The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
We spent the day near Cameron documenting the places, people, and stories connected to gospel music legend Albert E. Brumley alongside his granddaughter Betsy Brumley and her husband Kevin Bernier.
Our journey took us to the small country church Brumley attended as a young man, a building dating back to 1879, and to the fields where he once labored in the cotton rows. It was there, while dreaming of something beyond the hard work before him, that inspiration began to take shape for what would become I’ll Fly Away, one of the most beloved and recorded hymns in American music history.
Written by an Oklahoma songwriter and shaped by the landscapes and experiences of eastern Oklahoma, “I’ll Fly Away” has been sung by generations across churches, concert halls, front porches, and film soundtracks. Nearly a century later, its message of hope, perseverance, and longing continues to resonate around the world.
Stories like Brumley’s remind us that some of the most influential songs ever written can emerge from humble places, ordinary lives, and the creative spirit that thrives here in Oklahoma.
#OKPOP #AlbertBrumley #IllFlyAway #OklahomaMusic #OklahomaHistory @illflyawayofficial
We connected with Colin Stein of @ctrl.n.studios to discuss his creative journey, Oklahoma’s growing creative ecosystem, and the passion that helped turn fandom into official storytelling.
From teaching himself motion graphics and 3D animation to helping create the officially licensed Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles art book with IDW and Paramount, Colin shared how curiosity, persistence, and community shaped his path. He spoke about Oklahoma mentorship, filmmaking, VFX, preserving physical media, and why creative success doesn’t always require leaving home.
“You just got to do it… find a niche that nobody else is doing… do not compromise on your quality.”
We’re grateful to Colin for sharing his story and helping preserve the voices of Oklahoma creatives for future generations.
#OKPOP #Oklahoma #TMNT #Animation #CreativeJourney @ctrl.n.studios @thecolinstein
Wishing Cody Canada a very happy birthday today! Here he is with Cross Canadian Ragweed in Stillwater discussing the Oklahoma roots of Red Dirt music, the spirit of the scene that grew there, and how a community of songwriters and storytellers helped shape a sound that continues to influence generations of musicians.
From garages and bars to festival stages and arenas, Red Dirt has always been about honesty, connection, and songs that feel lived in. Oklahoma is proud of you, Cody. 🤘
#CodyCanada #CrossCanadianRagweed #RedDirtMusic #StillwaterOklahoma #OKPOP @crosscanadianragweed25 @departed_music
It was great to connect with Ryan Hendrix in OKC for a video interview focused on his creative journey, music, and the story behind Colourmusic.
Ryan reflected on growing up in Oklahoma, discovering the power of the electric guitar, building an experimental music community in Stillwater, and developing the “Color Songs” concept that helped define Colourmusic’s distinctive sound.
He also spoke about creativity, collaboration, intuition, and the importance of making work that feels authentic rather than chasing trends.
“I want you to try your hardest to make the greatest piece of music you can… don’t chase algorithms… make the coolest piece of art that you can.”
We’re grateful to Ryan for sharing his story with OKPOP.
#OKPOP #RyanHendrix #Colourmusic #OklahomaMusic #StillwaterOK @colourmusic
We were honored to connect with Tulsa creatives Jerica Wortham and Webster Wortham (Mr. Wortham) for new oral history interviews for the OKPOP archive and future exhibits.
Jerica shared her journey as a poet, producer, and community-builder, reflecting on the roots of J’Parlé, the evolution of the PÄRLA Festival, and the importance of creating spaces where artists can be seen, heard, and supported. She spoke about transforming overlooked spaces into places of creativity and connection, and about the power of saying yes to the ideas that won’t leave you alone.
Mr. Wortham reflected on the growth of Oklahoma hip hop through 3rd Flow, the early days of recording and performing in northeast Oklahoma, and the healing role music played throughout his health journey, including dialysis and a kidney transplant. He also spoke about returning to creativity after years away and using art as both therapy and connection.
Together, their stories highlight the power of creativity, community, resilience, and the ways Oklahoma artists continue to shape culture through music, poetry, mentorship, and storytelling.
#OKPOP #TulsaMusic #TulsaArts #OklahomaCreatives #OralHistory @lyricistturnedmogul @misterwortham
It was great to have Ethan Hawke visit OKPOP recently!
The star of FX’s The Lowdown is back in Tulsa filming the show’s second season, continuing a creative partnership with Sterlin Harjo that has helped connect Ethan deeply to Oklahoma storytelling and culture. From appearing in Reservation Dogs to helping shape Tulsa noir-inspired stories on screen, Hawke spoke passionately about the creativity, history, and community he’s found here in Oklahoma.
Though born in Texas and raised in New Jersey, Ethan has developed strong Oklahoma ties through his work and collaborations. He portrayed Oklahoma-connected jazz legend Chet Baker in the film Born to Be Blue, reflected on the impact of The Outsiders and Tulsa on his imagination growing up, and recently portrayed lyricist Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon, a story connected to the opening night of the legendary musical Oklahoma!.
During the interview, Ethan shared thoughtful reflections on Tulsa, creativity, storytelling, and the friendships that have made Oklahoma a meaningful new chapter in his life.
Thank you, Ethan, for spending time with us and sharing your story. 🎬✨
#OKPOP #EthanHawke #Tulsa #ReservationDogs #TheLowdown @ethanhawke
We recently had the honor of turning the camera around on Oklahoma filmmaker Amy Scott for a video interview with OKPOP and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Amy shared stories from growing up in Lawton, discovering documentary filmmaking at the University of Oklahoma, teaching herself editing after breaking her arm, and building a remarkable career telling deeply human stories through film. From directing documentaries on artists like Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, and Counting Crows to her acclaimed film on Hal Ashby, Amy spoke about trust, storytelling, music, Oklahoma grit, and the importance of finding the human story beneath the surface.
She also offered encouragement to young filmmakers: learn the craft, find your people, and remember that the stories around you matter.
We’re grateful to Amy for sharing her creative journey, wisdom, and Oklahoma story with us as part of the OKPOP oral history archive and future exhibits.
#OKPOP #AmyScott #OklahomaFilm #DocumentaryFilm #OklahomaCreatives @amyelizscott
We recently connected with Chris Cleveland for a life history interview for the Oklahoma Historical Society state archive and future OKPOP exhibits.
From growing up in Tulsa’s church music scene, to founding Stars Go Dim, to navigating hearing loss while building a career in music, Chris shared an honest and inspiring look at the road behind the songs.
He reflected on mentors, long nights on the road, selling out Cain’s Ballroom, balancing life and touring, and the lessons he’s learned about persistence, craft, and protecting your voice—both creatively and professionally.
“Grow where you’re planted… take every opportunity you can find here.”
#OKPOP #OklahomaHistory #TulsaMusic #StarsGoDim #OklahomaCreatives @starsgodim
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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