When it comes to creating functional artwork, I am the first to raise my hand! Since the start of my design and art career, I have been producing works of art with interactive qualities, where aesthetics, function, and improving human well-being fuse to achieve creations that bring art and life together. In this quest, I have crafted different forms of functional art pieces. But for me, one of the art forms that reaches people across a broad spectrum (both art and not art devotees) is through the implementation of functional public art. And this project is not an exception!

[EVOLVE] is a functional and sculptural/aesthetic public art bikerack group that looks to enhance the historic Classen Ten Penn neighborhood identity, unique values, and multicultural character that has been growing for centuries. Specifically, the growing cubes of [EVOLVE] are going to be one more “brick” at McKinley Park to build and reinforce the sense of place in this community.

A contemporary geometric design combines freshness with a pleasing sense of rhythm, intending to transmit this community's evolution and growth since early 1900.

Seeing Oklahoma City communities implement this initiative as Classen Ten Penn (CTP) Neighborhood Association is inspiring. However, it’s essential to note that this initiative was viable through its partnership with Current Studio and the support of the City of Oklahoma City’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and, last but not least, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC), which awarded me the Creative Project Grant this past January 2018. The grant will also serve as a fund to bring [EVOLVE] to life.

[EVOLVE] is a complete celebration of this community’s character; a community that is constantly developing new ideas but celebrates and honor its past, its present, and its future.