We have long referred to our studio on Charles Page Boulevard as a "hidden gem." We are less than a mile from downtown Tulsa, in a mostly industrial area that people aren't used to traveling through and certainly don't associate with luxury or fine art. Over the past 7 years here we have noticed more and more creatives taking over the industrial buildings and creating studios. 

The zoning is friendly to artists for live / work space and real estate is more affordable. As more creatives and entrepreneurs have moved into this area, we have become the grassroots arts district that Tulsa lacked, but without recognition or awareness about what was happening here. Over the past 6 months we have been collaborating with creatives that call this district, a two-mile stretch along the river, home.

Our group of artists and small business owners have established this corridor as the Riverbend Arts District. The vision for the Riverbend Arts District is to create a dynamic district where creativity and innovation thrive. Our first open-house event will be November 2nd from 11am - 7pm, highlighting all the studios and individuals creating unique work here. 

Riverbend Arts District Collaborators from left: Chris McCabe, Laura Bellis, Suzanna Smith, James Andrew Smith, Kayla Sreetman, KT Remus, Rachel Rose Dazey, Seth Dillon Dazey, Jackie Potter, Chad Potter

The inaugural tour of the Riverbend Arts District features 9 studios with multiple artists featured at every stop. Visitors can expect to enjoy a variety of art studios, food trucks and entertainment ranging from artist demonstrations and live music to comedy shows. Attendees can ride Lime Scooters found at Newblock Park to all the studios or drive from place to place.  

Tour Locations and Activities - noted east to west:

• Belafonte, an art and community events space, hosting The Wurst food truck with live performances, a gallery show, and comedy performance. 
• Dillon Rose Fine Jewelry, fine custom and fashion jewelry made in-house, hosting an up close visit with Artemis, a red-tailed hawk from the Sutton Center and a capsule fashion release with Cult Love live screen printing.
• Ever Something Floral Design Studio, floral design specialists, hosting a build-your-own bouquet flower bar.
• Golden Plains Wood Shop is the home to three talented woodworkers, featuring the craftsmanship of Jake Fowler and Andrew Bones hosting a tour of their work and workspace.
• Tulsa Artists Studios, home to many artists, will highlight 10 working artists, including the studios of James Andrew Smith and Suzanna Smith, Raygen Treat and Kayley Giacomo of Hightail Creative Company, and Blue House Media.
• 3rd Street Clayworks, a multi-ceramicist studio, hosting live clay throwing.
• WOMPA, with co-working spaces, multiple artist studios and venues, including "Poppa Nite" of Radio IDL, a sponsor of our event, will host a food truck, artist studio tours and entertainment. 
• Station 13, an event space housed in a historic fire station, hosting indoor and outdoor children's activities with an outdoor bar. 

West end tour stop, Station 13

We look forward to sharing our studios and highlighting the work of many talented locals creatives during the tour. We are uniquely located close to downtown with several venues offering the most creative galleries and event spaces found in Tulsa.

Keep up to date for activity times at each location by following the Riverbend Arts District Tour on Facebook and on Instagram.

Table by Jake Fowler of Golden Plains Woodshop

Learn more about the district, special activities on the tour, and make donations at  riverbendartsdistrict.com or email our collective at info@riverbendartsdistrict.com.

Thank you to Riverbend Arts District Tour's fiscal sponsor for 2024, the Route 66 Alliance and to Tulsa People for highlighting our district in their October issue, "The Next Arts Hotspot."

Flowers by Ever Something