THE 2025 CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS LIVE!

DUE SEPTEMBER 9 AT 11:59PM

ABOUT FEAST

FEAST is an annual artist grant program for artists in Oklahoma managed by the Paseo Arts Association, that gives five hopeful artists an opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in financial support from the community to fund their creative vision, project or artistic endeavors.

HOW IT WORKS

Artists submit proposals to receive funding for any artistic endeavors that will advance or continue their art practices or arts in their community. These endeavors can be anything from rent for a theatre or gallery space for a performance, art supplies for a series of artwork, design or printing costs, or fees for an artist-led community action or event. (open to interpretation!) All fields of art are eligible! Visual arts, music, film, poetry, dance, performance, etc. A selection committee of arts professionals reviews the proposals and selects up to five finalists, who then move on to present for five minutes at the Paseo FEAST dinner! Attendees of the dinner receive tokens to vote for their favorite project at the end of the night, proceeds from ticket sales are given to the winning project, ranging from $700-$2,000.

2024 WINNING FINALIST

The Grand Unseen - Amber Andersen

The Grand Unseen is designed to transport visitors into the world of insects and small critters, in an immersive bug’s eye view scaled larger than life. The exhibit debuted at the Josie Adams Cultural Center in Woodward, Oklahoma in April 2025 and aims to serve a rural region of towns and public schools. This installation is a transformative experience, engaging visitors with diorama-like spaces separated by layered paintings. The paintings are constructed of cut-out aluminum composite panels hand-painted to represent distinct natural environments.

Each space features large immersive 3-dimensional sculptures of insects, plants and mushrooms, all hand carved from foam, plaster, and hand painted. As visitors walk through the exhibit, projection and auditory elements weave together narratives and fun facts, enriching visitors' understanding of the fascinating ecosystems around us.

"With hopes of traveling to other venues, my goal for this project is to connect more communities with the delicate balance of nature, while also expanding my own artistic horizons and professional opportunities. This project is not just a one-time exhibit; it is the foundation for the future of my career, merging education, and appreciation for the unseen beauty of our planet." - Amber Andersen

If you would like to book The Grand Unseen in your venue, visit Amber’s website!

Follow and support the other 2024 finalists below!

PREVIOUS WINNERS

2023: Paige Chance - MiLK HOUSE CRMX

Ceramics artist and educator, Paige Chance, used her grant to restore a 100-year-old milk house on her rural property in Guthrie, OK to curate a tranquil space for art education that honors nature and is driven by sustainable practices established through the Clean Green Ceramics Certification. MiLK HOUSE CRMX offers slowly made, decorative and functional ceramic housewares, as well as private ceramics lessons, workshops and an off-grid lodging experience aimed toward eco-conscious consumers looking to learn the art of ceramics in a tranquil environment surrounded by nature. MiLK HOUSE CRMX exists to provide the community with a restorative and nurturing ceramics studio so guests can find peace and grounding in their otherwise fast-paced lives.

2022: Kris Newlin - People of the Prairie

A portrait project of commissioned art made accessible by freeing up financial barriers for the recipients, culminating in a beautiful tapestry of diversity of people of all ages and backgrounds that call Oklahoma home. The collection will form a show of portraits and short stories highlighting the complex connection of the community of "People of The Prairie."

This project was on display in Gallery III of the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center this past October!

2019 - Angie LaPaglia + Emma Difani - Just In Case - A collaborative art project with the Oklahoma City Girls Art School.

2018 - Marilyn Artus - Her Flag - The 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote is in 2020; Marilyn travelled to all 36 states and collaborated with female artists to create a 36 stripe 18’ x 26’ interpretation of the American flag called “Her Flag.”

2017 - LaQuincey Reed - Freed and Western - Creation of bronze sculptures in project exploring the similarities in attitudes, culture and entrepreneurship of African-Americans in "Western" culture and urban African-American culture.