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
Happiest birthday to Oklahoma legend Reba McEntire today.
Born in McAlester and raised on a ranch near Chockie, Reba’s Oklahoma roots run deep, and her journey from rodeo country to global icon remains one of our state’s great creative stories. Today she continues to shine on screen and on stage, and it’s especially fun seeing her and fiancé Rex Linn sharing life and work together.
Rex has strong Oklahoma roots too, having grown up in Oklahoma City and going on to become one of the state’s own success stories in film and television.
Wishing Reba the happiest birthday. 🤠🎉
#RebaMcEntire #HappyBirthdayReba #OklahomaRoots #OKPOP
It was so great to meet Muppet collector Rhett Safranek @ribbitrhettsmuppets and talk all things Jerry Nelson. We loved walking him through our Jerry Nelson archive and sharing more about our plans for the upcoming exhibit.
Thanks so much to Rhett for swinging by and spending time with us. We’re grateful for his passion, knowledge, and love for this incredible creative legacy.
#OKPOP #JerryNelson #Muppets #MuseumCollection #Tulsa
Another great interview this week, this time with filmmaker Matt Leach.
We had the chance to sit down with Matt to talk about his journey from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to building a career shaped by collaboration, authenticity, and creative persistence. From early DIY filmmaking and formative experiences at Quartz Mountain, to working alongside Sterlin Harjo through This Land Press and on the documentary This May Be the Last Time, his path reflects the power of resourcefulness, community, and learning by doing.
Matt spoke about embracing imperfection, building lasting creative partnerships, and the importance of telling real stories rooted in real people and places. His perspective was a great reminder that some of the best creative work comes not from waiting until everything is perfect, but from simply beginning and staying at it.
“Perfection is the enemy. Just make stuff.”
It’s a simple idea, but one that sits right at the heart of what we believe at OKPOP: that creativity starts with action, curiosity, and the courage to begin. 
We’re grateful for the conversation and can’t wait to share more from this one.
#okpop #oklahomafilm #filmmaking #storytelling #oklahoma
We had so much fun connecting with actor and artist Nathalie Standingcloud to talk about her creative journey, the encouragement she found in her aunt, legendary actor Kimberly Guerrero, and the power of telling authentic stories from the heartland.
Nathalie reflected on collaborating with the brilliant comedy collective The 1491s, working on Killers of the Flower Moon, and how special it was to be part of Reservation Dogs — including her role as the optometrist and her appearance in the unforgettable Season 2 episode “Wide Net” alongside the Aunties.
As a Cherokee, Muscogee, and Salish actor, artist, and advocate she spoke about the importance of representation, truth, and storytelling rooted in real lived experience. She also shared how her work as an internationally recognized tattoo artist feeds her creatively — describing tattooing as a kind of pain medicine, a way of helping people, and another powerful form of storytelling.
We can’t wait to share more from our conversation and to see what’s next for Nathalie.
#OKPOP #NathalieStandingcloud #ReservationDogs #OklahomaCreativity @nattatt8
John Dolphin helped shape American music history, and part of that story begins in Oklahoma.
Raised in Boley, OK, Dolphin became a pioneering Black music businessman in Los Angeles: a producer, promoter, label founder, radio personality, and the visionary behind the legendary Dolphin’s of Hollywood record shop. More than a store, it became a cultural hub for jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel, and early rock and roll.
Known as “Lovin’ John,” Dolphin helped create space for Black artists, audiences, and entrepreneurship during a deeply segregated era. His influence reached far beyond retail, helping spotlight important artists and expand the reach of Black popular music in mid-century America.
From Boley, Oklahoma to Los Angeles, John Dolphin’s legacy is one of creativity, resilience, and cultural impact. His story is a reminder that Oklahoma roots have helped shape the sound of America in powerful and lasting ways.
#OKPOP #JohnDolphin #BoleyOklahoma #OklahomaHistory
Before scrolling, there was the Sunday paper.
Oklahoma-born cartoonist Don Flowers helped define that era with his syndicated panel Glamor Girls—a stylish, witty take on modern life that stood out on the comics page. Born in Custer City in 1908, Flowers’ elegant linework and sharp sense of humor made his work instantly recognizable.
His art lived in that weekly ritual—coffee in hand, pages spread wide, discovering stories and characters that felt larger than life.
Today, his work remains part of Oklahoma’s creative legacy—and a reminder of the power of a single panel to capture a moment, a mood, a world.
#OKPOP #DonFlowers #SundayComics #GlamorGirls #ComicArt @okhistory
We recently connected with pianist and composer Brian Haas of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey to talk about his remarkable musical journey, from his early days in Broken Arrow, to the Tulsa music scene of the 1980s and ’90s, to forming Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey while at TU in 1994 and later traveling the world sharing improvisational music.
Brian also reflected on the legacy of Oklahoma jazz and spoke about how much the Tulsa community means to him.
The @jacobfredjazzodyssey reunion shows continue tonight at @lowdowntulsa at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Don’t miss it.
#OKPOP #BrianHaas #JacobFredJazzOdyssey #TulsaMusic #OklahomaJazz @brianroyhaas
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and fans of Chuck Norris on his passing. Born in Ryan, Oklahoma, Chuck Norris left an undeniable mark on popular culture through film, television, and martial arts, inspiring generations with his strength, discipline, and larger-than-life presence. Today we remember his legacy and the creative impact he made on the world. Featured here is a Chuck Norris artwork by @iamtherascal from the OKPOP collections office. #okpop #chucknorris
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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