A Southwest Holiday at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 26, 2008 by Heather Caliendo

The 24th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser has returned to the Philbrook Museum of Art.

"It kind of kicks off the holidays for everyone," said Karen Fraser, fundraising manager for Philbrook. "This is our busiest time of the year, and every year it provides a good way to get into the holiday spirit."

Through Dec. 7, art pieces by about 150 local Tulsa artists will be displayed throughout the museum and be available for purchase.

This year's theme is A Southwest Holiday. It was inspired by the Eugene B. Adkins private collection of Native American and Southwest art, which the museum acquired.

Tulsa artist Jacque Collins Young said the theme is a perfect fit for her artwork.

"I'm part Cherokee and lately I've really gotten involved with the Cherokee heritage," said Young. "The Southwest theme fits my style right now."

In the past, Tulsans seemed to think that if they wanted to buy good-quality art, they had to go to another city, Young said.

"We do have a wide variety of artists in Tulsa," she said. "I think the patrons of art are finally realizing that there are a lot of great artists here."

Artists had their work reviewed by a panel of judges before they could display it at the museum. For every work of art sold, Philbrook gets a percentage of the profit.

Prices for the works range from $80 to $75,000, Fraser said.

"In this economy, art is a good investment," she said. "It's a great thing to put money into."

In addition to the art pieces, area designers have decorated trees that will be on display and for sale. Students from around the area had their hand in decorating gingerbread houses and their own holiday trees.

This year, about 27,000 lights will glow the garden surrounding the museum during The Garden Glow. The Saturday event will feature holiday-themed family activities.

"We have become a great family tradition," said Fraser. "We have four generations of people who have come to this event."

Fraser said events like the Festival of Trees are a success because Philbrook is part of the city's culture.

"People come out because it's at Philbrook," she said. "With the historic home and classic art collection, no other museum is like us."