Attending a Daniel Keys painting workshop in Oklahoma City would not have gone well without my friend acting as my driver and my roadie with the back issues I have had.  The workshop was amazing, as expected.  The City, though, just blew me away!  There has been some major money poured into that city since I last saw it in 1974 when Roger was teaching at Cameron College in Lawton, Okla.  

Let me share with you some of the things that amazed me.  Clean streets.  We stayed right down town and everything was clean.  And safe for us two ladies to walk around to find dinner or explore.  So many museums and gardens to see - right down town.  Beautiful skyline.  

Now, for specifics.  My workshop was held at the amazing National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.  I knew of it because, as a kid watching TV cowboys growing up, I knew that every year they named a cowboy of the year - some were TV Cowboys, some musicians, etc.  So I was looking forward to see the award for my favorite TV Cowboy, Jess Harper (Robert Fuller) from Laramie. And of course, The Duke as also there!

I had an hour off for lunch every day and since the class was right inside the museum (education rooms!) I spent every hour available touring the museum.  When my friend dropped me off and helped bring in my art supplies for the class she planned to go back to the hotel and plan her day. The minute we walked in we were both just blown away with what we saw.  She visited the museum until I was done at 5 pm.  She got all day.  I got 4 hours over 4 days!  

In the museum there was also a very special art show that would happen after we left but we got to see it.  MAJOR painters whose work I have seen in magazines and articles were in the show.  And I did not have time to see them all. 

Daniel Keys had 3 paintings and we got to see them with him to discuss his visions. 

But aside from the art show, there were many sections for art and many sections for special segments you would want to see in a Cowboy Museum. Outfits from Cowgirls and photos of the original cowgirls, saddles, boots, chaps, etc!  Indian section with over life size statues, beautiful beaded articles of clothing and some with lots of fringe.  Stories were attached to everything.  My favorite section was the Rodeo.  Lots of short videos plus a big movie screen you could stand in front of as they showed the bull riders!  Plus life size 'statues'!

I hope you enjoyed a taste of this museum!  Now, on to one of my favorites, the Land Rush Monuments across town.  DOUBLE life size and it is so amazing in person.  Horses, wagons, people - the rush was on to grab some land.  

There are so many places to visit including a Chihuly and Ansel Adams exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum, Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum (bring your Kleenex), American Indian Museum, and let's not forget the Banjo Museum!  

I learned a lot about art but also a lot of history, beautifully presented!  Be sure to take a trip there and see these magnificent sites!!