Dale Dale Dale: The Art of the Piñata
Sep
17
to Nov 1
Exhibitions

Dale Dale Dale: The Art of the Piñata

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This fall, the Firehouse presents Dale Dale Dale: The Art of the Piñata, a vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of one of Mexico's most beloved artistic traditions.

Featuring the work of Piñatas Aylin, this exhibition explores the piñata beyond its role in celebration, revealing it as a sculptural art form rich with storytelling, technical skill, and cultural heritage. Through a collection of handcrafted works, visitors will discover how paper, color, texture, and form come together to create objects that embody joy, memory, community, and imagination.

View Event →
SPARK! Benefiting Bright Futures Gala
Aug
22
6:00 PM18:00
Events

SPARK! Benefiting Bright Futures Gala

  • NPS Center for Arts and Learning (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on August 22, 2026 for the inaugural SPARK! Benefiting Bright Futures Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating the vision and legacy of the founders who helped shape Norman’s creative community.

This special night honors Carolyn Folkins, Carol Whitney, and Audrey Irwin; the women whose creativity and determination transformed a former fire station into a lasting home for the arts.

Together, we’ll celebrate their impact while igniting new possibilities for future generations of artists through the Bright Futures initiative.

View Event →
Children’s Summer Art Program
Aug
12
to Aug 23
Exhibitions

Children’s Summer Art Program

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Children’s Summer Art Program celebrates the young artists who participated in Firehouse Art Center’s summer camps and classes. Visit the gallery to see the projects, ideas, and artistic discoveries created throughout the summer and celebrate the accomplishments of our youngest artists.

View Event →
Sohail & Co.
May
13
to Aug 7
Exhibitions

Sohail & Co.

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This summer, the Firehouse presents Sohail & Co., a compelling exhibition exploring the relationship between figure drawing and sculpture through a collaborative lens.

Centered around the work and influence of Sohail Shehada, this exhibition brings together artists connected through the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts; highlighting both emerging and established voices working across disciplines.

View Event →
Somos Flores with Nellie Lyons and Pilar Loizaga
Apr
30
to May 7
Exhibitions

Somos Flores with Nellie Lyons and Pilar Loizaga

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Enter a home of flowers in Somos Flores with the ceramics of Nellie Lyons and Pilar Loizaga. Appreciate the intricacies of ceramics, from the delicacy of paper, stark contrast in clay, gentle illuminations of porcelain, and the stability of home. Exhibiting from April 30 to May 7, come to the Firehouse Art Center to discover why we are all flowers. 

Nellie and Pilar are students in the Cultivating Creativity program with ceramicist Doug Casebeer. The Cultivating Creativity program, led by Doug Casebeer and Giselle Hicks, offers a series of transformative workshops designed to deepen creative practice and foster artistic growth. The program provides tools for overcoming creative blocks, building a strong portfolio, and clarifying artistic values, all while fostering meaningful connections with like-minded peers.

View Event →
ArtPrize Pitch Night 2026
Apr
23
6:30 PM18:30
Events

ArtPrize Pitch Night 2026

Join us on April 23 as five artists will be selected to take the stage at the Te Ata Theater for five minutes each, pitching bold, original concepts to a panel of expert jurors. One artist will walk away with a $10,000 grant to bring their work to life at ArtPrize 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, taking place September 17 through October 3, 2026.

View Event →
Cultivate: Art in Oklahoma Yards
Feb
12
to Apr 26
Exhibitions

Cultivate: Art in Oklahoma Yards

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step outside with your art with Cultivate: Art in Oklahoma Yards. Explore how your yard can support art and Oklahoma's native ecology. Play outside with Ruth Loveland to meditate in the mud, stand tall with Robert Babcock's metal sculptures, stoop low with Joshua Cook's recycled bugs, and smell the breeze with Mariah Menzie's olfactory work. Learn from our partners at the Oklahoma Native Plant Society how you can make your yard wildlife-friendly.

View Event →
Raising Cane's Fundraiser
Dec
15
5:00 PM17:00
Events

Raising Cane's Fundraiser

  • Raising Cane's Campus Corner (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Firehouse is teaming up with Raising Cane’s for a delicious way to give back! Stop by Cane’s Campus Corner location at 765 Asp Ave, Suite 100 on Monday, December 15 from 5–10pm, mention the fundraiser at the register, and 15% of your order will be donated to support creativity and community arts programs.

