Festival Of The Arts Celebrates Local Artists

The Festival of the Arts concluded on Sunday evening in the heart of Oklahoma City. For six days it brought music, food, and fun for the whole family. But at its core, it’s a dream come true for some artists.

"It's just the best week in Oklahoma City through the year," says Farooq Karim, the Festival Co-Chair. "We're not the biggest but I think we're the best."

It’s a festival that brings all kinds of Oklahomans together.

"I kind of explain it like it's the living room of Oklahoma City,” says Karim. “And it's open for business for a week.".

It’s also a time to celebrate up and coming artists.

"This series I’ve been working on has been heavily influenced by being home a lot," says Whitney Batres, a local artist selling her pieces at the festival.

She says inspiration struck her during the pandemic.

"And so, I really wanted to use art to create these imaginary spaces of joy” she says. “So that even if it was just for a moment, you could experience a little bit of happiness and cheerfulness when it was a lot more difficult to come by it naturally."

Batres made her festival debut this year.

"Being here has been really exciting," she says. "It's really affirming knowing that what I’m doing is working and other people are enjoying it."

At the end of the day, Karim says the communities support keeps the Festival alive.

"I think it's huge for the community anytime everyone can come out,” he says. “You can be with your family your friends in downtown Oklahoma City."