A selection committee was formed and a call for proposals limited to Native American artists living in the state of Oklahoma was published. Applicants were informed the project was to be a showcase for contemporary Native American art.
After receiving multiple submittals, two groups of artists were recently selected and permits have now been filed to start the work on the two 18 foot walls.
The team of Chad Earles and Rhiana Deck will install the mural on the north side of the underpass, and also paint the adjoining 17 columns.
J. Nicole Hatfield and Steven Grounds will tackle the south wall and columns with historic photos and present day people, titled 'Strength of the Woman'.
The artwork will join a similar project installed recently at the Reno underpass into Bricktown, along with large mural projects on N. Western Avenue, the Plaza District and 9th Street in Automobile Alley.
One of OKC's newest mural is located at 1221 N. Classen:
The increase in public art is due in large part to a recent ordinance that requires 1% of all public project budgets be dedicated to artwork. All public art is managed and approved by the Oklahoma City Arts Commission headed by Robbie Kienzle.
The Arts Commission also provides free training to guide local businesses, artists and groups who are interested in installing privately funded murals or other public art.
All of OKC's public art is mapped and cataloged at Culturenow.org.