Lining Admiral Boulevard this weekend, the Kendall Whittier Arts Festival will showcase local artists and musicians while celebrating Tulsa’s vibrant art scene and making art accessible.
Not only that, it provides an atmosphere that fosters creativity for the whole family, offering several opportunities to create your own pieces of art for free.
The Kendall Whittier Arts Festival is set for Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Admiral Boulevard from Lewis to Yorktown avenues. The three-block event is primarily outside with some indoor vendors and activities. It is free, family friendly and open to the public.
In all, 70 makers and art vendors will be selling paintings, drawings, jewelry, ceramics, fiber pieces, photography, metal works and a variety of other types of art at the festival. Food trucks offer meals and tasty treats in addition to Saturday K-Dub food staples.
“The Kendall Whittier Arts Festival continues to grow every year,” said Jessica Jackson Seay, executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street. “New this year, we’re giving people multiple opportunities to create art as well as to view and purchase.”
Scraps Design will be on site with a Kendall Whittier Collaborative Chalk Mural, which will give visitors a chance to add to the mural themselves and watch it evolve over the course of the event. It will be located at Admiral and Gillette and is free to participate in.
Inside Ziegler Art and Frame, 6 N. Lewis Ave., Moonlight Art Factory will be leading painting classes using templates and on-site instructors to help even the newest beginner create a piece they are proud to take home. This activity is available until 3 p.m. or until all the canvases are used. It is free to do.
Addis Ceramics, 2212 E. Admiral Blvd., will have open studio for people to pop in and work with clay ceramics themselves. Donations are welcome to help offset the cost of the clay.
At the Philbrook Kids’ Zone, Philbrook Museum staff will be helping children make their own buttons and magnets. The Kids’ Zone also features chalk art and yard games. It is free, and children should not be left unattended while they are in the Kids’ Zone.
“Additionally, Tulsa is in the path for the annular social eclipse on Saturday,” Jackson Seay said. “We knew we had to find a way to celebrate this natural phenomenon as well, so while the eclipse is at its maximum, we’ll have a telescope on site for viewing.”
Tulsa will see about a 70 percent eclipse on Saturday, peaking at 11:50 a.m. The telescope will be set up from 11:35 a.m. to 12:10 a.m. near the William Stage.
Also the Williams Stage, performers and bands will keep crowds entertained – even after the event closes down! Bring your own mat to participate in free Yoga with Kass starting at 10:45 a.m. After the eclipse viewing, Aim High Academy will do a showcase featuring some young gymnasts.
Hot Toast Music Company performs at 1:10 p.m., followed by Halle Marie at 2:15 p.m. and flow from Jeezmino at 3:15 p.m.
Bronco Henryetta performs at 4:30 p.m. for a 45-minute set before Johnny Murrell takes the event home with a one-hour set that runs until 6:45 p.m.
“The Arts Festival isn’t the only thing going on in Kendall Whittier on Saturday,” Jackson Seay said. “We encourage folks to come out and enjoy what we’re calling the ‘before’ and ‘after parties.’”
The Tulsa Farmers’ Market runs along Admiral Boulevard on the other side of Lewis Avenue from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. with fresh produce, baked goods, meats and dairy and makers.
The Studio, 2221 E. Admiral Blvd., has a women’s show and market from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. It is hosted by The Studio and Aceshootmedown. There is a $5 cover to attend.
Starting at 8 p.m., Thelma’s Peach, 2008 E. Admiral Blvd., features Jade Belauste. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a $10 cover.
A full list of vendors, activities and the event map are available online.
The Kendall Whittier Arts Festival is made possible through its sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Fowler Automotive and Robinson Properties. Other sponsors include Kids Zone Sponsor Philbook Museum, Entertainment Sponsor Williams Energy, Media Sponsor TulsaPeople and Supporting Sponsors AEP/PSO, Renewal by Andersen, University of Tulsa and Tulsa Remote.
This event is supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Proceeds of the Kendall Whittier Arts Festival support Kendall Whittier Main Street’s mission to create vibrancy in the Kendall Whittier commercial areas. Kendall Whittier Main Street is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District.
For more information about the Kendall Whittier Main Street or the Arts Festival, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com.
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