 car garage.10135 S 78th E Avenue. $535,000

TulsaPeople.com 87

Thanks to a new layout, which includes an enlarged island and modern barstools, the kitchen is now a vast space for entertaining.

All they ever wanted Grand Lake home is updated to suit a growing family.

BY LAURA DENNIS PHOTOS BY VALERIE WEI-HAAS

88 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

A

vacation getaway is what Julia Kirkendall’s clients dreamed of when they purchased their secondary home on Grand Lake nearly 10 years ago. Kirkendall, owner and founder of Kirkendall Design, says the home had great bones, but the interior needed some updates.

“When they initially bought it, we designed each space throughout the home and have continued to furnish and update it over the past several years,” she says.

“Unfortunately, they recently had a water leak that caused the house to flood. It affected the kitchen and a couple of the bathrooms, so it was the perfect opportunity to update the house for their growing family.”

The Grand Lake home sits on the edge of the water near Afton and offers a picturesque view. The house sleeps nine and holds

three bedrooms and a bunkroom. The owners bought it as a home-away-from-home for their family and as a place to entertain on the weekends.

“Now their family has expanded, the kids have gotten older and updates are needed,” Kirkendall says. “We redesigned for their new family lifestyle so they can grow in that house and have room for everybody to stay.”

The remodel and redesign for this project included the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and flooring throughout the house. The floors in the main halls and living areas were upgraded with carpet and engineered hardwood. All three bedrooms were gutted and were given a fresh coat of paint and new carpet, bedding and furnishings.

Vinyl grass cloth wallpaper in Salix Army 18 by Fabricut was added to the owners’

bedroom walls to add color and warmth.

The primary bath was revised with a mix of porcelain tile for the floor and shower walls, porcelain pebble tiles for the shower floor, a Taj Mahal quartzite vanity countertop and a freestanding tub. Quartzite countertops and woven-patterned porcelain tile floors were utilized in the bath/powder room, and the walls were covered in navy wallpaper to bring color and texture to the space.

The upstairs hall bath was modernized using small hexagonal tiles for the shower floor, a Pitaya granite countertop for the double vanity and large format, hexagon porcelain floor tiles.

Kirkendall says the kitchen was a complete overhaul. “We rearranged the entire kitchen layout and reoriented where some of the appliances were,” she says. “We added a much larger kitchen island and a lot of storage for activities on the lake.”

Before the remodel the kitchen was usable, but it was task-oriented. “It was a space to make a meal and leave, not a space to gather,” she says. “Now, everyone can fit around the island; there’s more room for people to be in the kitchen doing different things.”

In addition to the larger island, Taj Mahal quartzite was used for the countertops and backsplash. A new range hood with natural brushed aluminum banding was installed, and the outdated cupboards were replaced with light-stained wood cabinets. “The kitchen is always the heart of the home,” Kirkendall says. “The vision was to open it up and have natural finishes and bring in natural elements so that it wasn’t feeling too formal.”

In terms of the aesthetic and overall redesign of the home, Kirkendall says the desire was to modernize, lighten and bring warmth to the space. “You know this house had a lot of old-world finishes that we see throughout Oklahoma specifically,” she says.

Steering clear of the trendy white and gray palettes seen in many remodels, Kirkendall implemented various raw materials, sustained woods and warm-toned colors and finishes into each room to achieve a practical, light and pleasant space. “I think another big key is when we, as designers, are engaged with our clients in their primary residence, a secondary residence is just a lot of fun,” she adds. “It’s like their fun house.”

As for challenges with this remodel, Kirkendall says they were quite minimal sans the initial water leak. “When it comes to design, there’s a challenge in every room,” she says. “But this job was fairly smooth. Having worked with this client over the course of many years, we know them well and are able to serve them well, which makes for an easy process.” tp

Warm-toned walls, porcelain tiles and accents such as the cowhide rug and neutral-colored wall art give the expansive primary bath an airy ambiance.

Dark, porcelain, hexagon-shaped shower floor tiles add contrast to the neutral-toned upstairs hall bath.

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Continued from p. 89

The addition of Fabricut's vinyl grasscloth wallpaper in Salix Army 18 behind the headboard brings color and warmth to the primary bedroom.

