opening night: wednesday, MAy 13 from 5:30-8:30 pm
Exhibition Dates: may 13 - august 7, 2026
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.
From expressive line work to dimensional form, Sohail & Co. examines how the human figure evolves from observation to material; capturing movement, structure, and emotion in both two- and three-dimensional space.
About the Artist
Sohail Shehada is an Associate Professor of Sculpture and Drawing at the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oklahoma State University.
His work spans bronze, marble, and ceramic, with an extensive portfolio of public and private commissions. Several of his sculptures are permanently installed across the University of Oklahoma campus, along with commissioned works honoring prominent individuals.
Through both his artistic practice and teaching, Shehada continues to shape the next generation of artists working in figure-based disciplines.
Opening Night Reception
Be among the first to experience Sohail & Co. at the exhibition’s opening night.
Join us for an evening of art, conversation, and community as we celebrate the artists and the collaborative spirit behind this summer showcase. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the work, meet participating artists, and engage with the ideas that bring drawing and sculpture into dialogue.
Opening Night Details
Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Norman Firehouse Art Center
Exhibition Overview
Sohail & Co. reflects the Firehouse’s continued commitment to artist development, education, and community connection.
By partnering with the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts, this exhibition creates a platform where academic practice and community engagement intersect—offering visitors a deeper look into the process, discipline, and creativity behind figure-based work.
Opening Night Feature: Rooted Sculpture Unveiling
Opening night for Sohail & Co. will include the unveiling of a new public sculpture, Rooted, created by Isabella Clark, an undergraduate student from the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts.
Installed in the Firehouse park, this piece extends the exhibition beyond the gallery walls and into the surrounding community space. The unveiling marks a meaningful moment within the evening, highlighting emerging talent and reinforcing the collaborative connection between the Firehouse and the School of Visual Arts.
Narrative Statement
Rooted is two flowers leaning against each other, resembling two people leaning back to back. Growing up, I learned to highly value independence, to a fault. When I allowed myself to lean on others, I began to learn that we become the best versions of ourselves when we root ourselves in community. The flowers lean back to back, relying on each other's support to remain standing and to continue to grow. This lesson is especially relevant in the world today. The sculpture serves as a reminder that building a supportive and dependable community allows us to move forward, progress, and create change. The flowers in this sculpture are modeled after black eyed susans, which traditionally symbolize encouragement, motivation and resilience. The black eyed susan is native to Oklahoma and is recognized by its bright yellow petals and dark brown center.
Lions Park Sculpture Garden
Rooted is the newest addition to the Firehouse’s Lions Park Sculpture Garden, an ongoing public art initiative created through a partnership between the Norman Firehouse Art Center, the Norman Arts Council, the City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department, and the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts.
This program showcases the work of emerging artists, with sculptures developed through the School of Visual Arts’ Public Art course for contemporary sculpture, led by Professor Jonathan Hils. Selected student proposals are fabricated and installed in Lions Park, where they remain on view for the public to experience in an open, outdoor setting.
Rooted by Isabella Clark continues this annual tradition, contributing a new work to the park and highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the Firehouse and the University of Oklahoma.
