With a population of more than 3.7 million, Oklahoma is the country’s twenty-eighth largest state. The largest cities here are Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, and Lawton. While Oklahoma has dozens of unique citied and towns that have experienced overall growth throughout the decades, most transplants end up in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or Norman—the state’s largest cities. These cities are home to some of the state’s top art museums, galleries, performance venues, and many art and design schools.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Philbrook Museum of Art (Tulsa), and Feed Jones Jr. Museum of Art (Norman) are just a few major attractions for artist and art lovers alike. The state’s art museums, art galleries departments such as the each city’s department of cultural affairs, and organizations such as the Oklahoma Arts Council, Allied Arts, and the Oklahoma Art Guild (OAG) help contribute to a healthy art and culture scene in The Sooner State.
Oklahoma’s academic institutions also play an integral role in encouraging growth in the art and culture scene. Some school’s here offer programs for aspiring painters, illustrators, and photographers, while others offer programs for aspiring animators, filmmakers, and experimental artists. University of Oklahoma-School of Art and Art History and are just a few popular options.
Oklahoma Art Schools
According to the most recent figures released by the National Center for Education Sciences, Institute of Education Sciences (NCES IES), Oklahoma is home to 60 accredited colleges and universities, with more than 200,000 students enrolled. More than 200 students are enrolled in the state’s top art programs alone. Scroll through the list below to take a look at Oklahoma’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Ada
East Central University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Arts
Chickasha
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design
Norman
University of Oklahoma - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Visual Communication Emphasis; M. F. A. Art with Time Based Media or Visual Communication Emphasis
Tahlequah
Northeastern State University - Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Graphic Design Emphasis, B. A. Visual Communication with Photography or Multimedia/Web Design Option
Tulsa
University of Tulsa - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Emphasis; M. A. Art with Graphic Design Emphasis
More Art related programs to consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#14) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#37) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Illustration (#24) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#38) - 2021
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#11) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#10) - 2021
- Top 25 in the South for Graphic Design (#10) - 2021
- Online
Employment and Salary Trends for Oklahoma Artists
According to the latest report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (March 29, 2012) Oklahoma is home to 12,770 salaried artists and designers. This industry consists of everything from fine artists and art directors to photographers and filmmakers. Although the talent pool decreased slightly since 2002 (when the state was home to 13,120 salaried artists and designers), salaries are on the rise.
In 2002, salaried artists here averaged $29,950. Salaries increased substantially over the next 10 years, with an average salary today of $38,520. Salaries and employment growth vary by field. For example:
Fine Artists: Oklahoma was home to 50 salaried fine artists in 2002. Today, the population is around 60. Salaries for fine artists fell somewhat between 2002 and today. In 2002, Oklahoma’s fine artists averaged $52,010 Today, the average salary is $51,130.
Art Directors: Oklahoma had a population of 120 art directors in 2002. Today, the population is around 80. However, salaries for art directors skyrocketed between 2002 and today. In 2002, Oklahoma art directors averaged $38,910. Today, the average salary is $82,510
The U.S. is home to more than 1.7 million salaried artists and designers, up from 1.5 million in 2002. Salaries are up nationwide as well. The mean annual wage for artists across the U.S. is $53,850, up from $41,660 in 2002.