Written by Connor Albrightson

The Paseo Arts Association is excited to host four new art exhibits in August at the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center, with opening receptions from 6-9pm during the First Friday Gallery Walk. These shows will be on display throughout August and include The Black Prairie in Gallery I, Tour de Quartz in Gallery II. Gallery III will host the Paseo Artist Collective Summer Showcase from Aug. 1-15 and then the Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition from Aug. 18-29.

The Black Prairie is an exhibition that highlights the presence of Black Oklahomans and their influence in the South-Central Region of the United States. The exhibit was created by Leondre Lattimore, a contemporary artist who specializes in figurative oil painting. Lattimore’s work is largely inspired by his identity as a Black Oklahoman and the desire to build connections to the past and present. The Black Prairie is a body of work that explores aspects of Black Oklahoman lifestyle that go underappreciated. These include rodeos in Boley, to the lively streets of Deep Deuce in Oklahoma City.

Painting student at Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute 2025

Every August, the students of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain display their finished projects at the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center. The exhibit, entitled Tour de Quartz, showcases the works of the students in the painting and photography disciplines. Students in the photography class embraced experimentation and creative risk-taking, exploring both historic and modern image-making techniques. From working with 19th-century processes like tintypes and film developing to using digital tools and hybrid workflows, they pushed beyond their comfort zones. Students in the painting class created a vibrant collection of paintings and drawings during an intensive two-week artistic journey at Quartz Mountain. Inspired by new landscapes, people, materials and techniques, each student produced unique works that reflect both personal vision and collective exploration.

Ceramic plate by Chloe Williams, PACC Studio Artist

For the first two weeks of August, the Paseo Artist Collective is showcasing their recent works. This group consists of local artists in the district who present their talents in collaborative exhibits and projects. Each artist works in various mediums, including painting, crochet, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media.

For the last two weeks of August, the winners of this year’s Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition will be displaying their work. The Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition (OSAE) is a traveling juried art show open to all Oklahoma students enrolled in a public or private school in grades Pre-K through 12. The winning pieces will be on display at the PACC this month before finishing its tour at the Oklahoma State Fair, Sept. 11-22.

August Art Beats the Heat

A Moment of Printmaking