New Mural “Howdy” Officially Dedicated at Oklahoma City Convention Center

A vibrant new public art installation, titled “Howdy,” was formally dedicated yesterday at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, adding to the city’s growing collection of publicly funded artwork.

The 17-by-20-foot mural, created by Oklahoma artist Nick Bayer, was commissioned through the City of Oklahoma City’s 1% for Art Ordinance, which allocates one percent of construction budgets for public art. “Howdy” features 16 repeating images inspired by Oklahoma culture and history, including a Route 66 sign, an Osage shield, an oil derrick, and the state bird, the scissortail flycatcher, arranged in a pattern reminiscent of Western wear embroidery. The initiative aims to enhance public spaces and foster a sense of community through art.

Bayer described the mural as “a showcase of Oklahoma’s story through iconic images and symbols,” adding, “Basically, we wanted it to be a friendly ‘Oklahoma hello,’ and a friendly ‘Oklahoma hello’ is a ‘howdy.’” Leondre Lattimore, the City of Oklahoma City’s Public Art Project Manager, noted the mural’s relevance to both residents and visitors, highlighting its inclusion of elements like the state flower and Native American symbolism. The artwork also serendipitously aligns with the upcoming centennial of Route 66 in 2026, of which Oklahoma boasts over 400 miles.

The mural, created with acrylic latex on custom cotton duck canvas, took approximately three months to complete. It joins other public artworks at the Convention Center, including pieces by Wayne Coyne and Damien Hirst. For more information on public art initiatives in Oklahoma City, visit the city’s art page.

City officials stated they are excited to continue their partnership with the Convention Center and expand the 1% for Arts initiative with additional installations in the future.