Art House Tulsa, an east Tulsa-based organization focused on supporting local and regional artists, will pause programming and events in June after facing fundraising challenges.
The organization helped over 200 artists across its nearly seven years in existence, according to organizers. Co-founders Rogelio Esparza and Allison Ward brought the organization to life through art shows in their own homes, eventually expanding it to include different locations and showcase more artists.
The announcement comes after the organization’s co-director stepped away last year and the group was unable to find new long-term funding sources. Esparza also pointed to the possibility of losing their studio space later this year, when organizations are expected to move out of 1801 S. Garnett Road and relocate for construction. There are roughly five organizations sharing the space next to Hannah Hall.
A spokesperson for the building’s owners said they were working through planning considerations and it was unlikely that work would begin before 2027.
“The ongoing challenges with fundraising and lack of funding opportunities has made it increasingly difficult to support Art House in the way it deserves, with intention, stability, and care,” the organization’s co-founders said in an announcement posted on Instagram.
Founded in 2020, Art House Tulsa was self-sufficient for most of its existence by charging entrance fees to shows and accepting donations.
The organization will host a final art show May 30. Details on the location haven’t been determined yet.
This article was produced as part of a partnership between the Tulsa Flyer and La Semana, a Tulsa-based bilingual Spanish-English newspaper serving Latino communities in Oklahoma.
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