Press Release
January 15, 2026
Contact: CJ Budy
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-237-1907
[email protected]
csrhc.org
“Art of the Wish” Exhibit Opens on January 28 at Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid
ENID, Okla. — The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will debut a new exhibit, “Art of the Wish,” on Wednesday, January 28. The exhibit highlights a national project launched in 2017 when artists Marn Jensen and Andy Newcom spent six months traveling the country. They asked adults ages 80 to 100-plus a single question: “If you had a wish for the world, what would it be?”
The artists visited senior communities, hospice care facilities and caregivers to get a diverse range of backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences. Each participant’s response became the inspiration for an original artwork paired with a brief narrative that captures the story behind the wish.
“Art of the Wish” includes photography, sculpture, textiles, encaustic pieces, mixed media and paintings. Jensen and Newcom hope the exhibit inspires visitors to start simple, meaningful conversations with older adults.
“Art of the Wish” is a program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance in Kansas City.
The exhibit will be on display in the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation Gallery from January 28 through May 23. It is included with paid admission to the museum. For more information about the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, please visit csrhc.org or call 580-237-1907.
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center are available upon request.
