SULPHUR, Okla. – The ARTesian Gallery & Studios reopened in January following a brief closure to repair damage caused by an EF3 tornado on April 27, 2024. To celebrate the reopening, the gallery is hosting “Playing with Light,” an exhibition of a Chickasaw artist.
Located across the street from the Artesian Hotel and Spa at 101 W. Muskogee, the ARTesian Gallery & Studios offers a space for creating, appreciating and sharing fine art.
During the storm, the building sustained flood damage, several broken windows, exterior damage and damage to some of the mechanical systems. Emergency crews responded and quickly secured the building. No injuries were reported.
Renovated to complement the grand Artesian Hotel, the ARTesian Gallery & Studios features an art gallery, classroom space, reception and retail space. It opened in 2013.
Designed to assist and promote Chickasaw and other Southeastern Indian artists, the facility houses a pottery studio and individual studio spaces. Its mission and vision is to provide an inspirational environment for creativity and opportunities for education, enrichment and promotion of arts and artists.
Chickasaw artist Jay Laxton’s collection “Playing with Light” is the first exhibition since the gallery’s reopening.
Laxton, who occupies a studio at the ARTesian Gallery & Studios, works in pottery and creates stunning fused glass sculptures. His photography is included in the collection. He also creates jewelry, such as pendants and bolo ties, from clay, leather and glass.
“Playing with Light” was recently a solo exhibit at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park in Dallas.
Laxton, who grew up in South Texas, became interested in art while working as a jeweler’s apprentice in Yoakum, Texas, and while blacksmithing at the Pioneer Village Living History Center in Gonzales, Texas. He began to learn leatherwork at Old Southwest Outfitters in Victoria, Texas.
Laxton moved to Oklahoma after retirement and began working at the ARTesian Gallery & Studios. Throughout the years, he has had the opportunity to learn natural dyes, basketry, ceramics and painting, among many other First American techniques.
He is always willing to try and learn something new. He likes to experiment and mix elements, saying, “It’s either going to work or it will be a learning experience.”
Laxton’s artwork has been exhibited and displayed throughout the United States and internationally.
Other artists who work in the ARTesian Gallery & Studios space include Chickasaw/Ponca artist Brent Greenwood, Chickasaw artist Mary Wilds, and acclaimed Chickasaw artists Margaret Roach Wheeler and Beverly Callahan, who operate a weaving studio.
Resuming public classes and workshops is planned for the new year. Gallery patrons can look forward to offerings such as holiday canvas paints, leather engraving, pottery, among many others.
A variety of supplies for creating all types of art is available in the retail shop, as well as traditional and contemporary jewelry, books, music, textiles and more created by Chickasaws and other First American artists.
The ARTesian Gallery & Studios is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed all major holidays. For more information, call (580) 622-8040
