2025 Festival of the Arts underway in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Thursday was a rainy day, which means the tradition is alive! The annual Festival of the Arts in Oklahoma City is underway.

"I've seen some really amazing stuff already," said a visitor.

The festival officially opened at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bicentennial Park. It runs Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You'll see everything from vibrant paints to sculptures.

John Hernandez is an artist from Lawton. He mixes nature and art to create wonders, by painting gourds and weaving intricate patterns in them with long-leaf pine needles.

"The smaller pieces take me about two football games a bigger one will take me anywhere from 24 hours on up," said Hernandez.

He's been coming here for years and said the exposure is vital.

"Artists go through a lot and if we're not given an opportunity through arts festivals like this, then where would we be?" he said.

It's also a big moment for Jessica Cash. The OKC artist is making her debut in the festival. She paints on glass.

"Most of the layering and color is on the back, so I actually paint backwards," said Cash. "If you could get into this [festival], this is a big deal."

Not every artist is local.

Holly Foss has been taking road trips to the Sooner State for the festival for the past 25 years, all the way from Minnesota.

"Now I have grown-up people who say, 'I grew up with your art' and they come and get it for their kids," said Foss.

It provides a full-circle canvas moment.

Foss said it also bridges the gap between brush and buyer.

"Meeting the people, the people meeting the artist, they can talk to us. It's just beautiful," said Foss.

The crowd is here for it all.

"This is our first annual Oak Leaf Meadows Ladies' Society day of fun!," said a group of women at the event.

"Lots of food, cool artwork, and a little bit of debt," said one of the women in the society.

That food part is very important. You can let your nose be your guide.

"This is where that smell is coming from!" said Michael Pittman, of Nut Works. "So when you smell the cinnamon, come to us on Colcord street."

Whether it's the aroma of food, art, or atmosphere, it's clear this festival is a masterpiece.