Enid, OK – More than 20 Oklahoma artists are working to create a temporary immersive art installation in Enid called Sugar High. The concept presents a fictional future in which humans only eat sugar-based foods, instant gratification is the way of life, and humans have been living symbiotically with ants for decades.
Sugar High will open Friday, April 1, 2022 in conjunction with Main Street Enid’s First Friday. Hours will be 1-9p Thursday through Saturday and 1-6p Sundays for six consecutive weeks, closing to the public on May 8. A private event for sponsors will close the installation on May 14.
Sugar High is the first installation art of its kind in Enid, with the goal being to create an experience for the younger population of Enid to enjoy. By creating this space, we allow room for people from any background to have a common experience unique to our community. Sugar High provides the opportunity to create a positive collective memory for younger generations. Because Sugar High is presented free of charge, cost is not a barrier to anyone who wants to experience the art.
This art presents a glimpse into the colorful, fun and playful world of Sugar High. The art will be presented at PJ’s in downtown Enid. Property owner Rob Cummings is providing the space for Sugar High rent-free. PJ’s is located at 220 N Washington.
Park Avenue Thrift is the presenting sponsor ($15,000) of Sugar High. Additional grant support has been provided by Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Thrive Grant ($5,000), The Bert and Janice Mackie Family Foundation ($5,000), Main Street Enid ($5,000), Visit Enid ($1,500), and Enid Arts ($1,000). The Sugar High team has raised an additional $24,500 from a fundraising event and through crowdfunding. They still have $13,000 to raise to reach the fundraising goal of $94,000.
Donations can be made at sugarhighenid.com/donate/.
Atelier 339, Inc. is the fiscal sponsor for Sugar High. Atelier 339 is dedicated to promoting and advancing the arts by providing resources and access to services artists need to grow.
Sugar High is led by Enid artists romy owens and Ben Ezzell. Additional artists include: Nick Bayer (OKC), Chris Bodelle (Enid), Aunj Braggs (Tulsa), Nathan Guidry (Enid), Lori Hill (Enid), Riley Jantzen (Enid), Barney Karper (OKC), Corey Keller (Enid), Jamie Kimball (Enid), Angie LaPaglia (Mulhall), Hugh Meade (OKC), Kiona Millirons (Edmond), Tox Murillo (Enid), Terence Naude (Enid), Len Northcutt (Enid), Jes Petrus (OKC), Jaime Rodriguez (Enid), Monica Rorick (Enid), Klint Schor (OKC), and Twylene Tepe (Enid).
Artists will be present at Sugar High for the April 1 and May 6 First Friday events as well as the private sponsor party event.
In addition to the six week run of Sugar High, there will be scheduled program events on Saturdays that will include story time, live music, and performance art.
For more information visit sugarhighenid.com.
