Paseo Arts District

Oklahoma City's Artist Community

Just a few blocks south of me is Oklahoma City's Oldest Artist Community - The Paseo Arts District. This is where friends and I go to browse galleries, have a nice meal and shop. Shops carry an assortment of art, clothing, jewelry, decorative items, pottery, hand made candles and much more.

There are 17 galleries and more than 60 artists plus a yoga studio, several restaurants and a coffee shop. 

The first Friday of every month is First Friday Gallery Walk. Galleries stay open till 10 pm as art lovers browse the galleries, experience wine and food tastings and listen to live music. The evening usually ends with dinner at one of the restaurants. 

I took these photos on Sunday...and obviously things were very quiet that afternoon. But on a First Friday, you'll find hundreds of people milling around in the streets shopping, viewing and visiting. 

The Paseo was developed in 1929 as the first shopping district north of downtown Oklahoma City. The curved, two-block street has maintained its Spanish revival architecture with original stucco buildings and clay tile roofs. The Paseo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

This mural is a recent addition to the neighborhood.

The most exciting thing happening in the neighborhood is the transformation of this building. It used to be just a huge white box - the eyesore of the street. It is now being transformed to fit in with the historic architecture surrounding it. Rumor is a restaurant will be moving in as well as more artist studios.

I can just imagine sitting out on that upper patio having dinner.

More information on The Paseo Arts District.