Norman Firehouse Art Center is hosting “Somos Flores,” an intricate ceramic flower exhibit highlighting two first-generation Mexican American artists, Nellie Lyons and Pilar Loizaga.
Casey Gilman, studio and programs manager at Norman Firehouse Art Center, said the exhibit is unique to the Norman art scene.
“This is not something that we generally see in Norman’s art scene. The work that they are bringing is very, very different from what we’re used to seeing at galleries like MAINSITE, or Oscillator (Press) or even (Gallery) 123,” Gilman said. “This is gonna be a really, really unique show.”
The exhibit’s title, “Somos Flores,” translates to “We are flowers” and represents the main themes across both artists' work.
“Pilar really loves the fragility and temporariness of flowers, and then putting them in ceramics, they become a permanent physical object. They don't decay, they don't change color, they are a forever thing at that point,” Gilman said. “Then I think Nellie has a similar relationship with flowers. She loves fresh flowers, she loves gardens, she loves plants.”
Norman Firehouse Art Center exhibits are easily accessible, according to Gilman.
“There are times where you will go to an exhibition and if you do not have the historical context of the artwork, you don't get the full experience of the art,” Gilman said. “But with our exhibitions, we really focus on making them as accessible to the public, where you just come in and appreciate the art, and we provide all the information we believe you need to fully appreciate the art.”
Opening night is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, with catering from Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood, a mariachi band and liquor from The Spirit Shop in Norman. The exhibit will run until May 7.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Gretchen Schultz copy edited this story.
