Visitors and locals in Oklahoma City have a new sight to behold at the OKC Fair Park with the unveiling of "Bolt Tower," a 72-foot sculpture commissioned by the City of Oklahoma City. In an announcement picked up from OKC.gov, the impressive landmark was created by Jenny Sabin Studio and stands between the Bennett Event Center and the OG&E Coliseum. The structure serves as a tribute to the fair park's 118-year legacy, encompassing its history with livestock shows, 89er games, concerts, and other notable events.
"Bolt Tower" is more than just an architectural feat; it is an interactive piece of public art. Kirk Slaughter, President & CEO of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc., stated, "With thousands of visitors coming to OKC Fair Park each month, this massive sculpture creates a new landmark." Echoing this sentiment, Slaughter also emphasized the importance of the sculpture in preserving and highlighting Fair Park's storied past for both long-standing partners and residents. Jenny Sabin, the mind behind the design, described "Bolt Tower" as a structure that "spark curiosity, celebrate community, and bring fresh energy to OKC Fair Park" in a statement obtained by OKC.gov.
In a novel approach to integrating community with art, Jenny Sabin Studio is collecting public contributions of Fair Park photos and memories, which will be permanently enshrined within a 3D-printed time capsule at the base of the statue. Those interested have until September 30 to submit their images via a link provided on the commissioning website.
Jenny Sabin Studio, known for its experimental approach to architecture, melds science with design, drawing inspiration from biology and mathematics to create unique spatial interventions. Alongside prestigious clients such as Nike Inc., Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, and the American Philosophical Society Museum, the studio now adds the iconic "Bolt Tower" to its portfolio. The sculpture, funded through the 1% for the Arts program linked to the MAPS 4 initiative, embodies a blend of form and function, transforming from a striking visual landmark by day to a luminescent beacon after sundown. Residents interested in the city's art selection process can email [email protected] for more information.
