High five

Annual show and fundraiser, 5x5, offers high quality, low-cost art

Sandwiched between Gitwit Creative and Chrysalis Salon on M.E. Brady Street, the Tulsa Artist Coalition is one of the original arts anchors of the Brady Arts District.

“TAC has been around since 1986, so we are celebrating our thirtieth year this year,” said Dean Wyatt, president of the organization. “We are a small independent nonprofit, totally grass-roots and volunteer-run, developed to support local artists and provide them opportunities.”

To that end, TAC offers its gallery space at no cost to artists to show their work. “That was really missing in Tulsa [back then],” Wyatt continued. “And I would argue that, to an extent, it still is.” 

TAC’s gallery is a perfect size for an intimate, one-artist show. There are few other spaces in town like it. 

“Being a nonprofit, we’re not constrained by the rules of a commercial gallery, like worrying about art being commercially viable or too controversial. TAC serves a strong purpose in Tulsa to this day.” 

But, being a nonprofit, fulfilling that purpose is made possible by a slew of volunteers and through funding from its patrons and the gallery’s annual, artist-driven fundraiser, 5x5, which opens Friday, May 6, at 5:55 p.m.

Other than 5x5, which TAC began in 1999, the coalition is funded by memberships and some art sales. But 5x5 is their main fundraiser and what they look to each year to help keep them going. 

“It’s a fun show and an opportunity for the public to pick up a nice piece of affordable art,” Wyatt said. “These are small pieces that don’t require a massive commitment for a person size-wise or pocket money-wise.”

Each piece in the show is donated by an artist and is a 5” by 5” square sold for $55. TAC provides the canvas to the artist if he or she wants it, but many artists choose to use their own materials. This year, Wyatt expects they will have 250 pieces in the show. 

“We hang the show in a grid pattern, which has a striking, visual effect.”

The price, the look of the show in its entirety, and the opportunity to get a unique piece—all of these things have made TAC’s 5x5 show an institution, even for one artist who no longer lives here.

Scot Nobles, who now lives in Denver where he teaches art to high school students, said TAC was one of the earliest organizations to give him support as an artist. 

“They were the first gallery that gave me a solo show,” Noble said. “[5x5] is an easy way for me to give back. I feel a lot of gratitude for them.” 

In the past, 5x5 was an invitational show, but as its popularity quickly grew, Wyatt said TAC decided to open it up to other artists. “So many artists were interested that we had to. The show grew in size and it’s carried its own momentum.”

Every year, 5x5 sees Tulsa arts patron die-hards line up early to be the first in to see the show. Because it will be held on First Friday this year, Wyatt expects they’ll get a lot of new faces for this particular show. 

The event is a win-win for everyone: 5x5 provides key funding for TAC, visitors are able to buy quality work at a low price point, and the artists are able to get their work in front of thousands of visitors to the show.

“We appreciate the artists who participate because it’s a donation of their art,” Wyatt said. “They’re donating to an organization that does nothing but promote artists in Tulsa. So, really, it’s artists supporting artists in the most pure way.”

There’s a $5 requested donation at the door on opening night. TAC will provide light snacks and refreshments.

For more from Liz, read her article on A New Leaf, a horticultural non-profit has provided job training and employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.