Mentorship & Professional Development— Fresh Paint centers on career sustainability for artists working in public art.
“We are grateful to partner with the Oklahoma City Thunder to produce such an impactful professional development opportunity for local artists,” said Angela Cozby, Executive Director of Arts Council Oklahoma City. “Fresh Paint is designed to meet artists where they are and provide the professional foundation they need to move forward with confidence. Through mentorship and hands-on learning, participants develop essential skills required to be a successful muralist. As artists grow professionally, they contribute more fully to Oklahoma City’s cultural fabric, strengthening the arts ecosystem and the community it serves.”
Fresh Paint combines technical mural instruction with professional development designed to prepare artists for public-facing careers. In addition to hands-on mentorship in design planning and execution, participating artists receive training in self-promotion, public engagement, and professional presentation. Artists learn how to communicate their work to broad audiences, navigate public feedback, and represent themselves professionally in high-visibility environments, including live painting periods and public activations. The program also introduces artists to the process of submitting work for review by an art competition jury, providing experience with evaluation criteria, presentation standards, and professional review practices. Together, these components equip artists with the practical tools required for future public art commissions and large-scale community projects.
A Collaborative Investment in Artists
Fresh Paint is part of Arts Council Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s ongoing efforts to expand access to professional opportunities for artists from historically underrepresented communities. The Thunder’s inclusion initiatives support representation and cultural awareness through programs that elevate diverse creative voices across Oklahoma City.
Fresh Paint complements these initiatives by focusing on mural-specific professional development, including design planning, project execution, and industry standards required for public art commissions. Through mentorship and applied learning, participating artists build skills that support long-term career growth within Oklahoma City’s public art landscape.
“The Thunder Artist Group (TAG) was created to provide local artists with paid opportunities to create original artwork for Thunder games, events, and community activations, while gaining professional experience within a sports organization,” said Michelle Matthews, associate vice president, Fan Development and Retail for the Oklahoma City Thunder. “This year’s Fresh Paint project includes a member of the Thunder Artist Group serving as a teaching artist, extending that work into a professional development setting. Through programs like TAG and Fresh Paint, we continue to support artists by expanding access, visibility, and skill-building opportunities within Oklahoma City’s creative community.”
Teaching Artists for the 2026 Cohort
The 2026 Fresh Paint project will be led by two teaching artists with extensive experience in public art and community-based practice.
Madeline “Maddie” Sanders
Known professionally as Holatte, Maddie is a muralist, graphic designer, and an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. A member of the Thunder Artist Group (TAG), Sanders blends southeastern symbolism with bold color and modern design. Her work appears across Oklahoma and nationally, spanning murals, installations, and community-based projects.
https://holatte.com/welcome
Tiffany McKnight
Tiffany is a multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and surface designer based in Oklahoma City. Her work incorporates pattern, color, and movement, drawing inspiration from African textiles, Art Nouveau, and Abstract Expressionism. Guided by her Nigerian heritage and background in printmaking, McKnight explores how design can honor cultural traditions while remaining accessible and contemporary.
https://www.tiffanymcknight.com/select-work
2026 Fresh Paint Key Dates
- 2026 applications are closed: 5 Participating artists have been selected and will be publicly announced in mid-January 2026.
- Mural painting period: February 3–6, 2026
OKC Farmers Public Market - Public voting opens: Sunday, April 5, 2026
Launches during an Oklahoma City Thunder home game - Winning artist announced and all works displayed: April 23–26, 2026
60th Annual Festival of the Arts
For more information about Fresh Paint, Arts Council Oklahoma City, or related community arts initiatives, please contact:
Dan Tigert
Communications Director, Arts Council of Oklahoma City
dtigert@artscouncilokc.com
405.270.4896
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