Nestled in the vibrant Paseo Arts District of Oklahoma City, Wildfire Gallery at 3005 Paseo is a haven for art enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of creative expressions. Founded by Denice and Greg Erway, passionate advocates for the arts, the gallery showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary Western art created by Oklahoma artists. The Erways have cultivated a welcoming space that fosters creativity and community engagement, and their dedication to promoting local talent and keen appreciation for unique artistic perspectives make Wildfire Gallery a standout in the Paseo’s thriving art scene.
“I don’t really sell art,” said Denice. “I connect people’s stories with people who come in.”
Oklahoma boasts a thriving arts community as diverse and dynamic as the state itself. From the vibrant murals adorning the streets of Oklahoma City to the eclectic galleries in Tulsa, the state’s art scene is rich in cultural heritage and creativity.
“I started the gallery that [Greg] was in,” Denice said. ‘The owner called me during COVID and said she was going to have to close. Something inside me said, ‘What is going to happen to that space?’ Greg thought the same thing, and we decided that we would open a gallery. So, in June of 2021, we opened Wildfire Gallery.”
As a top five finalist in our Best of the 405 contest the last two years, Wildfire curates Oklahoma artists and offers prospective clients a wide range of media, including paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry and fine art photography. However, Denice and Greg took surprising paths to becoming gallerists.
“So, our background is in performing arts,” Denice said. “Greg built sets and would paint and do things for me for the productions. When he turned 50, he said he wanted to start painting, never knowing it was going to turn into a career.”
Stories, characters, wildlife and vast landscapes serve as wellsprings of creativity for Greg’s artwork. Through his adept use of color and varied techniques, his subjects come alive with a distinctive vitality, weaving together narratives steeped in rich history and folklore. His achievements notably include a commission for the recent restoration of the Oklahoma Governor’s mansion, and his work is prominently displayed in galleries across Taos, Santa Fe, Eureka Springs and the entire state of Oklahoma—including, of course, Wildfire Gallery.
“I get a lot of inspiration from nature,” Greg said. “[Sometimes], I will change medium. Normally I paint, but I also draw with charcoal. For the last couple of days, I have had a painting I am working on that is giving me problems. I need something else to do to not think about that and not be entirely consumed with those problems. So, I will work on a charcoal portrait or another medium to get my mind focused on something else. Sometimes, when clearing your studio or your space, you’ll come across things you’ve done in the past that you’ve set aside that might inspire you or give you another idea. I also get a lot of inspiration from other artists and their work.”
Oklahoma’s art scene is vibrant, growing and largely welcoming, but many artists struggle with the prospect of outreach and meeting those who share similar passions. Greg noted that he also struggles with that reality.
“A lot of artists are introverts, and they don’t really like to be around people,” Greg said. “But I have a couple of artist groups that I’m in. One meets every day at The Red Cup on Classen. I know I can go there any day, grab a cup of coffee, sit down with those guys and have a conversation about art. There are also organizations like the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Allied Arts and the Paseo Arts District.”
The immersive experience Denice and Greg create for their customers distinguishes Wildfire from other galleries. “I want to help educate and curate the next generation of art buyers,” Denice said. “I have essential oils diffusing, so [the gallery] smells good. I want it to look good. I have the right kind of playlist on. So, in a way, I’m creating a performance. Being that friendly neighborhood art gallery is our goal. It’s all about the people.”
To learn more about Wildfire Gallery and Greg Erway’s work, visit instagram.com/wildfiregallerypaseo/ and gregerwayart.com/
