OKLAHOMA CITY — The 9-by-20-foot oil painting Massive Communication by local artist Ernesto Sanchez is now displayed on the third floor of the Oklahoma City Convention Center through a public art loan agreement between the city, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA), and the Convention Center.
Discussions for the agreement began in 2024 among the Convention Center, Museum, and the city’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
“All of the parties immediately saw the mutual advantages of this partnership,” said Randy Marks, Oklahoma City’s arts program planner. “And when Maury Ford, OKCMOA director of collections and exhibitions, suggested starting the program with Ernesto’s blockbuster work, the excitement began to build.”
The artwork is available for public viewing during Convention Center events at 100 Mick Cornett Drive.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Museum to introduce itself to an audience outside our galleries,” said OKCMOA President and CEO Michael Anderson, PhD. “It’s another way to make our permanent collection and our mission to enhance lives through the visual arts more visible to the community.”
The installation, funded by the city’s 1% for Art program, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance public spaces.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance our guest experience at the OKC Convention Center,” said General Manager Barbara Beaton. “Adding this beautiful piece and more artwork in the future through the partnership with the city and OKCMOA is a wonderful way to provide an elevated experience for all of our guests.”
Another major artwork, Beautiful Mystical Exploding Sun Clouts Taste Metallic Gift Painting, created by Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne and artist Damien Hirst, is also displayed on the third floor. The works anchor the north and south ends of the space, making the area an art destination.
About Ernesto Sanchez
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Ernesto Sanchez Villarreal earned a B.A. in Visual Arts from Nuevo León University. He spent 21 years at OKCMOA, including as head of exhibition design and installation. Now, he focuses on painting and sculpting at Studio Sanchez in OKC’s Paseo Arts District.
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
