TULSA, OK – February 17, 2026 – Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is proud to welcome travelers into Tulsa’s story, unveiling a new photography exhibit and refreshing an existing cultural display that together reflect the city’s creativity, history, and community. Selected in collaboration with the airport’s volunteer Cultural Advisory Group, the exhibits spotlight authentic “faces and places” from across Green Country and celebrate the enduring history and culture of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Together, the exhibits invite travelers to pause and connect with the stories that shape Tulsa and the region.
Exhibit #1 — “Tulsa Faces and Places”, Photography by Anitra Lavanhar
“Tulsa Faces and Places” is a collection of photographs showcasing Tulsa’s landmarks and people. Through unique perspectives, the exhibit highlights the city’s character and captures the energy and creativity of the Tulsa community. The exhibit features work by Tulsa-based fine art photographer, portrait artist, and instructor Anitra Lavanhar, whose award-winning work spans urban landscapes, nature, street scenes, and creative portraiture, reflecting her role as an attentive observer of the beauty found throughout Tulsa and within its people.
The airport exhibit is located pre-security in the pedestrian walkway tunnels connecting the terminal to the airport’s parking garage. One tunnel is located on the lower level of Concourse A baggage claim, and the other is on the lower level of Concourse B baggage claim. The exhibit features 20 framed photographs in total, with 10 frames in each tunnel.
“Tulsa Faces and Places” will be on display for one year, beginning February 2026 through February 2027. Learn more about Anitra Lavanhar’s work at https://www.anitraseye.com/.
Exhibit #2 — “Mvskoke: Culture, Connection, Continuous, Contemporary”,
Curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios
Tulsa International Airport is also thrilled to be extending and refreshing the exhibit “Mvskokvlke: Culture, Connection, Continuous, Contemporary,” which celebrates the history, culture, and artistic traditions of the Muscogee (Mvskoke) people. Curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios, the exhibit has been on display in the terminal for the past year and will now continue through June 30, 2026.
The exhibit is presented across four display cases, each exploring a central theme:
- Culture: Honoring the historical roots of the Muscogee Nation through maps, historical documents, and literary works.
- Connection: Showcasing family traditions and heirlooms that tell stories of resilience, love, and continuity.
- Continuous: Highlighting the unbroken thread of Muscogee creativity through textiles, beadwork, and traditional art forms.
- Contemporary: Featuring modern Muscogee artists whose work reimagine tradition for a new generation.
As part of the contract extension, the exhibit has been thoughtfully refreshed with new pieces added to the “Connection” and “Continuous” display cases, including a new dress by Leslie Deer and stomp dance cans by Britt Postoak.
Originally designed to highlight the deep-rooted connections between Tulsa and the Muscogee Creek Nation, much of whose historical boundaries encompass present-day Tulsa, the exhibit brings together historical artifacts, family heirlooms, and contemporary artwork that reflect the enduring spirit of the Muscogee Nation.
“I’m grateful that this exhibit has been extended so that people arriving in Tulsa are greeted by Muscogee art and culture the moment they step into the airport. It’s an honor to showcase both traditional and contemporary art forms, and I’m thankful to the artists who help tell the story of what it means to be Muscogee. The exhibit highlights the strength, connection, creativity, and sovereignty of the Muscogee people”.
“Mvskoke: Culture, Connection, Continuous, Contemporary” is located past the TSA security checkpoint, toward the Concourse A gates. For more information on this exhibit, visit https://www.tvlsestudios.com/publicart
“The airport is where so many first impressions of Tulsa begin,” said Stephanie Chester, Director of Marketing and Customer Engagement at Tulsa International Airport. “Through these exhibits, we’re able to highlight the creativity and cultural depth of our community. We appreciate Anitra Lavanhar and Carly Treece for sharing their art and stories with our passengers.”
Download photos and videos of the two exhibits here.
To set up a time to interview Anitra Lavanhar or Carly Treece this week, please contact Kim Kuehler at [email protected] or at 918-557-6080.
About Tulsa International Airport’s Cultural Advisory Group
In early 2006, a group of citizens representing the local arts community joined airport staff to form the Cultural Advisory Group (CAG). The CAG has since developed a strategic plan for incorporating art and cultural exhibits throughout the terminal to showcase local artists, galleries, and museums.
About Tulsa International Airport: Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is dedicated to providing a seamless, friendly, and accessible travel experience for all passengers. Known for its customer-centric approach and forward-thinking initiatives, TUL connects travelers to destinations across the globe while maintaining its commitment to the community it serves. Eight air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 27 destinations across the country. In 2025, the airport served over 3 million passengers. For more information, visit www.flytulsa.com.
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