2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is a free celebration of arts & creativity held monthly starting at 6 p.m. in the Walker Arts District of Downtown Norman.

2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is made possible by the Norman Arts Council and a collection of sponsors, including Fowler Automotive, The City of Norman, Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.

 

EVENT LISTING

A wide variety of shops, restaurants, offices, bars, concert venues and more team up to produce dozens of free, fun arts events for the Norman community to enjoy each month and celebrate the creativity within it.

Participate

Are you a business, organization, painter, sculptor, vendor, maker, balloon artist, musician, charity or mad scientist that wants to participate in a 2nd Friday? Here's what you need to know and who to get in contact with. 

LINEUP FOR MAY 9 2ND FRIDAY ART WALK

6-9 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2024
The Walker Arts District | Downtown Norman 

UPCOMING DATES:
JUNE 13, JULY 11, august 8

May 2025 LINEUP

Aki Kin (120 E. Tonahawa) Join local artist Lauren Kelly for a Book Release Party! In From Canvas to Career, Kelly shares the ups and downs of professional artist life with keen insights for those looking to develop a creative passion into something sustainable. Equal parts technical and anecdotal, Kelly’s work is for any artist— whether you went to art school and never learned how to sell or strategize or never had a shot at art school but want to give it a real go as an artist now. Slide in, enjoy refreshments and art, and catch a live reading and signing. This event is generously hosted by Aki Kin, a Citizen Potawatomi woman-owned business in Norman

The Depot (200 S Jones) hosting the opening of Common Connection - a travelling group photography show featuring 5 photographers from Tulsa: Alexxus Browning, Nicole Donis, Jayro Esparza, Gary Mason, and Rachel Rector.

Firehouse Arts Center (444 S Flood Ave) Join us in celebrating the amazing talents of BFA students in the School of Visual Arts as their sculptures take over Lions Park! Catering and refreshments will be provided by Kam's Kookery on Friday, May 2nd, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Firehouse Art Center

Gallery 1-2-3 (123 E Main) Gallery 123 will be open for May 2nd Friday art walk and have many object d' art suitable for Mother's Day gifts! Come on upstairs (123 Main St - north side of the street across from Main Site) and take a long stroll through the wide variety of excellent artworks including sculpture, paintings, photography, assemblage, glass, and jewelry. This month we would like to highlight a new work by artist Debra Van Swearingen - This is a continuation of her series “Threads of Grace” of which she is working toward turning into a book soon.

Green Feather Books (300 W Grey) Is hosting Open Mic Poetry Reading, featuring resident poet and artist, Spontaneous Bob. Sign up is at 7 PM with the Mic opening at 7:30!

MAINSITE Contemporary Art (122 E Main) is celebrating the opening of Seika, Japan: The 20th Anniversary of Our Sister City in partnership with the Japan Outreach Initiative Program and Norman Cultural Connection. Join us for the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 9th. The show features the history of the sister city relationship, traditional textiles from Seika town, and traditional craft from Kyoto. On Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 pm at MAINSITE, Stone Carver Takaaki Saida and Textile Artist Miho Harada will host an Artist Talk & Demonstration. Visitors will learn more about the traditional crafts, see them in action, and try the techniques themselves.

Still up in the Library Gallery is Talia Nat's exhibition belonging beyond borders. Talia says,
"I’m so excited to share this project with the Norman Community. A very meaningful project made possible with the Norman Arts Council’s artist grants, and friends willing to explore their cultural identity through art. For all my fellow “Third Culture Kids” or transcultural youth —those who grew up between cultural worlds, never fully belonging—please come out! Let’s connect"

Mister Robert Furniture (109 E Main) will be featuring Coach V's 212 Candles and original art.

Oil & Clay Studio (315 E. Gray Street) will be set up outside The Standard (315 E. Gray Street) with prints, pottery, and more!

Resonator (325 E Main) Featuring art from The Thunderbird Clubhouse.

Sandalwood & Sage (322 E Main) will host our annual "Treasures of Nepal Trunk Show" during the Art Walk and including Saturday, May 9th 11-6. Our long time friends Ashok and Ermila will bring a van full of amazing statuary, singing bowls, jewelry, clothing, and so much more direct to you from Nepal & India.

Sergio’s Italian Bistro (104 E Gray) Susan Herndon will be at Sergio’s from 6:30 to 8:30.

