The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
We connected with Tulsa artist, muralist, and community builder Chris “Sker” Rogers for a conversation about his creative journey — from the graffiti, hip-hop, punk, alternative, and rave scenes that helped shape Tulsa’s underground culture in the 1980s and ’90s to his work today creating public art and helping lead transformative projects in Greenwood and beyond.
Throughout the conversation, Chris reflected on the connective tissue that links so many creative communities together: a DIY spirit. Whether painting walls, making music, organizing events, or building spaces for others to create, he spoke about the power of people coming together to make something meaningful with the tools and resources they have. His story is a reminder that creativity doesn’t require permission — only the willingness to begin, to keep showing up, and to never give up.
At OKPOP, we believe some of the most inspiring stories are not just about success, but about people who help create the conditions for others to thrive. Chris’s journey is one of those stories.
#OKPOP #TulsaArts #GreenwoodDistrict #OklahomaArtists #CreativeCommunity @sker_ism
We recently connected with Oklahoma engineer and entrepreneur Robert Keeley for a life history video interview about his creative journey.
From an early love of music and electronics to building pedals at his kitchen table, Robert’s curiosity grew into Keeley Electronics, one of the most respected guitar effects companies in the world.
“My childhood had a lot of music and a lot of electronics in it,” he told us. “I had all the key ingredients for what I was to become.”
Thank you, Robert, for sharing your story and helping us preserve another chapter of Oklahoma creativity.
#OKPOP #KeeleyElectronics #OklahomaHistory #OklahomaMade #CreativeJourney @keeleyelectronics
Today we remember John Simmons, born on this day in 1918 in Haskell, Oklahoma.
Simmons became one of the great bassists of the swing and bebop eras, bringing a steady, melodic foundation to some of the most important music of the twentieth century. His career carried him alongside giants like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Benny Carter, Illinois Jacquet, and Art Tatum, placing this Oklahoma-born musician right in the middle of jazz’s most transformative years.
Though often heard in support of bigger names, Simmons’ artistry helped shape the sound around them — a reminder that Oklahoma’s influence on popular culture runs deep, sometimes in the rhythm underneath it all.
Happy birthday to a true Oklahoma jazz pioneer. 🎶
#OKPOP #JohnSimmons #OklahomaJazz #JazzHistory #BornOnThisDay
We’re such a fan of Oklahoma musician and interdisciplinary artist Kalyn Fay and were honored to connect with her for a Life History Video Interview about her creative journey.
Born in Tahlequah and shaped by experiences across Oklahoma, Kalyn shared how a childhood spent exploring her grandmother’s piano helped spark a lifelong creative path. Over time, that path expanded beyond music into visual art, weaving, curatorial work, and language preservation, forming a deeply interconnected creative practice.
Kalyn spoke about the influence of Cherokee and Muscogee culture on her work, the Oklahoma landscapes that inspire her songwriting, the importance of preserving Cherokee language, and her belief that music can help foster empathy and connection between people.
“I hope in the future that my music, my art, anything that I create really helps people see the value of community and the power of being with each other and the power of being slow and soft with yourself and soft with other people and the power of vulnerability.”
Thank you, Kalyn, for sharing your story and reminding us of the power of creativity, community, and place.
#OKPOP #KalynFay #OklahomaMusic #CreativeJourney #OklahomaArtists @kalynfay @kalynbarnoski
It was an extreme honor to spend time with the great Tony Mathews, guitarist and vocalist from Checotah, Oklahoma.
Tony shared stories from his remarkable musical journey, including touring the world with Ray Charles, Little Richard, and many more. He reflected on the influence of fellow Oklahoman Lowell Fulson, the importance of practice, and how his faith continues to inform his creative life.
At 84, Tony is still creating, still playing, and still finding joy in the work. We were especially grateful to hear him speak about the legacy of Oklahoma blues, Rentiesville’s Dusk ’til Dawn Blues Festival, and the Sunday jams that continue to keep the music alive.
Thank you, Tony, for sharing your story with OKPOP.
#OKPOP #OklahomaBlues #TonyMathews #Rentiesville #OklahomaMusic
🎨✨ Happy Birthday to the incomparable Muriel Fahrion! ✨🎨
From the first sketch of a little girl in a strawberry bonnet to a beloved character who inspired generations of imaginations, Muriel’s creativity has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her work reminds us that great stories often begin with a simple idea, a pencil, and the courage to create.
At OKPOP, we’re grateful for artists like Muriel who have shown the world that imagination can become something lasting, meaningful, and magical. Thank you for bringing joy, color, and creativity into so many lives.
Please join us in wishing Muriel a very happy birthday and a year ahead filled with inspiration, laughter, and new adventures. 🍓❤️
#HappyBirthday
#MurielFahrion
#StrawberryShortcake
#OKPOP
#CreativeLegacy
@outtathinairstudio
We recently sat down with Red Dirt music legend Stoney LaRue for an oral history interview as part of OKPOP’s ongoing effort to preserve and share the stories of Oklahoma creatives.
From the legendary Yellow House in Stillwater to the influence of Bob Childers, Cain’s Ballroom, and the Red Dirt community, Stoney reflected on the people, places, and experiences that shaped his creative journey.
“There is something in the water when it comes to Oklahoma and creative people. Period.”
Thank you, Stoney, for helping us preserve this important chapter of Oklahoma music history for the state archive and future OKPOP exhibits.
#OKPOP #StoneyLaRue #RedDirtMusic #OklahomaMusic #OralHistory @stoneylarue
Remembering Wayman Tisdale 🎸🏀
Today we’re remembering Oklahoma legend Wayman Tisdale on what would have been his birthday.
Raised in Tulsa, Tisdale became one of the most celebrated athletes in Oklahoma history, earning three consecutive First-Team All-American honors at the University of Oklahoma before going on to a standout NBA career. But basketball was only part of his story.
After leaving the game, Tisdale poured his creativity into music, becoming an acclaimed jazz bassist whose albums topped contemporary jazz charts. Whether on the court or on stage, he brought joy, passion, and an unmistakable Oklahoma spirit to everything he did.
Wayman once said, “Don’t fight the music. Let it take you where it wants to go.” It’s a fitting reminder from someone who embraced every chapter of his creative journey.
Happy Birthday, Wayman. Thank you for inspiring generations of Oklahomans to dream big, work hard, and follow their passions wherever they lead.
💙🏀🎸
#OKPOP #WaymanTisdale #Tulsa #Oklahoma #OklahomaHistory @waymantisdalefoundation @okpoptulsa @okhistory
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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