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SPARK! Benefitting Bright Futures Gala

  • NPS Center for Arts and Learning 3801 Journey Parkway Norman, OK, 73072 United States (map)

Gala begins at 6:00pm with the Afterparty to follow at 8:30PM!

Gala

Location: The Center for Arts and Learning
3801 Journey Pkwy
Norman, OK 73072
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

AFTERPARtY

Location: NOUN Hotel — ONE Bar (Second Floor)
542 S University Blvd
Norman, OK 73069
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 PM

Join us 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. Proceeds from this event will directly support the Firehouse Art Center and the Art Sparks program, which provides art education to Norman Public elementary schools!

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. Come support the Firehouse Art Center and the creative futures of Norman Public Schools students!

What To Expect

An inspiring evening designed to celebrate art, community, and the future of creativity in Norman:

  • A thoughtfully curated dinner experience

  • A dynamic art auction featuring local and regional works

  • A meaningful award ceremony honoring the Firehouse founders

  • A lively afterparty at NOUN Hotel to close out the night

Tickets

Secure your seat for an unforgettable evening celebrating art, community, and legacy.

Individual tickets for SPARK! Benefiting Bright Futures are $150 + tax per guest and include access to the full gala experience: dinner, art auction, award ceremony, and after party.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the arts while gaining meaningful visibility in the community. Sponsorship opportunities for SPARK! offer a unique way to align your brand with creativity, education, and impact.

Become A SPARK! SPONSOR
SPARK! Sponsorship Deck

SPARK CHAMPION — $10,000

  • Premier name recognition and logo placement on all marketing collateral and digital media

  • One reserved table (6 seats) at the gala

  • Logo placement on the event website

  • Inclusion in the official event press release

  • Complimentary access to the post-event celebration at ONE Bar at the NOUN Hotel

  • Verbal recognition during the event program

SPARK ADVOCATE — $5,000

  • Name recognition and logo placement on all marketing collateral and digital media

  • One reserved table (6 seats) at the gala

  • Logo placement on the event website

  • Complimentary access to the post-event celebration at ONE Bar at the NOUN Hotel

  • Verbal recognition during the event program

SPARK SUPPORTER — $2,500

  • Name recognition on all marketing collateral and digital media

  • Three seats at the gala

  • Complimentary access to the post-event celebration at ONE Bar at the NOUN Hotel

  • Verbal recognition during the event program

SPARK FRIEND — $1,000

  • Name recognition on select marketing collateral

  • Two seats at the gala

  • Complimentary access to the post-event celebration at ONE Bar at the NOUN Hotel

  • Verbal recognition during the event program

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please email info@normanfirehouse.com.

Art Auction & Artist Submissions

The 2026 SPARK! Benefitting Bright Futures Gala, celebrates the legacy of artists who have and continue to make the Firehouse Art Center a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s arts community. The Art Auction is an integral feature of SPARK, raising funds to support new generations of artists. With over fifty unique artworks for bidders to choose from as well as live artist demonstrations, enjoy a night of art, community, and inspiration as we ignite new possibilities for future generations of artists.

Selected artists create unique works and may choose to donate 50% or 100% of the total sale value.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Artist Guidelines

  • Must be a current resident of Oklahoma

  • Artwork must be original (no prints or reproductions)

  • Artwork must not misappropriate images or violate copyright laws

  • Artist must disclose any elements contracted or executed by others

  • Artwork cannot exceed 40” in any direction

  • All pieces must arrive ready to hang

The Timeline

  • June 15: Artist applications close

  • July 22: Artists notified

  • August 3 – August 14: Artwork drop-off period

  • August 22: SPARK! Benefiting Bright Futures Gala at The Center for Arts and Learning

SPARK! Afterparty Details

The celebration doesn’t end when the program concludes!

Following an inspiring evening of art, storytelling, and recognition, the SPARK! Afterparty invites guests to continue the experience in a more relaxed, high-energy setting. This is where conversations deepen, connections are made, and the creative spirit of the night carries forward.

Mingle with artists, supporters, and community leaders as the momentum of the gala shifts into a vibrant social atmosphere. Whether you’re reflecting on a favorite piece from the auction, celebrating the honorees, or simply enjoying the company of fellow art enthusiasts, the after party is designed to keep the spark alive.

Location: NOUN Hotel — ONE Bar (Second Floor)
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Set against sweeping views of the University of Oklahoma, this elevated setting offers the perfect backdrop to close out an unforgettable night; one that celebrates not only where the Firehouse has been, but where it’s headed next.

Presented By

This inaugural event is proudly sponsored by Dental Depot, whose continued support helps make arts education and community programming possible.

 
 
Earlier Event: May 13
Sohail & Co.