Oklahoma Mural Syndicate Launched Mentorship Program
The initiative pairs emerging artists with experienced mentors to help them master large-scale mural painting.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Painting
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The Oklahoma Mural Syndicate has launched a new mentorship program for aspiring muralists alongside the 11th annual Plaza Walls Mural Expo in Oklahoma City. This initiative aims to provide new artists with professional opportunities and practical training in mural creation.
Why it matters
The program seeks to foster the next generation of local artists by integrating educational components into the organization's established mural events. It provides a structured path for emerging talent to transition into the public art space with professional guidance.
The inaugural cohort includes 11 aspiring mentees paired with 5 mentors, with participant Jackie Myers completing a debut project measuring 12 feet by 6 feet. The organization is currently managing its 11th annual Plaza Walls Mural Expo in the city.
The players
Oklahoma Mural Syndicate
This is an arts organization based in Oklahoma City that oversees the Plaza Walls Mural Expo and facilitates public mural projects.
Jackie Myers
She is a participant in the inaugural mentorship program who successfully completed a 12-foot by 6-foot mural project.
The details
Mentors provide hands-on training to mentees, focusing on essential techniques such as scaling artwork, selecting appropriate paint, and navigating mural composition. The program pairs artists together to foster community connections while they work side-by-side on public installations.
Timeline
The 11th annual Plaza Walls Mural Expo takes place in September 2026.
Keri Smith lived in the Plaza District in 2013.
Culture Shift
The integration of professional mentorship programs reflects a shift toward institutionalizing community art education to sustain public mural movements. This move evolves the Plaza Walls Mural Expo from a recurring event into a year-round talent pipeline for Oklahoma City.
Residents and visitors to the Plaza District can see the results of this mentorship in new public murals appearing throughout the neighborhood. Aspiring local artists now have a clear pathway to apply for future training cycles to build their own professional portfolios.
The takeaway
Aspiring artists looking to enter the mural scene should leverage professional mentorship opportunities to gain the technical skills required for public work. Developing a professional portfolio through these programs is essential for securing future public art commissions.
What happens next
Artists interested in joining the next cohort can apply via the official website, with the application window expected to open for the upcoming program year.
Further reading
Discover more about local artistic development in our Painting section.
More information
To review eligibility requirements or submit an application, visit the mentorship program application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 9.
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