STASH (412 E Main) Will feature artist Gayla Goodell and is hosting a Makers Market!

Uncanny Art House (106 E Main) is proud to present Queer Joy, a dynamic month-long celebration honoring LGBTQIA+ creativity, expression, and resilience through art, performance, music, and community. Curated by the Unicorn Workers United (uWu), Queer Joy will kick off during Norman's 2nd Friday Art Walk on May 9th from 6PM-9PM and will include weekly events every Saturday in May, concluding with a community art night on May 31st.

The exhibition features original visual works submitted by queer and allied artists across Oklahoma and beyond. It will debut a traveling library that will continue to showcase queer literature in different locations around the metro and much more. Centering themes of self-expression, empowerment, and joy, the show invites audiences to celebrate the beauty and strength of queer identity in all its forms. Participating artists can be found at our website and below is an overview of the events planned for the month of May.

Up Together (428 E Main) presents Layers of Us, featuring the art work of Allison, Trinity, & Kileigh.

The Well (210 James Garner Ave) returns with Just for Kids Le Tour Du Monde! Join us Friday, May 9th from 6-8pm at The Well in partnership with Le Monde International School and 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk! Local food trucks will include: Scoops Ice Cream Truck, Yum Yum Bites, and Soul City Tacos. 🧳 Pack your (imaginary) bags and get ready to travel the globe with this month's book theme - "Around the World in 80 Days"💫 🎨 Face painting, baked goods, skin care, pet products and much more available from young entrepreneurs in our Norman community at the Young Innovators Market 👩🏽‍🎨 As well as a Le Monde school showcase featuring student-led projects!

Lauren Kelly at Aki Kin

Gayla Goodell at STASH

Gayla Goodell at STASH

Debra Van Swearingen at Gallery 123

Aud Hamby at Uncanny Art House

Pam Sanford at Uncanny Art House

Gayla Goodell at STASH

Treasures of Nepal Trunk Show at Sandalwood and Sage

Treasures of Nepal Trunk Show at Sandalwood and Sage

Get involved with 2nd Friday! We’ve got a couple different ways to participate. Read more below to see where you best fit in!

 

MAIN STREET BRICK & MORTAR
Businesses OR OrganizationS:

We are happy to have any permanent, brick & mortar business or organization within the footprint of 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk participate. It doesn’t cost a penny to have your event listed in our 2nd Friday promo materials. To have your featured artist, concert, performance or other arts event listed in our listing, guide and poster, please email Joshua Boydston at Travis@normanarts.org with all the pertinent information and a high-res image if available.

To request to be added to our monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk Submission Call and Reminder, please email Travis@normanarts.org. Participating in 2nd Friday Norman Art Walks and being listed in any and all marketing materials is totally free and no fees are required. We ask that to be listed, events be free, arts-related and open to the public … and preferably awesome (we’re sure it’s awesome!).

 

ARTIST, MAKER & CULTURAL PARTICIPANTS:
$30 BY 6pm WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
($100 for late Application)

Get your work seen by thousands of 2nd Friday patrons! There are two ways of doing this:

1). Coordinate with a local shop/gallery/studio to feature your work on their walls, tables and shelves. Almost all 2nd Friday participating businesses are on the look out for new talent to feature in their location, and we ask that you contact the business that you feel is the best match with your work directly (2nd Friday doesn’t book artists for venues but rather markets the collective efforts from individual businesses as a whole, so you’ll need to reach out directly).

2). You can set up as an outdoor participant with an Artist, Maker or Cultural Participant Permit. Showcase your work and sell your wares to 2nd Friday crowds as they travel between shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor participants are permitted to setup on the sidewalks while following these guidelines:

  • A minimum of a 5-foot walkway must always be provided.

  • Setup between the 200 W. Main and 300 E. Main Blocks

  • Please push your display as close to the brick and mortar as possible, even moving chairs to the sides, if necessary, to keep ample walk space available.

  • Participants are not allowed to set up across from bike racks, trees, trashcans, or anything that will impede or limit the walk space.

  • Participants must get permission on their location prior to registering from the business or building owner.

There is a permit fee of $30 due with the submission of the Artist, Maker or Cultural Participant Permit Application, and applications are due 48 hours prior to 2nd Friday, Wednesday at 6 pm. Those who miss the deadline can submit a Late Application for $100.

