After years of planning, programming, and design, the framework for Folding Light, the future home of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, an original design by Rand Elliott of Elliott + Associates Architects, can now be seen from almost anywhere on the north side of downtown Oklahoma City.
“The Folding Light building is progressing nicely,” says Todd Edmonds, Oklahoma Contemporary building committee chairman. “The building envelope is scheduled to be complete March 2019, allowing the interior work to begin.” Then comes the wall and ceiling work in July, the exterior skin in August, and the interior —finishes in September. Edmonds expects the building will be ready for operation by the end of November 2019.
In addition to Folding Light, at Northwest Eleventh Street and Broadway, the Studios will be part of Oklahoma Contemporary’s new campus as well. This preexisting brick building on the southeast corner of the site is set for major renovations—to be transformed into a multidisciplinary workspace for artists. The 10,000-square foot structure will house ceramics, metal, wood, and weaving studios to support “industrial-arts programs,” Edmonds says. The interior design of the Studios will complement the industrial aesthetic of Folding Light, with polished concrete floors, white walls, and exposed wood structure enclosed in a light-gray exterior.
“As a board member of twenty years, I can tell you this is a very exciting time for Oklahoma Contemporary,” Edmonds says. “Our move from the state fairgrounds to a state-of-the-art facility is big for us. We have a very engaged board of trustees and a talented staff working hard and gearing up for the transition.” Both buildings will make up the Oklahoma Contemporary campus, expanding the possibilities and programming for an arts-driven community. Folding Light and the Studios are expected to open in fall 2019.