From incredible fine art galleries and studios to contemplative public art installations and multi-dimensional art-related events, art lovers will want to visit Shawnee. Here is a virtual guide to some of the Red Bud city’s best artistic expressions.
Art Museums, Art Galleries & Classes
In addition to museums, Shawnee's art community features several art galleries, each with a unique character where you can view, purchase, and even make your own masterpieces!
The Arts at 317
A self-proclaimed "home for the arts," this gallery features the work of over 50 Oklahoman artists from glasswork and ceramics to fine oil paintings.
They host monthly third Friday block pARTies featuring a new artist or author each month, and host fine art workshops and classes in multiple mediums throughout the year. Advance registration required for classes and workshops. theartsat317.com
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center
Inside the CPNCHC's Long Room, a rotating gallery features photography and art demonstrating present-day tribal life alongside the permanent tribal veterans exhibit. Tribal art and culture workshops regularly. potawatomiheritage.com
Community Art Gallery
100+ rotating artists sell diverse works in this large Shawnee Mall gallery. Home to some of Oklahoma's biggest art shows! Group classes available. All ages open paint during regular mall hours. VisitShawnee.com/cag
Coffee N' Crafts
A classic coffee shop experience plus canvas, wood, and ceramics you can purchase and paint while you sip. Special classes held regularly, and private events available. coffee-n-crafts.com
The Inkwell Gallery
Step into another world and let your imagination take flight with this collection of fantastical artisan crafted items. The Inkwell Gallery features local art and other unique items in historic downtown Shawnee, opening April 2023. theinkwellgallery.com
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
Oklahoma's oldest art museum and home to Oklahoma's only mummies, the MGMoA brings internationally acclaimed exhibits, classes and lectures year-round to their rotating gallery.
MGMoA showcases the founder's collections of artistic and ethnological objects of value from his travels to Europe, Africa and South America. The featured object is the Egyptian Mummy, Tutu. Advance registration required for classes and workshops. Meeting space available. mgmoa.org
MGMoA Gallery at SSM Health
Inside the SSM St. Anthony's Hospital, this long hall gallery features a new artist regulary, curated by the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. facebook.com/mgmoa
Oklahoma Baptist University Student & Faculty Galleries
Student and faculty art shows happen throughout fall & spring semesters in two galleries on the OBU Campus, in the Art building and in the student union. instagram/obu_art_and_design
Live Theatre
Shawnee's community theatre has been producing quality live theatre since the 1960s. This beautiful "little" theatre in the round seats 250 and is home to a fresh season of live musicals and plays each year. Season details at shawneelittletheatre.com.
OBU Fine Arts Department
Oklahoma Baptist University's Fine Arts program is one of the best in the nation, with student and faculty performances throughout the school year. To see what's playing next:
Art music: okbu.edu/arts/music/events Theatre performance: okbu.edu/arts/theatre
Music & Entertainment
Music, film, live theater, and even opera ring out at arenas, stages and patios across Shawnee most every Friday and Saturday night. Whether you want to grab a beer at a downtown saloon and jam or watch a theatrical masterpiece live onstage, it's here in Shawnee.
Live music in Shawnee ranges from orchestral and jazz performances by OBU students to contemporary. Local bands frequent numerous bars and restaurants. The Ritz puts on a variety of shows ranging from jazz to rock, comedians and popular tribute bands. National artist tours stop at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center and Firelake Arena! Brickhouse Saloon is a classy downtown watering hole on historic, bricked Bell Street with top acts in country, rock, and more every weekend. See who's performing next.
Firelake Arena is home to the Potawatomi Fire pro basketball team, the first ever tribally owned professional basketball team. Firelake Arena also hosts a variety of musical acts, fighting competitions, exhibitions, car shows, and more. See what's next: firelakearena.com.
The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort's event center holds everything from top artists' national tours to pro bowling, and is located just 2 miles outside Shawnee on I-40. See what's on the schedule at grandresortok.com. Shawnee's premier event complex, the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center holds new acts and adventures nearly every weekend, from the circus to concerts of all genres. See what's coming up at shawneeexpo.com! A recently renovated 1920s theater, The Ritz hosts music, comedy, mediums, and more from around the nation. One of Oklahoma's most haunted venues, many believe some of the Ritz' patrons and employees never left... See who's playing next: ritzshawnee.com .
In the "backyard" of Theopolis Social Club is a small outdoor venue that features some of OK's finest talent in cozy shows year-round. Find out who's playing on at fb.me/TheopolisSocialClub.
Murals & Sculptures
Painted Horses
Nearly 3 dozen beautiful horses stand proud throughout Shawnee, hand-painted by local artists. Each horse shares a unique story and approach to craftsmanship. Designed by mostly local artists, the horses creatively showcase Shawnee's history and prominent places in history. Find them all at VisitShawnee.com/horses .
Murals
Shawnee's murals range from historic advertisements painted on brick buildings to new, modern and colorful designs on sheet metal. Find all the murals on our regularly updated list at VisitShawnee.com/murals. The murals capture the beauty of downtown thus, most murals are downtown. Take a stroll downtown to discover the great things in and learn of the unique history of the city of Shawnee.