Military service members and their families are welcome to enjoy a free, activity-filled weekend at the Museum.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 19, 2025)—The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) is proud to collaborate with the United Service Organizations (USO) to welcome military members and their families to the Museum for Military Appreciation Weekend, taking place Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13. This weekend-long event offers free admission for active-duty military personnel, retired service members, and their families, inviting them to enjoy everything the Museum has to offer.
Throughout the weekend, military families will have full access to OKCMOA’s exhibitions, including the summer blockbuster Discovering Ansel Adams, as well as the Museum’s permanent collection featuring European and American art, contemporary works, and the breathtaking Dale Chihuly glass collection. Visitors can also enjoy special programming and activities designed to enhance their art experience.
Programming will include an Oath of Service ceremony, a card-making station for delivery to deployed service members, and a children’s art exhibition for USO Craft Camp participants.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop-In Art: Torn Tonal Paper Landscapes
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Open to the public
Designed for all ages, this come-and-go activity introduces participants to landscape art using torn paper and tone. Participants will build depth, atmosphere, and mood using a variety of black, white, and gray papers as they create torn paper collages inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Ansel Adams.
Oath of Service Ceremony
12 p.m. | Open to the public
In coordination with the USO, Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), and Recruiting Command, OKCMOA will host an Oath of Service ceremony in front of the Museum at Carolyn Hill Park. Immediately following the ceremony, recruits and their families will be invited to stay for an informal lunch in the Museum’s Mezzanine Dining Room.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Babies at the Museum: Trails & Textures
9-10:30 a.m. | Designed for ages 0 to 24 months and their caregivers
Take inspiration from the peaceful black-and-white photographs by Ansel Adams. Surrounded by scenes of trees, skies, and mountain landscapes, we’ll explore natural textures and soft contrasts through calming music, themed toys, and a cozy story, inviting you and your baby to slow down, look closely, and feel the quiet beauty of the world around you.
Guided Tonal Landscape Paintings
1-3:30 p.m. | Designed for ages 18 +
Exclusive to service members and their families
Discover the power of light and shadow in this guided painting class rooted in the dramatic aesthetic of Ansel Adams. Working in monochrome or limited palettes, participants will explore tonal range, atmospheric depth, and strong composition to create expressive landscapes. Through guided instruction, you’ll learn to capture the emotional impact of the natural world, not just what it looks like, but what it feels like.
SUNDAY, JULY 13
Open from noon to 5 p.m.
Chihuly-Inspired Persian Creations
12-3 p.m. | Designed for ages 8-12
Exclusive to military families
Students will work with a variety of materials, including translucent plastic, paint, and markers, to create intricate, “glass-like” forms. Throughout the course, they will design and assemble their own captivating multi-piece installation, honing their artistic vision and technique. This class encourages creativity, self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of contemporary art.
ALL WEEKEND
Card-Making Station
Open to the public
As part of our commitment to fostering a sense of community, visitors to the Museum will have the meaningful opportunity to create “thank you for your service” cards. These heartfelt messages will be sent to our brave service members who are deployed overseas, allowing our visitors to contribute to their well-being and show their support directly.
Military Kids Art Exhibition
Open to the public
OKCMOA invites all participants in the annual USO Craft Camp to visit the Museum to see their art on display. We look forward to welcoming our budding artists and their families to see their work!
“We are honored to partner with USO Oklahoma to express our gratitude to those who serve our country, and to their families who support them,” said OKCMOA President and CEO Michael J. Anderson. “Military Appreciation Weekend is an opportunity to offer a meaningful and enriching experience as a small token of our thanks.”
Military Appreciation Weekend is part of OKCMOA’s ongoing effort to make art and cultural experiences accessible to all members of the community. Free admission will be available at the Museum’s front desk with a valid military ID or proof of service.
For more information about Military Appreciation Weekend, including hours and exhibition details, visit www.okcmoa.com.
