Art by the Foot? No, it’s OVAC’s Annual 12x12 Art Show and Auction!

Have you ever seen the Mona Lisa in person? Every year, millions of tourists cram themselves into a medium-sized gallery in the Louvre to gawk at da Vinci’s most famous work. And though it’s been almost a quarter century since I did the same, what I remember about the experience is less the painting—oh look, it really does look like the Mona Lisa—and more the confused and somewhat disappointed looks on visitors’ faces as they turned away to continue through the museum. See, for having such an outsized place in our culture, the Mona Lisa is impressively small. It’s not minuscule by any means, but it’s kinda like seeing Tom Cruise in person—“Is that all there is?”

Luckily, there will be no such disappointments this coming Friday, September 29, at Lively Beerworks in Oklahoma City’s Farmer’s Market District, when the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition unveils this year’s Annual 12x12 Art Fundraiser. (Just for transparency’s sake, I’ll note here that several years ago, I served as a co-chair of this event, but I’m not involved this year).

I adore this show every year. Each piece is restricted to a size of one foot on each side, and though that may feel confining, I’m always impressed to watch Oklahoma artists’ spirits shine big in such a small area. Sculptures, paintings, collages, mixed media—the creativity is wild. In my home, in fact, are not one but two pieces I’ve purchased at this show, because in addition to being beautiful and inspiring, these pieces also are affordable.

"Untitled" by John Wolfe. Mixed media sculpture. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

In addition to the art (and some very cool people, hint hint, who will be there), OVAC always brings in local restaurants who offer special one-off bites, making the event not only beautiful but delicious. This year’s food sponsor is 84 Hospitality Group of Oklahoma City, the proprietors of, among other things, Burger Punk, whose fantastic and mouth-watering cuisine will be on-hand during the event. In addition, Tulsa artist Candacee White, has designed this year’s 12x12 Lively Beerworks label in celebration of the event’s thirty-fifth anniversary:

OVAC artist Candacee White of Tulsa emerged victorious in this year’s beer-label-designing competition, and you can find her winning entry at 12x12 on Friday, September 29. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

And finally, any good event must have music, and OVAC has scored three amazing acts to delight visitors’ ears during the event. Elizabeth Speegle Band, Brian Belanus, and Rei Wang will take turns lending the affair a bit of sonic sheen.

Bidding on pieces at 12x12 begins at $200, making these pieces accessible to art lovers on a budget. Photo by Fernando Calvillo, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

So if you’d like to join the fun at Lively Beerworks this Friday, tickets are available now but going fast. And if you’d like to view the pieces that will be up for auction, OVAC has an online gallery all ready for your perusal. So put your artsy pants on, go easy on the snacks on Friday, and we’ll see you at Lively Beerworks for one of the most enjoyable events of Oklahoma’s art calendar.

Written By

Nathan Gunter

A sixth-generation Oklahoman, Weatherford native, and Westmoore High School graduate, Nathan Gunter is the magazine's editor-in-chief. When he's not editor-in-chiefing, Nate enjoys live music, running, working out, gaming, cooking, and random road trips with no particular destination in mind. He holds degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Oklahoma. He learned how to perform poetry from Maya Angelou; how to appreciate Italian art from Terisio Pignatti; comedy writing from Doug Marlette; how to make coconut cream pie from his great-grandma; and how not to approach farm dogs from trial and error. A seminary dropout, he lives just off Route 66 in Oklahoma City.