OKCMOA is proud to collaborate with the United Service Organizations (USO) to welcome military members and their families to the Museum during Military Appreciation Weekend. This weekend-long event will align OKCMOA’s mission “to enrich lives through the visual arts,” and USO’s mission “to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families,” to provide a weekend where service members and their families can experience all the Museum has to offer free of charge. Programming includes an Oath of Service ceremony, a card-making station for delivery to deployed service members, a children’s art gallery exhibition for USO Craft Camp participants, and more.
FRIDAY
Drop-In Art: Torn Tonal Paper Landscapes
11 am-4 pm | 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. Pre-registration is not required.
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Oath of Service Ceremony
12 pm | 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
Babies at the Museum: Trails & Textures
9-10:30 am | 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.
REGISTER HERE
Guided Tonal Landscape Paintings
1-3:30 pm | 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.
REGISTER HERE
SUNDAY
Access for All
12-5 pm | Open to the public
Thanks to the generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program, visitors of all ages will receive FREE access to Museum galleries on the second Sunday of each month for the next three years. Join us for free visits to all exhibitions on view, shopping at the Museum Store, and more.
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Chihuly-Inspired Persian Creations
12-3 pm | 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.
REGISTER HERE
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!