Floral prints and Thibaut’s navy Channels wallpaper keep the half-bath vibrant yet simple.

90 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

To help give a modern, natural feel to the home, the kitchen was updated with light stained wood cabinetry.

With panoramic lake views as the backdrop the living room was designed to be both stylish and inviting. A neutral palette of soft creams and warm wood tones keeps the space feeling light and relaxed, while textured stone adds depth and a natural element. The open layout and oversized seating create the perfect setting for gathering with family and friends — one of the home’s key design priorities.

Lakefront luxury Thoughtful design brings Grand Lake home to life.

STORY BY GRACE WOOD PHOTOS BY KACEY GILPIN AND VORA QUINN

A

lake house should be more than just a relaxing getaway — it should feel like an escape. For the owners of this Grand Lake retreat, that meant embracing a sleek, contemporary design that felt distinct from their primary home in Tulsa, while still maintaining warmth and comfort.

This vision was brought to life by GHD Interiors, co-owned by Tulsa-based interior designers Gina Miller and Brenda Rice.

Through thoughtful material selections and stylish yet lake-friendly finishes, they transformed this new build into a modern, inviting sanctuary — a place the owners and their family will cherish for years to come.

“We have owned a home on that particular

lot since 1997 but wanted a new home that would support our growing family as we got older,” says homeowner Jeff Allen.

GHD Interiors joined the project just after the framing had begun and conducted a floor plan review to ensure the home’s layout aligned with the homeowner’s design vision. Bringing a designer into the fold early allows for collaboration with architects and builders, helping to ensure that every design detail is integrated from the start. For example, Miller made sure there was ample space for king-size beds in every bedroom and strategically positioned floor outlets to accommodate lighting placement.

“When we do a floor plan review, we look at it from a decor and furniture perspective, TulsaPeople.com 91

Designed for both style and play the dining table doubles as a sleek, high-end ping pong table, perfect for a lake house built for entertaining. Textured dining chairs on casters make it easy to transition from meals to game time, creating a multifunctional space.

keeping the end design in mind rather than just the construction itself,” Miller says.

One of the top priorities in the design process was highlighting the natural beauty of Grand Lake. Additionally, finishes and furniture were selected to be able to withstand lake life. “We approached the design from a practicality standpoint and made sure that finishes and fabrics were suited for being around the lake and water — since it’s a vacation home, everything needed to support that lifestyle,” Miller says. “From an aesthetic perspective we were careful not to introduce anything too jarring or distracting from the gorgeous lake views and natural light. We wanted the design to feel harmonious with the setting rather than compete with it.”

In that same vein, the home was designed with hosting friends and family in mind.

“We placed an even greater emphasis on entertaining,” Miller says.

Allen echoes this sentiment, noting how much he appreciates the flow of the space.

“My favorite part of the design is the open floor plan, the views from almost every room of the lake, and the stonework — it’s my 92 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

In the youngest daughter’s bedroom a striking gallery of vintage wooden water skis adds a touch of personality. Sourced from flea markets, antique shops and specialty dealers, the skis bring warmth and character to the space. Soft blue and neutral hues in the bedding and decor complement the lakeside views just outside.

personal favorite,” he says. “From an interior standpoint, the living room is my favorite room from what Gina and her crew were able to do. But quite honestly, we love the entire design.”

Because the home was designed with entertaining in mind, one element that stands out is the dining table in the main living and dining area, which doubles as a ping pong table with a view of the lake. Not only does it serve as a striking focal point, but it also adds a playful, functional touch, perfect for a lake house built for making memories. “It’s not your typical green ping pong table — it’s a high-end, beautifully designed dining table,” Miller says. “The ‘net’ is crafted from wood and metal and attached with magnets to a metal inset in the center, making it look like a decorative element when not in use.

It’s the perfect piece of furniture for a lake house.”

The homeowners’ adult children played a key role in designing their en suite bedrooms, ensuring each space felt personal and unique. For example, the youngest daughter’s bedroom features a striking wall display of vintage water skis from the 1940s and ’50s, adding character and a nostalgic nod to the home’s lakefront setting. “Back then, all skis were made out of wood, unlike today’s fiberglass versions, and the natural patina on these adds so much character,” Miller says.