Each permit is good for one month. Permit windows for the upcoming art walk open up the week following 2nd Friday.

Participants who have failed to register by 2nd Friday may be asked to leave the special event boundaries.

2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is a rain-or-shine event, and the participant fee are only refundable in the event that Art Walk is cancelled by the threat of severe weather.

 

NON-ARTS RELATED OUTDOOR PARTICIPANTS:
$100 BY WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
($200 FOR LATE APPLICATION)

Non arts-related businesses, non-profits, or other community organizations (including churches, booster clubs, student/youth organizations), as well as political candidates and non arts-related advocacy groups can also apply for a permit to setup on the sidewalks to interact with 2nd Friday guests, given that they follow these guidelines:

  • A minimum of a 5-foot walkway must always be provided.

  • Setup between the 200 W. Main and 300 E. Main Blocks

  • Please push your display as close to the brick and mortar as possible, even moving chairs to the sides, if necessary, to keep ample walk space available.

  • Participants are not allowed to set up across from bike racks, trees, trashcans, or anything that will impede or limit the walk space.

  • Participants must get permission on their location prior to registering from the business or building owner.

There is a permit fee of $100 due with the submission of the Non Arts-Related Participant Permit Application, and applications are due by Wednesday prior to 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk. Late registration is allowed from the Wednesday deadline through 3 p.m. the day of for $200.

Participants who have failed to register by 2nd Friday may be asked to leave the special event boundaries.

2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is a rain-or-shine event, and the participant fee are only refundable in the event that Art Walk is cancelled by the threat of severe weather.

 

STREET Performers:
FREE BY 6 pM WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025

Add to the festivities and entertain the art walk crowds! Street performers are permitted to set up on Main Street sidewalks at limited locations with completion of the Street Performer Application. All performers must apply for a permit through NAC, who will assign locations and reserves the right to refuse any application. Location preference may be requested, and brick & mortar businesses may coordinate with NAC to facilitate performances outside their businesses. Applications for a permit — with no fee — are due by 6 p.m. the Wednesday prior to 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk.

 

The Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman reserve the right to deny any participant or performer application that they do not believe fits the purpose of 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk.

 

APRIL 2025 LINEUP

The Depot (200 S Jones) Drawing the Line features the art of Don Schooler, Galadriel Alethea Lynn, and Nathan Price. These three experienced, talented artists, friends and longtime admirers of each other’s work, each have a unique style but an enthusiasm for the drawn line. With no other restriction than to embrace a strong line, Don, Galadriel, and Nathan invite you to share a love of the line, recognizing that graphic arts are fine art.

Gallery 1-2-3 (123 E Main) will be open for April's 2nd Friday art walk and we are thrilled that the weather will be cooperative this month!  Thanks to all that braved the weather in March - you are the best! Come on upstairs (123 Main St - north side of the street across from Main Site) and take a long stroll through the wide variety of excellent artworks including sculpture, paintings, photography, assemblage, glass, and jewelry. This month we would like to highlight a new work by artist Debra Van Swearingen - This is a continuation of her series “Threads of Grace” of which she is working toward turning into a book soon.

Legally Brewed (123 W Main) will have art from Billy Hensley.

Main St. Photo-Video (131 N Porter) Sights of Sounds Photography from NMF by John Thomas. John has been attending the Norman Music Festival since its first year in 2008 and always with his camera by his side. Over the years he has taken thousands of images and will have many of them on display

MAINSITE Contemporary Art (122 E Main) will host the the opening of the OU MFA Thesis Exhibition featuring artwork from the graduate school work of MFA candidates CJ Carter, Sara Mohajer, and Jenn Peek.

We will also be hosting the opening of Talia Nat's exhibition belonging beyond borders. Talia says,
"I’m so excited to share this project with the Norman Community. A very meaningful project made possible with the Norman Arts Council’s artist grants, and friends willing to explore their cultural identity through art. For all my fellow “Third Culture Kids” or transcultural youth —those who grew up between cultural worlds, never fully belonging—please come out! Let’s connect"

Mister Robert Furniture (109 E Main) will be featuring Coach V's 212 Candles and original art.