Bring your friends, grab dinner, and help us continue making art accessible for everyone in Norman!

View Event →
Nov
11
to Dec 22
Exhibitions

Holiday Gift Gallery 2025

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Holiday Gift Gallery is the Firehouse’s most significant sales event, showcasing over 60 artists annually. It is open to Oklahoma artists working in various media, including painting, illustration, ceramics, jewelry, wood, fiber, and more.

Exhibition opening: November 11

Exhibition closing: December 22

View Event →
National Weather Festival
Nov
1
10:00 AM10:00
Events

National Weather Festival

The National Weather Festival (NWF) is the largest event hosted by the National Weather Center, attracting over 4,000 guests annually. The NWF features many weather-related organizations, such as the National Weather Service, Oklahoma Mesonet, Storm Prediction Center, and broadcast meteorologists from local news channels.

The National Weather Festival is a family event with fun educational activities for all ages. There will be lots to see, including helicopters, emergency vehicles, hourly weather balloon launches, and drone demonstrations by our research partners. 

The NWF is a fun and free event that will run from 10am to 2pm. Please join us on Saturday, November 1st, for the 2025 National Weather Festival.

View Event →
Opening Reception: Exploring Life and Death of the Andes: Photography of Peruska Chambi
Sep
17
5:30 PM17:30
Events

Opening Reception: Exploring Life and Death of the Andes: Photography of Peruska Chambi

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Firehouse Art Center is honored to welcome internationally recognized Peruvian photographer Peruska Chambi, granddaughter and biographer of legendary Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi, for the exhibition Exploring Life and Death in the Andes, on view September 17 through November 2, 2025. This striking body of work captures the cultural traditions of Día de Difuntos in the Andes, offering the community an intimate look into photography that documents aspects of life and death few visitors to the region ever experience.

Please join us from 5:30 PM to 8 PM, Wednesday, September 17 | to celebrate the exhibition and meet the artist. Free and open to the public. Authentic Peruvian cuisine will be provided by Patty’s Kitchen.

The Firehouse Art Center gratefully acknowledges First United Bank for sponsoring exhibitions that bring world-class artists and cultural experiences to our community. The Firehouse is also grateful for the Honorable Liliana Trelles Taboada of the Consul General of Peru in Dallas, for her assistance with this exhibition.

View Event →
ASK Workshop: Publishing Your Comics
Jul
9
6:00 PM18:00
Events

ASK Workshop: Publishing Your Comics

Join us on July 9, 2024 from 6PM–8PM at Firehouse Art Center, for an ASK Workshop led by comic book artist, illustrator and art director, Jerry Bennett. Experience a deep dive into how comics and graphic novels are promoted, marketed and published once they are made. Whether you’re creating short zines or dreaming up a full-length graphic novel, this workshop will touch on portfolio tips, publishing options, and how to get your work into readers’ hands. It’s a chance to learn directly from someone who’s been through it and still loves the process.

View Event →
Outdoor Movie Night
Jun
13
6:00 PM18:00
Events

Outdoor Movie Night

TO THE BATMOBILE! Join us at Lions Park on June 13 for the next Outdoor Movie Night: The Lego Batman Movie, presented by Fowler Automotive! This event is free and for all ages! Thank you Norman Parks and Recreation for organizing this event!

We will be hosting an art activity starting at 6 PM, you can also experience heroes and villains coming alive at our new exhibition, Limited Edition!

View Event →
Limited Edition
May
22
to Aug 1
Events, Exhibitions

Limited Edition

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Opening Night: May 22nd, 5:30-8:30 PM
Experience heroes and villains coming alive at our Limited Edition Opening Reception, Thursday May 22, from 5:30-8:30 PM. See comic books in a whole new light, while enjoying food from Hideaway Pizza and beverages from Big Brewing Co!

From the first turn of a page, readers have been captivated by the heroes and villains that come to life in panels covered in action and adventure.  Printed in our memories, the illustrated characters that inspired us are timeless reminders of our shared stories. These carefully collected issues have captured our imagination, becoming our most cherished Limited Edition comics. 

View Event →
May Fair
May
17
to May 18
Events

May Fair

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Assistance League Norman, along with Historic Campus Corner and Firehouse Art Center, are happy to collaborate to bring May Fair Arts festival 2025. This annual event has grown from a county fair to a multi-day arts festival with children's entertainment including rides and art activities, a 5K race and an entertainment stage with live, local musical acts and organizations.