“They’re very beautiful, sculptural pieces that make for such a cool design feature.”

GHD Interiors frequently works on outof-town projects, and this Grand Lake home was no exception. With the team unable to be on-site daily, seamless communication became essential. “Being physically away from the job site adds an extra layer of complexity, so we had to rely heavily on written documentation, emails and photos,” Miller says. “We did frequent FaceTime calls, sent detailed drawings and inspiration images, and made sure the builder had everything at his fingertips to execute the design properly.

At times it felt like over-communicating, but when you can’t be there every day, that level of coordination is essential to getting every detail right.”

Due to the trust the homeowners had in the design process and how open they were to collaboration, Miller describes the Grand Lake home as a “dream project.”

“We had a hand in every detail — from the decor and finishes to the tile and countertops — which is always so rewarding as a designer,” Miller says. “The homeowners were incredible to work with; they trusted us completely, knew what they wanted, but were also open to new ideas and unexpected design elements. Quality was never compromised. They were fully invested in doing the best of the best, which made the entire process even more thrilling.” tp

A serene retreat, the primary bedroom embraces the lake views with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. A warm, neutral palette creates a cozy yet sophisticated feel, complemented by layered textures and rich wood tones. The custom upholstered headboard fills an entire wall, encompassing the nightstands and adding a dramatic focal point.

Dramatic marble countertops and backsplash are the focal points of the kitchen, adding contrast and movement to the space. The warm wood cabinetry provides a natural balance, while black hardware and accents tie into other highcontrast elements, such as the black barstools.

TulsaPeople.com 93

The great room steps up into a huge kitchen through a detailed brick archway. Black and white photos of the homeowners’ children hang just beside it. There is no question for whom this home was built; it has family written on every wall.

The simple life Carlton Landing home provides a relaxing getaway with a focus on family.

BY BROOKE STURDIVANT PHOTOS BY SARAH BAKER

94 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

B

uilding a home for family — both their own and the generations to follow, is what convinced the owners of this Carlton Landing getaway to take the plunge into lake life.

Convenience enticed the homeowners, but it was the strong feeling of a “unique community where (their) kids could make friends and explore, get dirty and have fun without worry — a flashback to (their) own childhoods” that confirmed their choice to build a lake home at Lake Eufaula, the homeowners say. Carlton Landing, founded in 2008 and designed by world-renowned town planner and named partner of Duany Plater-Zyberk, Andrés Duany, evokes the enchanting simplicity of escapist towns such as Seaside and Rosemary Beach, Florida. It

invites the out-of-towner to a place where children run free with their only encumbrance being the setting sun.

The homeowners’ passion for the environment, sustainability and longevity in their second home led architect/builder Clay Chapman to dream up a home built entirely of reclaimed brick. He merged substance and beauty to create a masculine design replete with soft detail. Together with interior designer Laura Barnes, this team created a space of “artistry and craftsmanship” blending natural light, honed granite, quartzite countertops and stained white oak cabinetry that “looks as good as it wears” according to the homeowner.

Chapman’s artisanship is shown in the arches of the windows and the brick detail.

The homeowners’ love of art pervades every wall. This watercolor, by local artist Callan Dullea, centers the canopy of the primary bed that sits adjacent to the en suite bath, where exposed brick balances out the brightness of the white walls and linens.

Barnes says the level of craftsmanship is incomparable, adding, “it is very difficult to make something new look as if it’s been here 30 years.”

A huge priority was capturing natural light, which is achieved with walls of floorto-ceiling windows and doors throughout much of the home. There are multiple outdoor living spaces — including a large front porch with mirroring swings — that can be seen from the great room, allowing the outside in.

With a focus on functionality and communal gathering areas throughout the downstairs, Barnes says she chose “furniture like metal tables and practical, durable fabrics that could take the hit of wet bathing suits, forgotten towels, red wine or a cute Frenchie that sheds.”

The kitchen has abundant storage hidden behind stained white oak, inset cabinetry.

Paired with the 9-foot island and seating for 12, the kitchen becomes an instant destination for adults to convene over cooking and conversation while kids run unfettered.

