FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marie Butterline | mbutterline@okcontemp.org | 405-951-0000
OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 8, 2026) — Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center has announced the honorees for its 2026 Founders Day celebration, to be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership and generosity have shaped Oklahoma’s cultural landscape and strengthened access to the arts statewide.
The 2026 Founders Day honorees are Governor Bill Anoatubby, J. Clifford and Leslie Hudson, Randy Marks, G. Patrick Riley and the E. L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation.
Founded in 1989 as City Arts Center, Oklahoma Contemporary has grown into a leading multidisciplinary arts center offering free admission to exhibitions, robust education programs and community-centered arts initiatives. Founders Day honors those whose vision and service have helped sustain the organization’s mission to make art accessible to all.
This year’s celebration also includes a $75,000 matching gift opportunity, generously provided by a group of Oklahoma Contemporary supporters. All donations made in honor of the 2026 honorees will be matched dollar-for-dollar through March 26, directly supporting exhibitions, education programs and free public access to the arts.
About the Honorees
- Governor Bill Anoatubby, longtime leader of the Chickasaw Nation, is recognized for his transformative leadership in economic development, cultural preservation and sustained investment in arts and education across Oklahoma.
- J. Clifford and Leslie Hudson are celebrated for their far-reaching impact across public health, education, civic leadership and the arts, including longstanding service to cultural organizations throughout the state.
- Randy Marks, program planner for the City of Oklahoma City’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, is recognized for his many contributions to public art, cultural planning and the city’s evolving creative identity.
- G. Patrick Riley, nationally recognized artist and educator, is honored for more than five decades of inspiring students and communities through arts education, public art and creative mentorship.
- E. L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation is commended for decades of philanthropic leadership supporting cultural, educational and civic initiatives that strengthen Oklahoma’s communities and creative institutions.
Founders Day 2026 will take place on March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City) and feature a reception, live music and remarks. Tickets are free, and donations may be made in honor of one or more award recipients.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit okcontemp.org/foundersday.
About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary, formed in 1989 as City Arts Center by Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality, accessible and affordable arts programming. With a mission to encourage artistic expression in all its forms through education, exhibitions and performance, Oklahoma Contemporary is committed to instilling in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice. For more information on free exhibitions, class schedules and public programs, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.
Past press releases and information are archived at okcontemp.org/media.
Image:
Oklahoma Contemporary. Photo by Rand Elliott
