Just blocks south of the Oklahoma State Capitol sits one of the most diverse art galleries in OKC. 1515 Lincoln Gallery is housed in a historic home built in 1920, and will celebrate its second anniversary next month.
Founder and curator Susan McCalmont has a long history in the art world, and recognized that the northeast side of Oklahoma City was lacking not only an art gallery, but a place where people immerse themselves in beauty and culture. “My concept is to have a place that feels like home,” McCalmont said. “People walk into this space and feel comfortable. If someone has never visited a gallery before, they may feel intimidated. Here, I want them to feel like they can sit down and have a cup of coffee, listen to some music and enjoy beautiful art from around the world.”
1515 Lincoln Gallery has two distinct gallery spaces on the main floor. The exhibition area to the right of the entrance features individual shows that change every six weeks, featuring a wide range of artists and works that reflect the depth of McCalmont’s artistic connections throughout the state of Oklahoma and worldwide. Now through Nov. 30, Edmond artist Christie Owen’s exhibition Outsider is on display. During the first week of each new exhibition, visitors can meet the artist either at the opening night reception held on Thursday or at a talk with the artist on Saturday.
The remainder of the main floor is gallery space with artwork hand-selected by McCalmont, which is rotated regularly as pieces sell. She noted, “I have an eclectic mix of artwork both by deceased and contemporary artists from around the world. My hope is that people will find something they identify with and love. I want to encourage them to understand the value of original art created by artists.”
Everything in the gallery is for sale—including the stunning furniture scattered throughout that allows visitors to sit and admire the ever-changing pieces.
“What sets us apart from other galleries in town is the mix of international artists with Oklahoma artists, with both older and newer art,” McCalmont explained. “We have all different genres, time periods and disciplines. I am currently working on adding more sculpture and ceramics to the collection.”
In an effort to make 1515 Lincoln Gallery more of a community space, the gallery also features dining: The 1515 Bistro partners with Buthion Fine Foods, famous for creating La Baguette. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with wine and charcuterie available until 5:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dine either inside the gallery or outside on the secluded patio.
McCalmont’s goal is to enhance the community and embrace all forms of art; she hosts a monthly poetry event as well as a monthly live music event. There is a happy hour including live music 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Beyond the gallery spaces, the building has two rooms upstairs which are filled with art and can be leased for meetings or events. Fine art appraiser Scott W. Hale has his office on the upper floor of the building as well, and the professional team can assist with installation and curation for those interested in growing their personal art collections.
McCalmont has created an artistic space for all. “My background is in art history, and I have collected art for a long time,” she said. “When I retired from non-profit work, I was trying to figure out what to do in this era. We had moved to this part of town and I felt like it needed a tangible place for the community to be surrounded by art and culture. My whole life has been about encouraging people to pursue their own creativity.”
For more information about 1515 Lincoln Gallery or the 1515 Bistro, visit 1515lg.com or follow it on social media @1515lg