Oil & Clay Studio (315 E. Gray Street) is clearing some shelf space to make room for new work. Stop by The Standard to shop new wares, prints, and super discounted items at their Spring Cleaning Sale!

OSC Press (315 E Main) is hosting Oklahoma-based designer, illustrator and photographer (and former Norman Arts Council Assitant Director!) Joshua Boydston in his exhibition, Switch Up. The exhibition ranges in styles but generally speaks to Boydston’s bold, graphic eye when it comes to his art and that which he makes for others. With slices of life and reflections on and of popular media, he hopes his work reminds viewers that art — both the creation and support of — are as fundamental to our daily life and enjoyment thereof as anything else the world has to offer or demand.

Resonator (325 E Main) will be featuring local artist, Nick Lillard in his exhibition, The Wizard’s Rabble

Sergio’s Italian Bistro (104 E Gray) Desiree ABBA from 6:30 to 8:30

Uncanny Art House (106 E Main) is proud to host the University of Oklahoma's School of Visual Arts BFA Showcase. This exciting exhibtition highlights the exceptional talen of OU's Bachelor of Fine Arts students, with a diverse range of mediums, styles, and creative visions.

Up Together (428 E Main) presents Layers of Us, featuring the art work of Allison, Trinity, & Kileigh.

The Well (210 James Garner Ave) returns with Just for Kids Forensic Farm!

March 2025 Lineup

2nd Wind Coffee House (564 Buchanan Ave) will have their Sweater Weather artist series featuring Raifa Riza.

DM Wealth Management (309 E Main) hosts artist Destiny Trammell with musical guest Frank Lawrence.

Gray Owl Coffee (223 E Gray) is hosting local artist Skelley Queen with her show titled Kingdoms. In a statement by the artist, she shares "Kingdom is a collection of sentient portals of joy! I want everyone who engages with these pieces to feel them radiating playfulness and wonder. This collection knits the sugary and the spicy, rainbows in the night sky, the otherworldly and reality. Kingdom invites you into my world and the beings that inhabit them. Have fun!"

Legally Brewed (123 W Main) Taproom Pop-Up with Crafty Desserts from 5pm-7pm. Live Music featuring Jerry Tims from 7-8pm. In Residence Artist continues with Billy Hensley

MAINSITE Contemporary Art (122 E Main) will host the ONE Spring Night art exhibition and auction. This exhibition consists of donated works to be auctioned as a part of the fundraiser in support the Norman Arts Council. The exhibit will be on display at MAINSITE Contemporary Art until the day of the fundraiser, March 29, when the auction will take place. Auction opens Friday at 6:00 pm and closes the day of the ONE fundraiser on March 29 at 10:45 pm.

Main St. Photo-Video (131 N Porter) will have photography by Joe Hylton

Mister Robert Furniture (109 E Main) will be featuring Coach V's 212 Candles and original art.

OSC Press (315 E Main) featuring artist MJ Phillips and in the Little Dark Things exhibition. This ehibition project explores illustrative aesthetics and the presence of darkness as viewers  seek comfort in the dark.

Resonator (325 E Main) will be featuring the work of Missouri-based artists Hannah and Blake Sanders (Orange Barrel Industries).

Sergio’s Italian Bistro (104 E Gray) music from Stephen Baker from 6:30 to 8:30

The Well (210 James Garner Ave) returns with Just 4 Kids from 6-8pm. Jurassic Park is this month's book theme! Come see live characters. Face painting, baked goods, skin care, pet products and much more available from young entreprenuers in our Norman community at the Young Innovators Market. Hands on kids activities & games with @pioneerlibrarysystem. Park for free on your way to @downtownnorman for all the @normanarts 2nd Friday Art Walk activities!

Uncanny Art House (106 E Main) opening for the exhibition “Indian Time”, feauturing 9 artists: Alicia Smith, KreativeNative, Amber L. DuBoise-Shepherd, Lauren Kelly, Lydia Cheshewalla, Jarica Walsh, Nicole Emmons, Antonia Maria Belindo, and Chad "Nish" Earles along side artworks by the Kiowa Six graciously loaned by the Jacobson House in a special exhibit highlighting the galleries history in Norman.

Up Together (428 E Main) presents Something Spiritual, a powerful exhibition by featured artist Steven Grounds.

