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
Wishing a very happy birthday today to Taylor Hanson.
We’re deeply grateful for his belief in OKPOP and for the ways he helped move this dream forward. We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without his efforts, and we’re excited for all that the year ahead holds.
Ending with a few flashback photos from our 2019 groundbreaking as a small reminder of just how meaningful that support has been from the very beginning.
Happy birthday, Taylor! 🎉
#OKPOP #TaylorHanson #HappyBirthday #OklahomaCreativity #GroundbreakingMemories @taylorhanson @hanson
Today we’re tipping our hat to Oklahoma cartoonist Boody Rogers, born in Hobart, Oklahoma, whose wild imagination helped shape comic history. Rogers created Sparky Watts, widely recognized as an early superhero parody, bringing humor, satire, and offbeat energy to the comic strip world beginning in 1940. His work reminds us that Oklahoma creativity has long had a mischievous, original spark all its own. 
From Oklahoma roots to comic-book innovation, Boody Rogers helped prove that pop culture can be clever, strange, funny, and unforgettable.
#OKPOP #OklahomaHistory #BoodyRogers #SparkyWatts #ComicHistory
It was an honor to connect with Tony Award–winning producers Jay Leland Krottinger, Patricia Chernicky, and Ryan Jude Tanner of Tanninger Entertainment, a Tulsa-based Broadway production company making an impact on stages around the world.
We talked about Oklahoma crossovers from Flipside: The Patti Page Story, the Oklahoma! revival, and The Outsiders musical, as well as their work with Broken Arrow’s own @kchenoweth on The Queen of Versailles. In addition to these Oklahoma-connected works, they have also helped produce acclaimed stage productions including Pippin, Waitress, Come From Away, and many more. They shared their creative journey into the industry, insights into the mechanics of producing Broadway-level work, and what it means to see Tulsa and Oklahoma represented on national and global stages.
#OKPOP #Tulsa #Broadway #Oklahoma #theoutsidersmusical @tanninger_entertainment
It was a joy to connect with songwriter and musician Johnny Mullenax and hear more about his creative journey, from early bluegrass festivals to the Tulsa music scene and the community he continues to help build through Bluegrass Brunch at the Mercury Lounge. We loved talking with him about touring, collaboration, the spirit of Tulsa’s music community, and the importance of daily practice, discipline, and hard work in shaping a life in music. 
#OKPOP #JohnnyMullenax #TulsaMusic #Bluegrass #OklahomaMusic @johnnymullenaxband
Happy Birthday to Oklahoma’s own Carrie Underwood!
Born in Muskogee and raised in Checotah, Carrie Underwood has carried Oklahoma with her every step of the way. From her breakout on American Idol to becoming one of country music’s most celebrated voices, her career has been defined by powerhouse vocals and heartfelt storytelling. In a full-circle moment, she’s now back on American Idol as a judge, inspiring the next generation of artists. We’re proud to celebrate an artist whose Oklahoma roots continue to shine on the world stage.
#CarrieUnderwood #OKPOP #OklahomaMusic #AmericanIdol #OklahomaRoots @carrieunderwood
Highlights from Bob Wills Day at the Capitol! Live music, western swing dancing, and a whole lot of Oklahoma joy. We loved celebrating the enduring legacy of Bob Wills and the sound that still brings people together across generations.
#BobWillsDay #WesternSwing #OklahomaMusic #OklahomaHistory #LiveMusic
@okpoptulsa @okhistory @oklahomaartscouncil @okfilmmusic @neaarts
We’re having a grand time at the Capitol for Bob Wills Day, enjoying live music, Western swing dancing, and celebrating the enduring legacy of Bob Wills and Oklahoma’s rich musical spirit. Swing on by and join us.
#BobWillsDay #WesternSwing #OklahomaMusic #CapitolMusic #SwingOnBy
@okhistory @okpoptulsa @okarts @oklahomafilmmusic @neaarts
Before Oklahoma’s story was told on screens and stages, Annette Ross Hume was helping preserve it through the camera lens. Born on this day, Hume created more than 700 photographs beginning in 1891, documenting Oklahoma Territory and the people who lived here during a time of major transition. During Women’s History Month, we’re honoring her as an early Oklahoma photographer, visual storyteller, and documentarian whose images remain part of how we remember this place.
#AnnetteRossHume #WomensHistoryMonth #OklahomaHistory #OklahomaPhotographer @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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