People have long viewed public art as a powerful advocacy tool. By commissioning murals in diverse locations, Sunny Dayz aims to increase the exposure of artistic viewpoints. Since its debut in 2021, Sunny Dayz has facilitated 121 new murals throughout four different communities in Oklahoma and has hosted 46 teens from across the state in their teen mentorship program.
A leading showcase for women and gender minority artists, the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival celebrates creativity and self-expression. The festival provides a platform for artists to express their perspectives and experiences.
This year’s event will be held in the Calle Dos Cinco Historic Capitol District, a vibrant and historically and culturally significant location. This location improves the art’s visibility and encourages community participation with the art and artists. Thirty-five artists will be highlighting their incredible talents by unveiling 28 new murals at the event.
As she put the finishing touches on her mural, Pink Pigeon Art shared her experiences with The Sunny Dayz Mural Festival.
This year’s festival not only emphasizes the diverse styles and themes these artists bring to the table but also focuses on creating a platform for gender minorities and first-time muralists. We’ve carefully and intentionally designed our artist selection process to be inclusive. A panel forming established artists, curators, and art enthusiasts reviews the applicants, ensuring that underrepresented voices are prioritized. By challenging traditional male dominance, this model promotes wider artistic representation in the art industry.
The festival aims to encourage dialogue around identity, community, and empowerment through art. These murals will enhance public spaces aesthetically while promoting community identity and inclusivity.
1st time muralists receive support and mentorship. This ensures artists have the necessary skills and confidence they need to thrive. The festival is a celebration of established artists and a significant step towards art world equality.
Paige Powel, the Sunny Dayz chairperson, says losing the grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) negatively impacted the non-profit. “The NEA grant represented approximately 13% of our total budget, which has led to considerable concern among our team and created a ripple effect of anxiety.“ Losing the critical grant so close to the festival left Powel and her team scrambling. Together, they devised innovative solutions to meet the financial shortfall while remaining true to their mission. The grassroots involvement helps mitigate budget constraints while fostering a sense of pride within the local community.
Powel goes on to say, “This work matters, even if those at the federal level don’t seem to agree. It is essential to add free public art to a space. Art should be accessible to everyone.
Through collaboration, workshops, and public engagement, the festival has encouraged residents and visitors alike to connect with the artists and the stories behind their work. The creation of large-scale murals invites dialogues about culture, identity, and social justice, enriching the community’s artistic landscape. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is integral to the festival’s success.
Ultimately, the vision for the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is to continue beautifying public spaces and strengthening community ties, while promoting cultural appreciation and identity well into the future. Virginia Sitzes founded Sunny Dayz in 2021 through the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, a nonprofit facilitating murals throughout the state of Oklahoma, and we would not be here without each other. For more information on OMS projects or to keep up to date with their open calls, visit their website at plazawalls.org.
