Main Park Plaza Large-Scale Mural Painting Underway; Augmented Reality Website To Launch Later This Year

Following a competitive selection process, a new large-scale mural is being painted at the Main Park Plaza parking garage, 410 S. Main St. in Downtown Tulsa.

The mural, known as “The Majestic,” is currently being painted and will span approximately 15,000 sq. ft. on the east and north side of the building. Mural completion is expected by mid-July.

The art was commissioned by the Tulsa Parking Authority, which will merge with the Tulsa Agency for Economic Opportunity on July 1, and supported by the Arts Commission and Tulsa Planning Office.

“This new mural will continue the revitalization of a key area of Downtown and redefine the role public art plays in economic recovery, as well as the power of investing in our public assets” said Kian Kamas, Executive Director of TAEO. “We are excited to see how this mural and investments in Main Park Plaza are complemented by recently completed and soon to be initiated development projects that will further add to activity in Downtown Tulsa.”

Los Angeles-based artists Ryan “Yanoe” Sarfati and Eric “Zoueh” Skotnes collaborated to design and paint the mural. A community engagement committee of area stakeholders provided input on the final design, which was approved by the Tulsa Parking Authority and Arts Commission of the City of Tulsa.

“We visited Tulsa earlier this year to explore downtown and draw design inspiration from the city,” Sarfati said. “It was important to us for the art to reflect the area and for Tulsans to provide input in the design. We are excited to create something the community can be proud of and will hopefully inspire even more large-scale public art throughout the region.”

The Majestic includes art deco signs and symbols, including the angel at the center representing guidance, protection and love. The two children the angel holds personify the youth of Tulsa and the foliage and fauna set within the art illustrate the literal and metaphorical growth of the city. The art includes plants and animals native to Oklahoma, including the scissortail flycatcher, flathead catfish, paddlefish, eastern redbud flowers, swallowtail butterflies, roses and magnolia trees. The sculptural design element framing the mural is inspired by Tulsa’s rich art deco history and serves as a window actively inviting viewers into the ethereal world.

Later this year, a website will launch featuring an augmented reality art experience. Users can use their mobile device on site to access a 3D interactive experience where the artwork is activated to come alive with animations and audio content.

Summer camps and school groups interested in viewing the artwork in progress and meeting the artists can arrange a visit at www.downtowntulsaok.com/themajestic.

Media interested in seeing the mural being painted can find the artists in the mornings before 10 a.m. and in the afternoons from 2 p.m. to sunset.