Edmond Fine Arts Institute(45)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 minutes ago
Sometimes I run across a place that deserves to be highlighted and shouted about from the rooftops. I discovered that The Edmond Fine Arts Institute is a place like that, so here's my version of yelling praises from random buildings. GO HERE!
Like most of my visits, I never know what to expect, so I'm usually surprised by at least something. There were quite a few surprises at the EFA. The first one for me was the classrooms where art is taught to people of all ages. (Don't worry, a link is below if you want to sign up.) The next surprise was not only do they offer classes for small kids, but the supplies for those classes are free to them. Wow! Older students and adults have to bring their own materials, but, if you're like me, you have specific things you like to use in your art anyway. The teachers are top notch artists themselves and they'll help you get closer to becoming the artist you aspire to be. They'll guide you but, like everything, you have to put in the effort, and effort equals reward.
The reward for honing your craft is to be part of the shows that change out the first Thursday of every month. The ever changing gallery is great because you get to see fresh new pieces from five different artists that have developed a body of work both in the classes and at home. And for me, there's always something I'll enjoy looking at so I can keep going every month. Part of the fun here is being able to buy from a local artist who will appreciate it more than you might imagine, for both financial and confidence reasons. I remember the fist time I sold a piece of artwork. I felt like I was floating for a month. And I could buy groceries! Edmond Fine Arts is a great venue for finding your new favorite artist or the new piece that would look great in your living room or office.
If all that wasn't enough, they are planning on expanding this operation as soon as they raise the funds for it. They will move out of this space and into a bigger spot where they'll be able to offer more of everything, classes, gallery space, and studio space. The current building will turn into more studio spaces for artists that need room to create without the burden of dragging everything out, doing the work, and putting everything back. What a relief that can be! Part of the funding for EFA comes from a brilliant fundraising idea. I included a photo of it below. It's the 5X5 Art Show & Sale. They give blank 5X5 inch canvases to artists who create works on them and turn them back in. Then they have an art show and sell each canvas for $55. You get new art. They get needed funds. Artists get some exposure and the world fills up with more art. Definitely something out of the ordinary and fun too.
If you're looking for something to do the first Thursday every month, take some time to go see the new exhibit in the gallery. If you're looking for some life enrichment, go take one of their classes. The world needs more art and you could be a part of it.
27 E Edwards, Edmond
405-340-4481
Entry Fee: Free, donations appreciated
Jonathan Elmore ©2025
