TULSA, OK – April 15, 2025 – Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is pleased to unveil two new exhibits in the terminal, offering travelers an opportunity to engage with Tulsa’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Curated in collaboration with local artists and curators, these exhibits highlight the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Tulsa’s history through photography.
“Airports are more than just gateways to new destinations – they’re places where people connect with culture. These exhibits bring Tulsa’s history and artistic talent into the travel experience, giving passengers a sense of place the moment they arrive.” said Stephanie Chester, Director of Marketing and Customer Engagement at Tulsa International Airport.
Exhibit #1 – “Mvskokvlke: Culture, Connection, Continuous, Contemporary”
Curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios
This exhibit celebrates the history, culture, and artistic traditions of the Muscogee (Mvskokvlke) people. Curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios, the display showcases a mix of historical artifacts, family heirlooms, and contemporary artwork that reflect the enduring spirit of the Muscogee Nation.
The exhibit consists of four display cases, each exploring a different theme:
- Culture – Honoring the historical roots of the Muscogee Nation with maps, historical documents, and literary works.
- Connection – Showcasing family traditions and heirlooms that tell stories of resilience and love.
- Continuous – Highlighting the unbroken thread of Muscogee creativity through textiles, beadwork, and traditional art forms.
- Contemporary – Featuring modern Muscogee artists whose work reimagines tradition for a new generation.
“For travelers and visitors in Tulsa, I hope this exhibit leaves them with a lasting impression of the Muscogee people, who call these lands home and were the first to settle in what is now known as Tulsa,” said Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios. “Through public art, we share our history, honor our resilience, and offer a moment of reflection on the stories that shape this place.”
For more information on this exhibition, visit: www.tvlsestudios.com/publicart.
Exhibit #2 – “Time-Travel Tulsa”
Photography Exhibit by Patrick McNicholas
Photographer Patrick McNicholas brings a unique perspective on Tulsa’s history through his exhibition, which includes two distinct photography styles displayed in separate areas of the terminal. Each exhibit features 10 prints that encourage travel and tourism in Tulsa, inviting viewers to experience the city’s transformation through a creative lens.
- Concourse A location – Time-travel photography, blending and layering historic images with modern-day views to showcase Tulsa’s evolving landscape.
- Concourse B location – Time-lapse photography, capturing movement and energy in the city’s most iconic locations in the present day.
“This exhibit is unique because it is really two photo series combined,” said McNicholas. “I hope that it inspires travelers and citizens alike to explore Tulsa’s rich history and various landmarks.”
For more information on this display, visit: https://tulsapast.com/airport-exhibit/.
To view and download photos of the displays, click here.
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. Future plans include the integration of permanent and rotating exhibit spaces across the airport.
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. Five air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 23 destinations across the country. In 2024, the airport served 3.24 million passengers. For more information, visit www.flytulsa.com.