Because Chapman designed the home with the vanities under windows, Barnes had to hang the mirrors from either the ceiling or, as in the case of the primary bath, the brick wall. “It was reverse engineering at its finest,” Barnes says. “We had to get creative, and it turned out so special.”

TulsaPeople.com 95

The home is large, and one room pours into the next, so it was particularly important for everyone to make sure it had a cohesive story. This is achieved through one of the homeowner’s many talents: art curation.

Her ability to choose pieces that enhance the character of each room worked effortlessly with Barnes’ eye for space and balance.

A commissioned piece by artist Brad Overton hangs in a small archway and draws the eye to that side of a relaxed great room. It holds significance to the homeowner as it acts as an ode to the women in her family and will be looked upon by generations as they spend time together.

Look in the opposite direction and one sees an antique tapestry juxtaposed against black and white photos of the homeowners’ children. Each direction tells the story of a family, its members and the legacy this home represents.

The great room is sectioned off into different areas for reading, table games and relaxation, creating a respite from the outdoors. Barnes worked with the homeowners to create a space that was light, airy and family-friendly. The soft neutrals in the furniture play off the texture of the brick walls, plush carpets and perfectly placed accents.

Art remains a focal point even on the ceiling where an antique canoe hangs upside down and guides you into the kitchen.

The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home reveals something special at every turn. Each of the three main bedrooms feels special and thoughtful. Soft, layered bedding welcomes guests into their weekend retreat.

En suite bathrooms complete the fantasy with an unexpected mix of metals and finishes. “There are no rules,” Barnes says.

“Mixing finishes avoids pigeon-holing the longevity of a design.”

The homeowners and Barnes complement each other one room after the next.

When the homeowner suggested a climbing wall and loft space in the kids’ bunk rooms, Barnes could not wait to explore the idea.

“So many decisions came about through organic conversation. Laura has this ability to put her finger on the pulse of practicality and beauty, bringing to life an idea I never knew could be a reality,” the homeowner says. tp 96 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Functionality is the name of the game in this mudroom. Stained white oak cabinetry by Sullivan’s Custom Cabinetry stores all the necessities of a lake weekend while the reclaimed brick floor laid out in a herringbone pattern is ready for high traffic.

The girls’ bunkroom, identical in all but color to the boys’ bunkroom, is durable, functional and long-lasting. It provides a place for the kids to escape into a book, board game or bedtime. Muted shades of blush and caramel provide a backdrop that will continue to grow with the homeowners’ two daughters.

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION | TULSA

2156 S. OWASSO PLACE • MAY 3-18, 2025 • TICKETS: $15 TulsaPeople.com 97

When it comes to your home, you shouldn't have to compromise.

DESIGNED FOR YOU. BUILT FOR YOU. NO COMPROMISES.

As your family changes, your home should too. We do remodels!

Steve Murphy Founder/Co-owner

Greg Grunewald Co-owner

Laura Grunewald Sales & Marketing/Realtor

yorktownbuilders.com | 918-494-4004 BUILDERS ARE LICENSED REALTORS

WE INTENDED TO MAKE DAVENPORT LOFTS THE BEST ADDRESS IN TULSA.

TURNS OUT, IT’S ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

DAVENPORT LOFTS AS SHOWCASED IN “WORLD’S BEST II: 50 INTERIORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE”

davenportlofts.com Featured interior design by TA Lorton. To learn more about Davenport Lofts, please contact our Real Estate Associates:

Laura Bryant: lbryant@mcgrawok.com, 918-693-2961, or Mike Keys: mkeys@mcgrawok.com, 918-808-4780

Eurocraft Granite & Marble

Handpicked from the natural beauty of Italy’s quarries ...

... to a custom made project in your home.

EUROCRAFTGRANITE.COM | 161ST & HWY 75, GLENPOOL | 918-322-5500

Designer Showcase 2025 2156 S. OWASSO PLACE

T

he Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa is excited to celebrate 52 years of Designer Showcase. In 2023 the HBA acquired Designer Showcase from the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. The two nonprofits share in the proceeds of the event to support the students and programs of Tulsa Public Schools as well as the community involvement of the Tulsa HBA. Designer Showcase is a landmark event in Tulsa to tout the talents, creativity and ingenuity of local designers and craftsmen.

