Painter credits 'Oh, Tulsa!' exhibition for artistic opportunities

DJ Hejtmanek started painting five years ago during the pandemic. "While I was sleeping I would dream about pushing paint around with a brush," she continued, "I woke up one morning and said I have got to try this."

Fast forward to now, Hejtmanek is a featured artist in the Oh, Tulsa! exhibition at Living Arts of Tulsa for a third time. She is one of 60 artists selected and her two paintings hang among the 85 works of art.

Oh, Tulsa!

Oh, Tulsa! is a biennial exhibition about Tulsa, for Tulsa, and by Tulsa. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists.

"Everyone here is either a local artist, or their piece is relevant or about Tulsa," said gallery administrator Carolyn Argo. "Every year it is different, and I kind of view it as a snapshot of what is happening in town every two years."

Living Arts welcomes all mediums to participate. "In this show alone we have got photography, sculpture, paintings, drawings, ink, oil, acrylic," said Argo.

Figurative abstracts

DJ Hejtmanek describes her style as abstract realism. However, she said the two pieces chosen for the Oh, Tulsa! exhibition are more figurative abstract paintings. "I like an abstract background but with something more definite in the foreground," said Hejtmanek.

Her painting titled I Am Seen was sold on opening night of the show. "It is really about how we are seen by God whether or not the world see's us or not," Hejtmanek said. Her faith is the basis for a lot of her art. "That is what inspires me is just the human spirit and connecting with God's spirit," she said.

Hejtmanek's second piece featured in Oh, Tulsa! is titled Beloved. "My piece with the bridesmaids and the two attendants is really more about the bride of Christ and how God is preparing his people to be who he designed us to be," she said. It is available for purchase through Living Arts or its online catalogue.

Artistic Opportunities

The Oh, Tulsa! exhibition has opened the door for many local artists, Hejtmanek included. "Shows like this really set the stage for artists to shine and have a place for the public to come out and see their work," she added.

Argo describes it as a confidence boost for artists wanting to turn their hobby into a business. "I think it is just a great opportunity both for artists to get their foot in the door, get their name out there, but for the community to come see who is coming up, who is emerging, who is doing cool stuff, and maybe follow that artist," she said.

The exhibition will be at Living Arts through July 19. The gallery is at 307 E Reconciliation Way in the Tulsa Arts District and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit their website.