For years, the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa worked tirelessly to bring the concept of an arts exhibition and education facility to downtown Tulsa. Its primary goal was and still is to engage the community in the arts. By working together with Selser Schaefer Architects, the Hardesty Arts Center was brought to life in downtown Tulsa’s vibrant and growing Brady Arts District.

The design evokes AHCT’s primary goal of engaging the community in the arts. The ground floor both literally and figuratively opens to the community through a series of operable glazed panels allowing pedestrians to flow into the facility from the street — becoming immersed in the activities within the exhibit spaces. The educational components of the center’s programs are veiled with a perforated weathering steel panel, which was designed so pedestrians would have a glimpse of activities within, thus being intrigued and drawn in to participate.

Planned completion:  November 2012