The fair began in large part to give local artists and crafters a place to show their work long before Norman had an arts council or an art-focused downtown. Since then, the fair has extended to other community needs. Apply to be a part of May fair, application due April 19th!

Artist and Crafter Application!

View Event →
Lions Park Sculpture Garden Reception
May
8
5:30 PM17:30
Events

Lions Park Sculpture Garden Reception

Join us in celebrating the amazing talents of BFA students in the School of Visual Arts as their sculptures take over Lions Park! Friday, May 8th from 5:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy food from Kam’s Kookery.

The Firehouse Art Center, Norman Arts Council , Norman Parks and Recreation, and OU School of Visual Arts have partnered to create a dynamic sculpture garden in Lions Park, showcasing the talents of emerging artists. BFA students in the School of Visual Arts are invited to propose public art pieces for this unique project. The chosen sculptures are then fabricated by the students and displayed in Lions Park from late April through the following spring, offering the public an opportunity to experience contemporary art in an outdoor setting.

View Event →
ArtPrize
May
1
7:00 PM19:00
Events

ArtPrize

ArtPrize

ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held over sixteen days in Grand Rapids, Michigan — a celebration of ideas, conversation, experimentation, and inclusiveness.

We invite Oklahoma artists to apply for your chance to represent the state of Oklahoma in this international art competition. The winner will recevie a travel grand to get their idea to ArtPrize. Application due April 11th, 2025.

Are you ready to witness creativity at its peak? This isn’t just another evening out. It’s your chance to be part of something transformative. Five visionary artists will take the stage to pitch their boldest ideas in just five minutes each, competing for a $10,000 grant to bring their project to life at ArtPrize 2025. Join us May 1st, 2025 for Pitch Night. Enjoy food from Kam’s cookery, and beverages from The Spirit Shop!

View Event →
Pawliday in the Park
Apr
12
10:00 AM10:00
Events

Pawliday in the Park

Pawliday in the Park is a Firehouse Family Fun Day featuring local artists, pet vendors, and art activities. Our friends at Norman Animal Welfare will be out with their adoptable dogs as well as with pet education opportunities.

Seeking: Local artists, makers, and creatives that make their own products. Pet vendors who specialize in a service offered to pet. No direct sales, MLMs, etc.

Vendors must submit a completed digital application by April 4th at midnight. Vendors will be informed of their acceptance status by April 7th.

View Event →
Outdoor Movie Night
Mar
28
5:00 PM17:00
Events

Outdoor Movie Night

Join us at Lions Park on March 28 for our first Outdoor Movie Night of the year featuring the Disney classic, A Goofy Movie! This event is free and for all ages!

We will have Rachele Cromer painting a pet-themed mural! Plus, enjoy snacks and drinks from local vendors and food trucks like Fancy's Hotdogs & More, Lazy Circles Brewery, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Grab your friends, blankets, or lawn chairs, and be sure to show up early to claim your spot! Activities start at 5PM, the movie will begin at sunset. See you there!

View Event →
Paw Prints & Portraits
Feb
20
to Apr 30
Events, Exhibitions

Paw Prints & Portraits

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Paw Prints & Portraits is an exhibition celebrating our furry friends and the artists who make their living from their portraiture. Illustrations, painting, and sculptures made with love, and a touch of fur, decorate our homes and our hearts. Every perfectly wispy whisker, spectacular spots, or twitchy tails captured by an artist speaks volumes to the love we share for man's best friends.


Join us Opening Night
February 21st from 5:30-8:30 PM
There will be live ukulele pop music by Jasmine Danasia. The catering for this event is generously sponsored by Kam’s Kookery. A Poorly Drawn Pet Portraits station, where you can get a hand drawn portrait of your pet in ten minutes. There will also be an Embroidered bandana station where you can get your pets name embroidered on one of our themed bandanas.

View Event →
Kirkpatrick Pottery Patio Ribbon Cutting
Dec
13
10:00 AM10:00
Events

Kirkpatrick Pottery Patio Ribbon Cutting

  • Norman Firehouse Art Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We would love to invite you to join us Friday, December 13th at 10 am for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of our Kirkpatrick Pottery Patio. In March of 2023, we rekindled the Firehouse Ceramics Program, and now have a thriving pottery studio. Together, with the support of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, the City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department, numerous donors, private foundations, and grants we have developed our old kiln yard into an active, engaging space for the community.

Please join us in celebrating the Kirkpatrick Pottery Patio!

View Event →