This year, 21 designers have done a masterful job of updating a 1923 home owned by Anita Bryant and Tim Faerber located in

2025 Designer Showcase Committee Chair: Leslie McIntyre Committee Members: Lora Phillips, Emily Machetta, Becky Orr, Lacy Davenport, Lori Medik, Alan Cook Designer Liaison: Leslie Story Tulsa Home Builders Association — Show Management Executive Vice President/CEO: Jeffrey Smith Director of Special Events: Sarah Gentry Staff Liaison: Kayce Dye

the Maple Ridge neighborhood of midtown Tulsa. We are excited for the public to see the newest trends in design and decor in this special home.

Thank you to the event sponsors for your support, and we look forward to sharing the Designer Showcase home with you beginning on May 3.

Jeffrey Smith Executive Vice President/CEO Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa

Schedule Open to the public May 3-18 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Monday; Closed on Tuesdays Extended hours on Monday and Thursday to 7 p.m. for “Meet the Designers” nights.

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 11

Tickets: $15 Scan to purchase tickets.

Scan to purchase tickets.

COVER IMAGE: Original kitchen cabinetry restored by Lynn Knight Jessee of Kitchen Concepts TulsaPeople.com 101

Thank you to our sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR

L E GAC Y SP ONS OR S

E XC E L L E NC E SP ONS OR S

M AGA Z I N E SP ON S OR

S

ince its founding in 2001, the Foundation for Tulsa Schools has been dedicated to building a stronger community by supporting Tulsa Public Schools. Committed to increasing educational opportunities, the Foundation raises essential funds and mobilizes community and business support to ensure all students receive a first-class public education.

Guided by three core pillars, the Foundation works to: engage and empower students, support and celebrate teachers, and strengthen schools

and the district. It also leads the Partners in Education program, connecting businesses, faith communities and organizations with schools to provide volunteers, in-kind resources and financial support. Additionally, the Foundation strategically invests in district-wide initiatives that advance Tulsa Public Schools’ mission and vision.

Visit foundationfortulsaschools.org to learn more about the collective impact of its supporters and explore ways to contribute — whether by supporting students and teachers directly or becoming an official Partner in Education. By giving to the Foundation, donors help create meaningful change, reaching the most students across our city through high-impact investments that drive success.

102 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Thank you to our suppliers

WE B TREES

Aguilar Brothers Lawn and Landscape Anton Williams Apex Outdoor Design Brant Park

Dedicated to maintaining the tree canopy of the greater Tulsa area

Christopher Mantle Art

OUR SERVICES:

Drywall Repair Specialists

TIM NALL

Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Pruning

OWNER ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST MW-0199A

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LOCAL BUSINESS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERTAED FULLY INSURED

Give Us A Call

Eklund Duct Cleaning Elizabeth Craddock, McGraw Realtors Eurocraft Granite and Marble Five Star Painting of Tulsa Hardscape Materials

918-446-3473

H.O.W. Foundation Interior Accents Janet Fadler Davie

WINNER

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WINNER

Kelley Design Kirkendall Design Metro Appliances and More Michael Beard Interiors Pacific Shore Stones Randy Vaughn Iron Work

Direct importer of European antiques for over 25 years.

Rebecca Gaines Art Renaissance Hardwood Floors Rucker Lamps

HOUSEWARES, APOTHECARY, PAPER GOODS AND JEWELRY

Sapphire Window Cleaning

1335 E. 11th St. Suite E. Tulsa, OK 74120 located on historic Route 66

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Inside Windsor Market at The Farm Shopping Center 6530 EAST 51ST ST | TULSA, OK 74145 lindajamesantiques.com

Thomas Plumbing and Heating Tulsa Winnelson

E L A S AR T S E E YE G BIG T H OF

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INVENTORY SOLD ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS s t e i n w a y & s o n s i s o ff e r i n g s i g n i fi c a n t s a v i n g s o n a l l n e w a n d u s e d u p r i g h t a n d g r a n d p i a n o s i n i t s s h o w r o o m s . Th i s i n v e n t o r y w i l l b e o ff e r e d a t a d i s c o u n t for 3-days only. Appointments to attend this sale are recommended.

