MOMENTUM is a dynamic exhibition shining a spotlight on the innovative talent of young artists. The exhibition illuminates the creativity of visual artists ages 30 and under from across Oklahoma, providing a captivating glimpse into the state’s vibrant and diverse art scene while providing mentorship and skill-building. |
THE 2025 EVENT WHERE WHEN April 4, 2025 Main Event | 7PM–10PM April 5, 2025 THE 2025 CURATORS The Guest Curator and Emerging Curator work together to select the General Survey artists and three Spotlight Artists for MOMENTUM. The Emerging Curator receives a $750 honorarium for their work and both curators provide guidance and support for the Spotlight Artists throughout their projects and lead artist and curator talks throughout the weekend of MOMENTUM. Stay tuned for the announce of the 2025 Emerging Curator! Oklahoma City, OK
MOMENTUM Guest Curator
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Narciso Argüelles is a Chicano artist and art educator. Argüelles grew up in Tijuana, Mexico which had a lasting impact on his life and continues to inform his art. During his college years, Narciso started collaborating with the world renowned Border Art Workshop. He holds an MFA from the University of California, Irvine and upon graduation started working as an admissions counselor at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Eventually Mr. Argüelles moved to Oklahoma where he has enjoyed being a high school art teacher and professor. His travels included a three year teaching stint at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey. His educator endeavors also include working with the College Board with their AP Art and Design program. As an artist, he has exhibited at the Sydney Biennale in Australia; The Johannesburg Biennale in South Africa, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center and Intar Multicultural Art Gallery in New York City. As a curator, Narciso Argüelles has put together exhibits for Norman Firehouse Art Center, the UCO Boathouse Gallery, Little D Gallery in the Paseo and at Robert College in Istanbul. THE 2025 OVAC supports three artists to create a new body of work through curatorial guidance and a $1,000 honorarium. The Spotlight Artists debut their newly created works during MOMENTUM and participate in a panel discussion. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 Spotlight Artists!
GET INVOLVED
Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 MOMENTUM Committee!
2025 VOLUNTEERS
The call for 2025 MOMENTUM Volunteers will open in Spring 2025. | THE 2025 SURVEY ARTISTS Application Deadline: Jan 4, 2025 THE 2025 COMMITTEE Sheila Guffey
Oklahoma City, OK
Event Production Sub-Committee Head
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Sheila Guffey is a dedicated teaching artist and consultant with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s of Adult Education focused on Gerontology. With over 14 years of experience, Sheila has developed and led specialized art programs and community outreach initiatives for senior adults in Oklahoma. She brings her expertise to senior living facilities including assisted, nursing, and memory care centers where she teaches a variety of fine art mediums. Sheila creates a supportive environment, making art a journey of healing during difficult life transitions. Her blend of therapeutic techniques fosters empowerment while providing joy and inspiration. Zachary Hunter
Oklahoma City, OK
Fundraising Sub-Committee Head
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Zachary Hunter is an Oklahoma born and raised who currently resides in OKC. Prior to starting his career in higher education, he was a freelance photographer who participated as an artist in MOMENTUM for many years (2015, 2017-2019). He is passionate about highlighting local art and bringing awareness to OVAC. He is a current member of Leadership OKC's LOYAL Class XIX and previously participated as a committee member for the OVAC 12x12 Art Fundraiser. Oklahoma City, OK
Marketing Sub-Committee Head
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Zoe Elrod has been a member of OVAC's MOMENTUM committee for the past two years. A graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in Mass Communications, she has worked as a writer and reporter for KOSU Radio, Make Oklahoma Weirder, and The Gayly and continues to contribute to Oklahoma Today and Oklahoma City Free Press. Zoe is currently the Internal Communications Coordinator for the Metropolitan Library System. In her free time, she enjoys attending local concerts, filling her home with art, and spending time with her two dogs, Fred and Clover. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Whitney Batres, Kendall Bleakley, Aidan Danels, Sheila Guffey, Kaiya Harris, Mady Hendryx, Chase Kerby, Riley Minhinnett, Dejah Owens, Alyx Picard, Victoria Porton, Cassa Shafer, Lauren Schlepp, Austin Stark, Maywadee Viriyapah, Anna Young |
SUPPORT OVAC
MOMENTUM offers young artists a platform to create, display, and sell their artwork in a professional exhibition. Through this experience, past artists have made connections to new audiences and propelled their artistic careers.The generous support of our sponsors allows us to continue this important work! |
2025 SPONSORS
ANNUAL SPONSORS