Yoga on Main (123 E Main) will host a special screening of Mysore Yoga Traditions, a captivating documentary by acclaimed Oklahoma yogi and filmmaker Andrew Eppler. This film goes beyond the mat, offering a rare glimpse into the rich culture, history, and philosophy of yoga as it evolved in Mysore, India. Through the voices of elders, scholars, and spiritual leaders, you'll discover the fascinating traditions that shaped a global movement. Whether you're a longtime yoga practitioner or simply curious about world cultures, history, or spirituality, this eye-opening film will leave you with a deeper understanding of a practice that has touched millions of lives. Don’t miss this journey into a timeless tradition! Time and place of screening: 8:15 pm.

February 2025 Lineup

The Depot (200 S Jones) Closing reception of Emerging Artists Exhibit. There will be records playing and complimentary Native Spirits wine.

Gallery 1-2-3 (123 E Main) will be open and looks forward to keeping you warm and cozy on Second Friday. Valentine's is a great day to find that special gift and we have so many hand crafted artworks to choose from! The talented and creative jewelry artists can help you pick out that perfect bracelet, necklace, or earrings. Gallery 123 includes the artwork of a dozen local artists including wall art (original paintings, exceptional photography, watercolor), large and small sculpture (wood, stone, and metal), glass works, paper arts, and much much more.

Legally Brewed (123 W Main) will have art from Billy Hensley. Taproom Pop-Up: Whisked Away by Amanda (Make & Take Valentine's Cookies) from 5-8pm. Live Music from Blake Hall 7-8pm. Movie Night: The Princess Bride 8pm. As always, all ages are welcome.

Main St. Photo-Video (131 N Porter) A Student’s Angle of the Western World, a Photography Exhibit by Jack McCarty. Jack is a student at OU and has been photographing his travels with a variety of digital cameras. He will be exhibiting prints of his work in our lobby starting February 14th during Art Walk

MAINSITE Contemporary Art (122 E Main) will host the closing current exhibit Drawing on Narratives, a collaborative exhibit from artists Melissa Cooke Benson, Jason Cytacki, Michael Elizondo Jr., Haley Prestifilippo, Erin Shaw, and Sohail Shehada. Curated by Cedar Marie, Drawing on Narratives explores the various ways artists tell stories through visual imagery, metaphor, and the drawing process. Artist Panel and music performances on February 13th, 6:00-8:00 pm followed by the closing reception on Friday, February 14th at 6:00 pm.

MAINSITE also hosts In-Digenous Time, a collection of jewelry created by Kiowa jewelry artist Taraneh BigBiow in the Library Gallery.

Mister Robert Furniture (109 E Main) will be featuring Coach V's 212 Candles and original art.

OSC Press (315 E Main) will host the exhibition opening of Big Bug: a collaboration by Erika Barker and KT Murray!
These 2 wonderful artists have worked together for many years as co-owners of Gray Owl Coffee and have also been developing their own individual artistic practices. There will be refreshments and some lovely designs for live printing including a collaborative design by the artists. It’s sure to be a heartwarming night.

Resonator (325 E Main) will be featuring the work of Missouri-based artists Hannah and Blake Sanders (Orange Barrel Industries).

Second Wind Coffee House (564 Buchanan) is featuring the start of its Sweater Weather series, starting with coffee and conversations with the artists.

Sergio’s Italian Bistro (104 E Gray) open for Valentines Day!

STASH (412 E Main) will feature artist Shelly Walker

Uncanny Art House (106 E Main) presents "Kaleider", the first solo exhibition by prolific local artist Christopher McDaniel, featuring bold, large-scale abstract paintings, recycled plastic sculpted characters, along with nearly 100 colorful illustrations that explore personal growth and creative expression. McDaniel's work has been part of Factory Obscura installations, and has been part of frequent collaborations with Creaturealm Oklahoma. Join us from 6:00 to 9:00 PM during 2nd Friday to celebrate the opening of this exhibition, which the artist has spent several years creating. This event is free, all-ages, and refreshments will be provided.

Up Together (428 E Main) is hosting a group exhibition titled Stories by Our Community. This exhibition will feature around five local artists, showcasing a wide range of work. Also featuring live music from Quantum Souljahs and local market vendors.

2nd Friday Norman Art Walk wouldn't be possible without the support of these wonderful business and organizations.