OKLAHOMA CITY – An exhibition benefiting local art and artists takes place this weekend on Film Row as The Treasury presents an evening of “creativity, connection, and community,” featuring artwork by collaborators Stephen Cox and Jeff Elliott.
Cox, an abstract artist, and Elliott, an oil painter and sculptor, will come together to showcase their work, to inspire creativity, and to help build support for local art, with a variety of landscape and portrait paintings as well as mixed media pieces on display and for sale during the evening.
The event is for one night only – this Saturday July 18th – at The Treasury in the Downtown Arts District. The come-and-go event is suited perfectly for the downtown arts scene, and it is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to come and peruse the art, and the limited stock is up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Film Row and the Arts District offer a beautiful spot for indoor and outdoor activities, with family-friendly spots to eat, see live music, and experience the many newly renovated historic sites. The Treasury is a collaborative coworking space, and the venue offers a cozy Art Deco vibe with downtown Oklahoma City as a backdrop. All are welcome at the art show, and it is a great way to get out of the heat and see some unique works of art.
“After being a professional sculptor and illustrator for five years and creating work for other people, I’ve learned that it’s important to create your own art for yourself, to create what makes you happy.” Elliott told Free Press. “I’m very selective on what I’ll paint next and how I spend my time. I love painting landscapes and people and capturing the natural beauty of God’s creation.”
With more than 20 of his paintings set for display and sale at the show, Elliott spoke about the inspirations and family influences at the heart of his work.
“My grandpa Jack Martin had a studio at 50 Penn Place, and he taught me how to paint landscapes when I was about ten years old,” he said. “Later, my brother was my painting professor in college at USAO. He inspired me to paint bigger, which is evident in most of my work. I’m driven to paint things I like, not necessarily what I think will sell. This approach keeps me from being burned out and it motivates me to begin and finish each piece.”
Elliott’s favorite moment, he said, is when he has “solved the puzzle” and can finish it with his own unique touch – a signature and authentication chip on the back of each painting. This special detail ensures the uniqueness and authenticity of his paintings, making each item a true original.
But it’s his deeply considered, layered creative process that he believes is one of his “strongest traits.”
“I like making a painting look realistic from far away, but breaking rules to get there,” he said. “As the viewer gets closer, you might see large impressionistic brush strokes, texture, even the wash below peeking through. If I use a picture from a client to paint from, I’ll likely change it enough to show my style and make it mine but not lose the likeness of the person or place.”
Stephen Cox and Jeff Elliott host a night of artwork for viewing and for sale at The Treasury in OKC’s Film Row. Admission is free, and all featured items are for sale.
The event runs Saturday, July 18th, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 PM. The Treasury is located at 10 N. Lee Ave, Suite 100, OKC OK in Film Row.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
