Do you like to find unique pieces of designer furnishings? Or a local artist’s paintings, photography, and sculptures? What about handcrafted textiles? Or jewelry? Texomaland radiates when it comes down to the visual arts. Many local Texomaland artists do not advertise or own a commercial studio.

Some of these artists sell their work in their local establishments as a side hustle. Some only sell to a niche audience. We do not know all of them. But, we do know there is a boatload of them off of the water right here in Texomaland. Our seasonal visitors may not know about these artsy opportunities.

Some of our locals may not venture into both states. So many locals are too busy with life to venture into other parts of Texomaland. This article attempts to spotlight some of the places where you can treasure hunt for artwork and hand crafted pieces around Lake Texoma.

We hope to inspire you to take on an artsy Texomaland adventure.

Sulphur

A favorite for the highest quality, handcrafted, local Native American textiles is Mahota Textiles in Sulphur, Oklahoma, better known as Chickasaw Country. Chickasaw tribal artists take natural materials and craft handwoven blankets, pillows, and home decor to purses, totes, scarves, and more—inspired by the Chickasaw’s Southeastern heritage.

Durant

In downtown Durant, Oklahoma, the Magnolia Mile Art Alley specifically features local and regional painters—in an alley; and all the way down the alley. The artwork displayed in the alley changes as it comes and goes. Their featured paintings hit different genres and mediums, which impress. 

The Elements Art Center focuses on creating and teaching art. The owner has been painting since she was a child. Her gallery is full of enlightening paintings that find loving homes. She shows her work in local and statewide galleries. She offers painting classes and events for kids and adults.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s (SOSU) Semple Family Native American Museum of Art’s collection showcases over 150 pieces of Native American art in the Southeastern Oklahoma region. The Semple family hails from the third Choctaw Chief, Peter Pitchlynn, 1864-1866, who scouted the Trail of Tears before it happened. 

These paintings are astounding. This museum’s collection represents 26 Native American tribes. The Semple family is Choctaw full of artists and extremely close to SOSU. In the beginning, SOSU Durant had an uncurated collection of Native American artwork when the family wanted to build their art museum.

Each painting is individually unique, but its entire collection comes together as an entire story. This museum’s paintings are a history lesson.

Madill

The Madill Art Club and Ruby Adkins Gallery was founded in 1961. This club teaches classes in various media and sponsors workshops and demonstrations. It hosts an annual art show that typically highlights over 300 to 400 local works of art each October. Most of the paintings displayed in its gallery year-round are for sale.

Denison

Denison supports thriving and active arts and literary communities. Six art galleries and two vintage/picker markets live within walking distance of each other in downtown Denison. Interspersed with those establishments, breathe a recording studio, a writer’s group, a furniture design studio, a photography studio. Besides these studios and galleries, some of these are working studios and offer lessons and demonstrations.

Sherman

The Sherman Cultural District sponsors Art Dash each February. It is not too late this year to make plans for February 29^th. Art Dash celebrates local artists of all mediums. There is a two-tier price to attend this event. However, Art Dash is a sellout year after year attended by fans and artists from all walks of life.

But wait, there’s more! The Sherman Cultural District support Sherman purveyors of art, which include gallery and vintage finds, an architectural studio, photography studios, handcrafted custom jewelry, a ceramics studio, a neon sign artist, and an upholstery studio.

Gainesville

Since 1992, the Gainesville Area Visual Arts (GAVA) has grown from 16 members to over 100 talented artists in numerous genres in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. GAVA’s primary focus is on raising funds for visual art university scholarships. All GAVA’s featured art is for sale. Plus, meetings are open to anyone interested in the visual arts, which open the door to meeting local artists who have art for sale.

What About Texomaland Artists Who Do Not Advertise?

I know of several talented Texomaland artists of numerous media who sell whatever they have time to create where I live. But I do not know all the artists who are sprinkled all over the Texomaland region. So, I do not want to leave anyone out who prefers to remain in their own world. 

To find these talented creators and designers in your local Texoma community, check out your neighborhood establishments who support them. Look for artwork or business cards displayed. They live right here, and they are extremely talented. They are creating right in your Texomaland backyards!