The Prairie House Preservation Society and the Firehouse Art Center have partnered to create the 2026 Architectural Sketch Program, an on-location drawing experience centered around some of Oklahoma’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.
Participants will visit six sites designed by Herb Greene and Bruce Goff, influential architects associated with the American School architectural movement that emerged from the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture in the mid-20th century.
Each session is conducted in a plein air style, meaning drawings are created outdoors and on location using direct observation. The experience encourages artists to slow down, observe their surroundings, and translate what they see onto paper.
Participants of all skill levels will have the opportunity to express creativity through observational drawing, experience iconic architectural sites across Oklahoma, learn sketching techniques in an outdoor environment, and connect with fellow artists and architecture enthusiasts.
Program
Schedule &
Information
March 28th, 2026
Prairie House
Norman, OK
April 4th, 2026
Frank Residence
Sapulpa, OK
May 9th, 2026
Cunningham Residence
Oklahoma City
June 13th, 2026
Riverside Studio
Tulsa, OK
July 11th, 2026
Pollock-Warriner House
Oklahoma City
August 22nd, 2026
Joyce House
Snyder, OK
Meet the Instructor
Fred Schmidt, FAIA
Fred Schmidt, FAIA, is a practicing architect and watercolorist. He is a former Principal with FSB architects+engineers in Oklahoma City and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Over the course of his career, Fred has contributed to the profession through design, mentorship, and education, with much of his work focused on educational environments and the role architecture plays in supporting learning and community development.
Fred has also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture, mentoring emerging designers. His leadership and service to the profession have been widely recognized, including receiving the William Wayne Caudill Award from AIA Central Oklahoma.
Through the Architectural Sketch Program, Fred shares his passion for architecture, observation, and creative expression by guiding participants in drawing and experiencing Oklahoma’s unique architectural landmarks.
Program At-A-Glance
Sessions: 6 monthly sketch sessions
Dates: March – August 2026
Session Length: 2 hours on-site (travel time not included)
Enrollment Limit: 10 participants
Age Requirement: 18+
Cost:
$15 per individual session
$60 for the full six-session program
Free for Prairie House Preservation Society and Firehouse Art Center members
Supplies:
Graphite pencil and sketch paper provided
Participants may bring their own art materials
A portable chair or stool is recommended for outdoor sketching
Weather:
In the event of inclement weather, alternative plans will be arranged.
What To Expect During Each Session
Each two-hour session includes:
Introduction and background on the architectural site
Instruction on drawing techniques and approaches
Individual sketching time on location
A group wrap-up where participants share and discuss their work
Sessions emphasize observation, creativity, and enjoying the experience of sketching in real environments.
Instruction Topics
Participants will explore a variety of sketching concepts, including:
Art vocabulary
Approaches to drawing objects and structures
Layouts and creating visual interest
Composition and perspective drawing
Shade and shadow techniques
Transforming 2D sketches into 3D perception
Drawing people and surrounding elements (“entourage”)
Sketch Locations & Schedule
Prairie House
Address: 510 NE Ave. NE, Norman, OK 73026
Architect: Herb Greene
Year Built: 1961
Session Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
The Prairie House is one of Oklahoma’s most recognized examples of the American School of Architecture. This session introduces participants to the program while exploring the building’s expressive forms and unique design.
Photo by Andrew Stone
Frank Residence
Address: 1300 Luker Lane, Sapulpa, OK 74066
Architect: Bruce Goff
Year Built: 1955
Session Date: April 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
This Bruce Goff residence highlights the innovative design thinking that defined the American School movement. Participants will sketch the home while learning about Goff’s architectural approach.
Cunningham Residence
Address: 3309 Quail Creek Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Architect: Herb Greene
Year Built: 1963
Session Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
The Cunningham Residence showcases Herb Greene’s distinctive design style and offers participants the chance to study architectural composition and perspective while sketching.
Photo by Robert Bowlby
Riverside Studio
Address: 1381 Riverside Dr., Tulsa, OK 74120
Architect: Bruce Goff
Year Built: 1928
Session Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
One of Bruce Goff’s early architectural works, Riverside Studio provides insight into the evolution of his design philosophy and creative experimentation.
Site Sponsor: Ted Reeds Architecture, LLC
Pollock-Warriner House
Address: 2400 NW 59th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Architect: Bruce Goff
Year Built: 1957
Session Date: July 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
This iconic Goff residence features striking geometry and expressive architectural forms that offer compelling sketching opportunities.
Joyce House
Address: 2.5mi. W of US183, Country Road 1620 EW, Snyder, OK 73566
Architect: Herb Greene
Year Built: 1960
Session Date: August 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
The Joyce House concludes the program with a visit to another remarkable Herb Greene design set within Oklahoma’s landscape.
Site Sponsor: Ayers Family
Photo by Lila Cohen
Become A Program Sponsor
Sponsoring a sketch program site helps support arts education while promoting the preservation of Oklahoma’s architectural heritage.
Site sponsorship includes:
Two enrollment spaces in the class
Recognition on Prairie House and Firehouse websites
Recognition across social media platforms
Recognition on program flyers and marketing materials
For sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Fred Schmidt, FAIA
Program Coordinator
fschmidt@fsb-ae.com
405-990-5922
