Client: Oklahoma University Medical

Overview

Working with architects at Perkins and Will from Dallas, TX and D and K Art Design, Piedmont, OK, Barbara Westfall Art Glass Design created four iconic Oklahoma sunsets for the newly built hospital wing at Oklahoma University Medical. Collaborating with the design team, our group identified four iconic regional landscapes in Oklahoma as inspiration for sunset triptychs made out of fused glass. The four featured sunsets based off of Oklahoma’s quintessential landforms were: Mesa/Buttes; Prairies; Mountain/Woodlands; and Lakes. Each of the four sunset murals were built in sections and attach directly to the wall with stainless steel standoffs. The four murals are placed in the new OU Medical hospital lobby, where staff, visitors and guests can view and enjoy each glass sunset.

Goals

The goal was to re-create the beautiful imagery of Oklahoma's iconic sunsets and landscapes into art glass for the hospital lobby. Oklahoma is known for its big skies and colorful sunsets. The geography provided the inspiration for the four art murals in the hospital's new patient wing. Creating artistic engagement with patients and staff through art that celebrates the natural sunlight, color and design of Oklahoma's mesas, prairies, mountains and woodland lakes, was the primary goal for the commissioned artwork. The architects at Perkins and Will created the perfect architectural environment for placement of the art, with their design of large curving windows and walls that echoes the mesas of Oklahoma's Gloss Mountains.

Process

Architect Perkins and Will reached out to local art consultants D and K Art Design to find the perfect artist to create a series of four aesthetically pleasing art murals to greet patients and their families entering the hospital lobby. Barbara Westfall Art Glass Design is known for large-scale murals that celebrate nature, and our team provided the art consultant and architect team with an experienced group that understood art aesthetics and processes necessary for public art. We all met over several meetings to narrow the design goals for the lobby art murals. Regional research was combined with the designers colors and furnishings. The group collaborated and finalized the design. Production commenced and one-by-one throughout the summer of 2020, each of the four murals were designed and constructed. Colors and glass types were selected through electronic photo communications, phone conversations and videos. The project was brought to life seamlessly through teamwork and collaboration. Construction and installation deadlines were met on time and on budget. The installation was coordinated by the wonderful crew at D and K Art Design and the art is now on view for the community of hospital staff, patients and guests in Oklahoma City to enjoy.