But if you’re among us who feels that pull, that constant itch at the back of your mind to make something, what do you do? Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) has sought to answer that question in the state for almost four decades by offering artists tools, resources and networking to advance their pursuits. And for nearly the last 25 years, OVAC has built a platform for artists below the age of 30, too: MOMENTUM.
Created by Julia Kirt, OVAC’s former executive director, MOMENTUM lets emerging artists exhibit and sell their work through a professional, inclusive and immersive event. From humble beginnings in a loading bay featuring a performance artist in a milk bath to its most recent home at Yale Theater, MOMENTUM features musical performances, beautiful art and vibrant celebration of Oklahoma’s creative spirit.
Getting traction
Through connections and community, OVAC gives artists a unique opportunity to refine their craft and cultivate their careers. MOMENTUM is one of organization’s most well-known demonstrations of that.
Lauren Schlepp, a MOMENTUM committee member and recurring artist in the exhibit, considers the show a catalyst for untapped talent.
“Often, artists of a certain age need time to establish themselves and get into gallery shows,” Schlepp said. “MOMENTUM offers them a chance to do that right out of the gate.”
Understandably, many of MOMENTUM’s artists may be fresh out of college or even just high school. Some may have experience with a senior show or a school-backed exhibit, but few have gotten a chance to show their work at the level OVAC provides.
“Exposure and having a professional arts organization run the exhibit sets this event apart,” Schlepp said. “Really, the scope and size of MOMENTUM is because OVAC is a major state organization. Even so, this is a really great networking opportunity in a chill space that doesn’t feel so formal.”
That “chill,” approachable environment is key to making artists feel comfortable talking, presenting and, ultimately, being vulnerable with their work. At the same time, it gives young talent the confidence to dig deeper into what they do and nurture a career, even if it isn’t solely by producing art.
Take Schlepp, for example. She first encountered MOMENTUM in high school during a field trip with her arts class. Ten years later, she submitted collages that would land her a spot in 2019’s exhibit. Years later, Lauren joined MOMENTUM’s committee through OVAC and experienced both sides of the event. She is featured for a final time in the event’s most recent installment on April 4 and 5.[DB1]
“Ever since then, I’ve just stuck on,” she said. “I like to be plugged in all the time, and I feel like I have pretty good connections in OKC’s museum world so I can keep helping that way. And I’d love to stick around for as long as OVAC will have me.”
Maintaining MOMENTUM
Some may think it goes without saying, but it really can’t be said enough: Art shows like MOMENTUM don’t happen without support. And while the support of committees like the one Schlepp takes part in is huge, MOMENTUM needs the community to keep it growing and thriving.
Schlepp focuses on marketing and fundraising, primarily securing donations for MOMENTUM’s silent auction. The exhibit also has a third sub-committee that she describes as “boots on the ground,” responsible for building the exhibit hall and ensuring the best possible presentation.
Again, this event can’t happen without continued financial support. While OVAC continues to garner it, art almost perpetually exists in a precarious place where legislative action or plain old apathy can be enough to not extinguish it, but make it harder to access.
That’s exactly why OVAC continues to push to make MOMENTUM as accessible as possible.
“We’ll have a couple of our different captions in Spanish and native languages this year. As we grow, we need to include our native tribes, Latin-speaking and Vietnamese communities,” Schlepp said. “We don’t want this to feel like a pretentious gallery show. This is for anyone to come out and experience the artwork.”
Comfortably immersive
MOMENTUM is, at its heart, an art show. But around this show, OVAC has been able to build an evolving event that even appeals to those who might not spring at the first chance to see a new exhibit at OKCMOA.
“We aim to make this more of an approachable event, rather than something that you show up for in all-black attire and look at some fancy art,” Schlepp said. “We’ve had live music, sketch artists and something for people who don’t want to look at art the entire time, but still have an interest.”
MOMENTUM’s evening blocks carry a higher, though still overall “chill” energy with live performances and ample conversation. This year’s performers include everybody else’s girl, Z Taylor, Jose Hernandez, Lincka and DJ Ostara. The early afternoon block on Saturday is more geared toward families and those who prefer a low-sensory experience.
The early afternoon block is also when MOMENTUM’s three spotlight artists will share their thoughts on the exhibit, their contributions and their creative process.
“The discussion is totally dependent on how each artist wants to frame it, but it’s held as a panel talk where an art director will be asking questions,” said Lauren. “They’ll talk about their history and about what they created for the show, since they got $1,000 to create a new piece just for MOMENTUM.”
Schlepp explained that to select their spotlight artists, MOMENTUM’s curators find contributors who can present a “big body of work” who have a specific project in mind that OVAC could help facilitate.
Keeping the moment alive
As long as emerging artists wish to show their work, MOMENTUM will offer a place where it can be shown. For Schlepp, this in and of itself is enough justification to continue to support and sponsor the event.
“It’s a huge confidence boost for young artists,” Schlepp said. “It tells them, ‘We believe in their work and we believe in what they’re doing. You deserve to take up space.’ A lot of these artists are students who are just getting the lay of the land. Seeing what exhibiting their art really looks and feels like is huge for them.”
And MOMENTUM doesn’t need huge monetary contributions to keep it going. (Though OVAC would still accept you if you’re a successful business owner with a soft spot for the arts and philanthropy.) Even then, everything ultimately helps in a world where art and the catharsis it brings is as fragile as it is precious.
“If you’re passionate about the art and it fits with your business strategy, donations are always welcome,” Schlepp said. “It helps artists of every age and every ethnicity. And it keeps these programs running. We’re playing the long game.”
It’s why MOMENTUM exists at all: to protect and catalyze the future of art in our state. Because the more we take art in all of its forms for granted, that’s more we rip away from our own experience.
“We need the positivity of our artistic friends,” Schlepp said. “It’s so important to feed your soul for art.” This year’s MOMENTUM art show is 7-10 p.m. April 4 and 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. April 5 at Yale Theater, 227 SW 25th St. Tickets are $15-$50. Visit ovac-ok.org for a full schedule of MOMENTUM performances and activities and to learn about all of OVAC’s upcoming events and how you can support the organization’s undeniably important mission.
This article appears in Alcoholmanac 2025.