Laura Warriner

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Laura Warriner has dedicated herself to the arts in Oklahoma as an artist, organizer, donor, volunteer, and mentor. Her artistic career has led to many exhibitions and inclusion in multiple collections, including the Smithsonian Institute’s National Gallery.

In 1995, Ms. Warriner founded Untitled [Artspace], an important art space in Oklahoma City. By restoring an abandoned building in a blighted area of downtown, she has created a center for creative thought and experimentation. Untitled [Artspace] became a nonprofit in 2003; in 2009 the organization was renamed [Artspace] at Untitled. She served as curator for all exhibitions and educational programs. Her involvement in “Reclamation Re-creation” includes the hosting of many community events to encourage the redevelopment of downtown Oklahoma City. Warriner’s gallery remains free and open to the public.

Behind the scenes, Ms. Warriner is a mentor of artists statewide. A Chandler native, she has spent much of her adult life in Oklahoma City and maintains strong ties to artists in Tulsa and elsewhere. A founding board member of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC), she supports artistic careers by serving as an advisor and champion for artists creating new work.

Ms. Warriner currently serves on the boards of the City Arts Center and Automobile Alley. Warriner frequently lectures and serves as a juror in exhibitions throughout the region, including the 7-State Exhibition at the University of Sciences and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, Mixed Media Exhibition at IAO Gallery, and student exhibitions at the University of Oklahoma. She has been a volunteer for the Oklahoma Arts Institute for many years.

Ms. Warriner has published numerous articles regarding the visual arts and has been awarded many professional awards, including the Byliner Award from Women in Communications, the Neal Horton Award from Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc., the Historic Preservation and Landmark Commission Award, and the Keystone Award from the American Institute of Architects, Central Chapter in Oklahoma City.