Exhibit C in Oklahoma City: A Commercial Gallery Focused on Contemporary Figurative Work
Exhibit C is a commercial art gallery in Oklahoma City specializing in contemporary figurative painting and sculpture, operating as a for-profit space that represents regional and national artists rather than as a nonprofit institution.
What Exhibit C actually is
Exhibit C functions as a mid-scale commercial gallery with a defined curatorial direction toward human-centered contemporary art. The space rotates exhibitions roughly every six to eight weeks, each typically featuring work by two to four artists. Unlike the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which maintains a permanent collection spanning centuries and disciplines, Exhibit C operates on a sales-driven model where visitors can purchase exhibited works directly. The gallery maintains a roster of represented artists and accepts submissions from emerging practitioners, making it a venue where both established and developing artists can gain exhibition access without the peer-review panel structure that nonprofit spaces like The Paseo Arts Association require.
Exhibitions and pricing
Works typically range from $800 to $15,000, though prices vary significantly by artist and medium. The gallery does not charge admission. Opening receptions, held on the first Friday of each month as part of Oklahoma City's First Friday art walk, are free and include the artist when possible. Sales are handled directly through the gallery; there is no online purchasing portal, so viewing in person or contacting the gallery directly is necessary to inquire about availability or commission work. The gallery does not publish a fixed exhibition schedule online, so confirming current and upcoming shows by phone or email before visiting is essential.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City galleries
Exhibit C occupies a narrower curatorial lane than the Catalyst Contemporary, a nonprofit in Midtown that programs a broader mix of media including installation, video, and performance alongside painting. Catalyst's model relies on grant funding and donor support, allowing it to take greater exhibition risks with emerging and experimental work; Exhibit C's commercial structure means the gallery leans toward established artists with clear market viability. Neither charges admission. For collectors looking specifically to purchase figurative work by artists actively represented and promoted by a gallery, Exhibit C offers more direct access than Catalyst, where the primary goal is exhibition rather than sales. The Oklahoma Contemporary museum, which opened in Bricktown in 2022, operates at a different scale entirely, with a $20 admission fee, a large permanent collection, and programming aimed at general audiences rather than collectors or working artists.
Who it suits and who it does not
Exhibit C serves collectors and serious art buyers looking for contemporary figurative work with clear provenance and gallery representation. Artists seeking commercial representation or exhibition opportunities in Oklahoma City will find a responsive venue willing to review portfolios. First Friday visitors on a casual stroll will find accessible work and a lower-pressure environment than some larger institutions, though without curatorial text or artist talks on non-opening nights, the space assumes some viewer knowledge of contemporary practice. Visitors seeking to understand art history broadly or looking for work outside figurative traditions will find Catalyst Contemporary or the Oklahoma City Museum of Art more suited to those needs.
What the first visit involves
Walking in, you will typically encounter three to six large-scale paintings or sculptural pieces on white walls in a street-level space. No admission desk exists; entry is direct. Unlike museum galleries, there is no printed exhibition text or didactic material on walls. On opening nights, you can speak directly with the artist and gallery staff; on other visits, you can request information by email or phone. Browsing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you are interested in a work, the gallery accepts inquiries about pricing, availability, and commission work by direct contact.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Exhibit C is located in Midtown Oklahoma City and operates as part of the First Friday programming schedule. The gallery maintains regular weekday and weekend hours, though exact times should be confirmed by phone or email, as commercial gallery hours fluctuate with artist schedules and private events. Parking on surrounding streets is free and typically available. The gallery is a short walk from other Midtown venues, including Catalyst Contemporary and several restaurants, making it practical to combine with other cultural activities in the neighborhood.
Exhibit C holds a specific place in Oklahoma City's art landscape by offering collectors and working artists a dedicated commercial space for figurative contemporary work, distinguishing it from both nonprofit experimental galleries and large public museums.