WHETHER YOU’RE AN ACCOMPLISHED PLAYER OR LOOKING FOR YOUR CHILD’S FIRST PIANO, THIS IS THE WEEKEND TO FIND THE IDEAL PIANO FOR YOUR SKILL LEVEL AND BUDGET.

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE | TRADE-INS ACCEPTED

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For questions or to schedule your private appointment, contact

(918) 516-1853 or visit www.stei nwaypi anos.com

General Contractor

K

irkendall Design, a design-build interior design firm, served as the general contractor for the 2025 Designer Showcase home. With 32 years of experience in both design and historic renovations, the team oversaw the transformation, preserving the 100-year-old home’s original character while preparing it for a fresh design vision.

From the start, Kirkendall Design took on the heavy lifting, handling the major renovations to prepare the space for the featured designers. They preserved key architectural details like the original hardwood floors and embossed plasterwork, original trim, hardware and other historic design elements. They gutted and reconfigured the kitchen, removed outdated built-ins and carpeting, and executed updates to lighting, paint and a garage addition.

In addition to the renovation work, Kirkendall Design guided the homeowner through the overall design direction, helping to balance preservation with modern updates. With a strong design-build expertise, the team managed the entire renovation process, working alongside Tulsa’s talented designers to transform this incredible historic home.

Kirkendall Design is committed to creating livable style through luxury interior design services. Led by owner Julia Kirkendall, the team offers full-service design, including new construction, renovations, furniture selection and styling. For smaller-scale projects they also provide personalized design concierge services tailored to each client’s needs.

Julia Kirkendall Kirkendall Design 10105 E. 61st St. | 918-250-1650 info@kirkendalldesign.com kirkendalldesign.com

Front Porch

Jack Wills and Lee Thompson Jack Wills Home and Outdoor Living 8411 E. 41st St. | 918-663-3730 jwills@jackwills.net jackwills.net

106 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Foyer

Susan Eddings Perez SEP Staging 918-855-5570 susan@susaneddingsperez.com

Remodeling?

“Leave the Heavy Lifting to Us!” Turn your remodeling projects into an opportunity to give back.

Green Country Habitat for Humanity’s Deconstruction Service will carefully disassemble and remove salvageable materials before your project begins, all at zero cost to you.

Schedule a Deconstruction Appointment or Pick-up: 918-359-5555

Your Donations

Build Homes

Sales from our ReStores directly fund the construction of homes in our community.

Donate

GreenCountryRestore.org Shop

Donate household furniture, appliances and building materials from your home, business, church or organization.

Impact

Shop at the ReStore and save big money on new and gently used items.

Habitat for Humanity builds more homes for families in the Green Country area.

TulsaPeople.com 107

108 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Dining Room

Kitchen

Jane Butts Jane Butts Interiors 918-625-7345 jane.butts.ei@gmail.com

Lynn Knight Jessee and Hannah Harrington Kitchen Concepts 5936 S. Lewis Ave. | 918-779-4480 lynn@kitchenconceptstulsa.com kitchenconceptstulsa.com

Powder Bath

Den

Leslie Story Leslie Story Design 918-346-9002 design@lesliestorydesign.com

Hari Lu Ames Embellishments Interiors 1602 E. 15th St. | 918-585-8668 embellishm@gmail.com

Creating award-winning spaces for the way you live

5 9 3 6 S O U T H L E W I S | 9 1 8 - 7 79 - 4 4 8 0 KITCHENCONCEPTSTULSA.COM

ProSource Wholesale Of Tulsa

Redefining the industry, one home improvement project at a time ProSource® of Tulsa is the industry leader when it comes to understanding and meeting the unique needs of trade professionals and their clients.“We have a staggering mix of name-brand home improvement products, available at low wholesale prices thanks to our extraordinary buying power,” says Todd Adams, owner.

Trade pros and their clients will get an up-close look at an impressive floorcovering selection, featuring carpet, hardwood, laminate, stone, and luxury vinyl tile, as well as a vast array of kitchen and bath offerings, including cabinets, countertops, faucets, sinks, and so much more.

