Press Release
March 7, 2019
Contact: Steve Hawkins
Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0754
shawkins@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
Oklahoma History Center Announces the Premiere Exhibition of “Unsolved History: Forensic Science, Cold Cases, and Art Therapy”
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma History Center is proud to announce that it will host a premiere exhibition entitled, “Unsolved History: Forensic Science, Cold Cases, and Art Therapy.” This exhibit is comprised of 11 artistic creations by Oklahoma-based artists and art therapists who work with the families of victims in cold case crimes. Led by Shannon Hazen, Tina Adams and Kris Newlin, and connected to the Oklahoma Homicide Survivors Support Group, artists were paired with families to participate in the project. Each piece reflects the collaboration between the artist and the family, which helped family members express their grief and frustration at their loss and the myriad of unanswered questions left in the wake of the crime. The public opening will be Saturday, March 30, from 2–4 p.m. It may be viewed in the Cooper and Gladys West Atrium Wing and Gallery of the Oklahoma History Center during regular hours of operation, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.
In its collections, the Oklahoma History Center has a substantial number of artifacts that pertain to law enforcement in Oklahoma from the pre–Territorial Era to the present. Included in the collections are the tools used in investigation and evidence analysis, as well as records of court cases and prison records. However, this latest exhibit features a new tool used in the aftermath of violent crimes that has proven beneficial to the family, friends and acquaintances of the victims. Art therapy has been used in several different areas of psychology, but only recently has it been used for this purpose. “I think this is an excellent opportunity for visitors not only to see beautiful works of art, but also to learn about art therapy and forensic science history in our state,” said Lori Oden, Oklahoma History Center director of exhibits.
For more information about the project or the cases, contact Shannon Hazen at 405-219-9283. For information about the exhibit, contact Lori Oden at 405-522-0780 or loden@okhistory.org.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. 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 www.okhistory.org.
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