Maple Ridge Art Happening on October 8, 2022
The Maple Ridge Art Happening, launched in April 2020, just as Covid hit the US. Local artist Pam Watson had a group of artist friends who would meet to attend art events, gallery openings, museums and paint together. All of that stopped on March 13, 2020. “Suddenly, we had no gallery openings or events to attend and nowhere to exhibit our art. So I came up with the idea to hold a small show from my driveway where we put up art panels, tables, and tents and held
the first outdoor “Maple Ridge Art Happening”. We kept our masks on, and not all artists were in attendance to keep the crowd down. It was such a huge hit with the neighborhood and community. People were happy to have a safe event to attend outdoors. It was a true art show.”
She has been holding the event every six months during the spring and fall seasons, with the next one coming up on October 8, which will be their 6th show.
About Pam Watson
Pam Watson, the Maple Ridge Art Happening curator, is a self-proclaimed ‘Art Maniac.’ She explains how about seven years ago when she moved into her house in Maple Ridge, she had huge empty walls to fill. “I didn’t own much art at that time, so I knew I would have to learn how to paint. So I started taking workshops and meeting local artists and fell in love with it”.
Pam also has a passion for promoting other local artists. She began producing and curating events in 2019 at Landon Thomas design studio on Brookside. She boasts, “Tulsa has so many underground artists that have not been discovered, so I like to facilitate ways to help them get their art out there.” The Maple Ridge Art Happening has been the perfect place for her to do what she loves, paint and promote other artists.
“I love how viewing art takes you to a different place than the present moment. It provides a way to escape and imagine the story behind the piece or the artist’s intention. In addition, it gives a sense of calm when viewing,” describes Pam.
That sense of calm also translates to Pam’s own story as an artist. When her 95- year-old father passed away recently, she found herself alone with a lot of time to spare; she used it to paint and heal. “Painting was the most incredible way to get through the grief.” One of those paintings will be exhibited during the Maple Ridge Art show in October.
What can people expect?
The art show will be on October 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at 215 E. 29th St. It will feature over 30 local artists with their art displayed in her driveway and open garage, along with live music. But, of course, the home is a piece of artwork itself. Perched up on a hill in the historic Maple Ridge neighborhood of Tulsa, with verdant landscaping and multi-level level views, it is a lovely home event to experience along with a welcoming community of passerby’s. People will also enjoy live paintings by Alyssa Fields and Pam Watson herself. Lisa Regan will also be presenting artwork for sale.
Local Hotels & Restaurants
When visiting the Maple Ridge Art Happening be sure to stop by these places for lunch and shopping:- Queenies, 1816 Utica Square Farm-to-table cafe & bakery using locally sourced ingredients for breakfasts, sandwiches & entrees.
- Pavilion, 1826 S. Utica Square Pavilion offers fabulous clothes, accessories and unique gifts for men, women and children.
- Snow Goose, 1814 Utica Square Contemporary gifts, award winning toys, hilarious cards, comfortable clothing for women.
- Glaciar Chocolate, 1902 Utica Square Ingredients sourced from all over the world to be crafted into our signature truffles. Recognized as one of the top ten confectioners in North America by Dessert Professional magazine.
Three Selections from Ana Berry
Entrance to Mapleridge Art Happenings
Lisa Regan & Sam Regan's Art Table
Featured Artist: Alyssa Fields
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