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Insured, including Workers Comp.

TulsaPeople.com 109

Living Room

Gunta Saudmeyer Boulevard Interiors 2301 N. Ninth St., Suite A, Broken Arrow 918-504-7256 gunta@blvdtulsa.com blvdtulsa.com

Back Patio

Gina Miller and Brenda Rice GHD Interiors 221 W. Main St., Jenks 918-995-2100 design@ghdinteriors.com ghdinteriors.com 110 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Sunroom

Gina Miller and Brenda Rice GHD Interiors 221 W. Main St., Jenks 918-995-2100 design@ghdinteriors.com ghdinteriors.com

Mudroom/Pantry

Destry Aneese Destry Styles 918-504-4291 destrycosmetics@gmail.com

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Creating spaces that are uniquely you.

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@gracieturnerdesign www.gracieturner.com

TulsaPeople.com 111

Gameroom

Teresa Tunison and Michelle Williams Lifestyles, Lighting and Furniture 7222 S. Mingo Road 918-362-3000 teresa@oklahomalifestyles.com michelle@oklahomalifestyles.com lifestylesstores.com

112 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Bar and Wine Closet

Gracie Turner Gracie Turner Design 415-254-4943 gracie@gracieturner.com gracieturner.com

Stairs and Upper Foyer

Primary Bedroom

Royce Myers Royce Myers Art Ltd. 1706 S. Boston Ave. 918-582-0288 roycemyersartltd@aol.com roycemyers.com

Erin Harp Erin Harp Design Studio 918-810-6624 erinharp22@gmail.com

Awww, Thanks Tulsa!

We love you too!

What a huge compliment to be a part of the A-List for 11 years in a row and the Hall of Fame.

Special thanks from the bottom of our hearts to all our customers that made this possible.

2016

From Design to Final Clean-Up renovationsbyhelms.com • 2 0 23 •

NEW LOCATION 2048 UTIC A SQUARE • @THEDOLPHINFINELINENS

MICHELLE FIRMENT REID

918-369-5545

Sand & Finish | New Construction | Remodel | Staircases

For over two decades, artist Michelle Firment Reid has captivated art enthusiasts both locally and nationally with her distinctive vision transcending traditional boundaries. Her artwork invites you to delve into colors, textures, and thought-provoking themes.

“The Tulsa community is vibrant with art admirers who cherish original works for their homes and workspaces.

I am grateful for those who collect my pieces, resonate with my vision, and have supported my creative journey through the years. Explore my artwork on my website, and inquire to view specific works in person at Joseph Gierek Fine Art in Tulsa.”

MFREIDART.COM

Celebrating over 25 years serving Tulsa!

9529-C E. 55 Pl. • 918.622.1000 roperfloors.com TulsaPeople.com 113

Primary Bathroom

Upper Front Bathroom

Erin Harp Erin Harp Design Studio 918-810-6624 erinharp22@gmail.com

Paula Wood Paula Wood Creations 918-740-2229 prwood7@cox.net paulawoodcreations.com

Upper Front Bedroom 1

Upper Study

Johnna Kosechata Designs by Johnna 918-740-0996 jkosechata3@gmail.com

114 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Brooke Cook Brooke Cook Design 918-850-7638 brookecookdesign@gmail.com

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918-582-4128 | 501 S. Cincinnati Ave TrinityTulsa.org TulsaPeople.com 115

Upper Front Bedroom 2

Upper Middle Bedroom

Julie O’Connor JKO Interiors 918-808-5954 jkointeriors@gmail.com

Lindsay Gray L. Gray Interiors 918-640-6457 lindsay@lgrayinteriors.com lgrayinteriors.com

Upper Middle Bathroom

Upper Back Den

Lindsay Gray L. Gray Interiors 918-640-6457 lindsay@lgrayinteriors.com lgrayinteriors.com 116 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

Pamela Scott Pamela Scott Interior Design 918-607-7171 | pamela-scott@hotmail.com Cindy Hefner Louis Alan Design Gallery 918-344-5050 | cindy@shoptherefuge.com

Overlook

Upper Back Bedroom

Pamela Scott Pamela Scott Interior Design 918-607-7171 | pamela-scott@hotmail.com Beth Zarbano Zarbano Design Co. 918-637-1996 beth@zarbanodesignco.com

Cindy Hefner Louis Alan Design Gallery 918-344-5050 | cindy@shoptherefuge.com

Upper Back Bathroom

Melissa Bauer Space Stylists and Co. melissa@spacestylistsco.com spacestylistsco.com

TulsaPeople.com 117

HOME

DESIGN MINDS

An example of Dilbeck’s work in Tulsa. Inset, the architect himself.

Charles Stevens Dilbeck — Architecture wunderkind

I

t’s easy to spot a Dilbeck house. It’s the one that looks like a doll house, a troll home, a quaint cottage right out of a storybook. Architectural magazines have struggled to describe the style — magical, quirky, whimsical, delightful. One finally settled on “unlike anything else in town.”

Charles Stevens Dilbeck (1907-1990) created a truly original architectural style.

Whether cottage size or baronial mansions, Dilbeck’s distinctive details include massive chimneys, tall windows, unusual stone and brick patterns, vaulted ceilings and often a small turret at the front entrance. Sometimes he used salvaged items such as an old brick sidewalk for a fireplace.

Devotees of his work are known as Dilbeckians. A website, dilbeckconservancy. org, celebrates his style, and a biography is forthcoming. The late John Brooks Walton was a fan of Dilbeck’s work and featured it in his books about Tulsa homes.

His prolific career began in the 1920s in Tulsa’s Florence Park and The University of Tulsa area. As his clientele shifted to oil barons and wealthy citizens, he designed homes for them in Maple Ridge, Bren Rose, Swan Lake and the Utica Square area.

Dilbeck’s unique design was neither modern nor traditional, the predominant styles of the 1930s and ’40s, but “simply eccentric,” one 118 TulsaPeople MAY 2025

architectural writer declared. Shutters might be deliberately hung crooked, brickwork a crazy-quilt pattern, shake-shingle roofline irregular. As quoted in Walton’s biography of the architect, “If a Dilbeck house were a musical instrument, it would clang instead of ring. But, oh what a sound.”

His Hansel-and-Gretel-style cottages were a romantic version of French and Irish farmhouses, although he had not traveled to Europe to see them. He invented the style based on popular magazines of the day. “Contemporary houses leave me cold,” Dilbeck said. “Roofs go straight up and then just stop. They remind me of a dog with his leg in the air.”

Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dilbeck came with his family to Tulsa at age 8 where he got on-the-job training at his father’s lumber company. An architectural wunderkind, at age 11 he designed a church and at age 16 was an architectural department’s second-in-command. He studied architecture for two years at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) but dropped out to open his own architecture practice.

He was 18 years old when legendary John Duncan Forsyth hired him to work on the Marland Mansion in Ponca City.

By age 24 he had built as many as 240 houses in Tulsa and moved on to Dallas where he became an icon, creating hundreds

of classic Dilbeckian homes and then — from one extreme to another — he shifted to the sprawling ranch-style architecture he recalled from childhood visits to the Oklahoma panhandle and West Texas.

Attuned to the growing popularity of automobile travel, he was an originator of motor hotels — travel courts that morphed into modern motels. Extremely prolific, he also designed restaurants and major hotels in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and California.

In 1939 Henry Ford wooed him to Detroit to work with industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes to build homes assembly-style for Ford housing developments. Each house would come with a Ford car in the garage and cost $35 a month, the equivalent of about $900 in today’s money. World War II ended the dream of Ford Towns.

Dilbeck the man might have stepped from the pages of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Sociable, talkative and well-dressed to the edge of dapper, he was photographed in tuxedos and white suits at fashionable casinos and ritzy nightclubs across the country.

He married three times, fathered two sons and adopted a daughter.

A prodigious worker, after retirement he finally traveled abroad. When he saw a real Normandy farmhouse he said to his wife, “Look. They copied my design.” tp

HOME: MICHELLE POLLARD; DILBECK: DILBECKCONSERVANCY.ORG

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