Arts@302 is Broken Arrow’s creative hub, dedicated to providing arts education and fostering community engagement in the arts for all ages and skill levels.
After nearly 20 years of community planning, Arts@302 opened in August 2022, marking a significant milestone for Broken Arrow’s arts scene.
The inspiration for Arts@302 came from the Broken Arrow Arts and Humanities Council—now ArtsOK—whose vision, according to Executive Director Jennifer Deal, was to establish an arts center for the community.
“The board at the time met with city and school leaders, and the idea grew into what we are today,” Deal said.
“We have five studio spaces for classes in clay, fibers, drawing, and painting,” Deal said. “And we offer programs for preschoolers through adults.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 General Obligation Bond vote on April 7, Deal notes that the pottery studio at Arts@302 must expand to meet high demand and thus increase community engagement. Proposition 4: Public Facilities includes the expansion and renovation of Arts@302, with recommended upgrades estimated at $7.5 million. Additionally, expanding the facility’s large rooms would better accommodate youth choir and drama performances, which currently lack appropriate space within the building.
“We have a program for kids with opportunity gaps, and with enlargement we could create a dedicated space for them,” Deal said. “It would let them personalize the area and feel at home.”
Arts@302 has five sessions a year and offers 30-50 classes per session.
“We just have a little bit of everything,” Deal said. "It’s awesome!”
It hosts regular art shows featuring artists from Broken Arrow and Tulsa. And on the second Saturday of each month, a local artist is on hand to host free art activities. Deal encourages anyone who has never been to the center to visit.
“They can arrange tours with one of my amazing staff people, and we can talk about what they want to get plugged into or find interesting,” Deal said. “Whether they're a connoisseur of art and want to come look at art, whether they want to dabble, whether they have children or grandchildren that might want to get involved in some way, or whether they just like a fun party, I think we can find something that just hits right where they’re at.”
In 2026, Arts@302 remains an essential resource, continually advancing creative opportunities and artistic growth throughout Broken Arrow.
“To me, the arts are so important in a community because they bring color to our world,” she said. “They bring beautiful sounds to our world; they bring meaning and depth to our world with the dramatics or with poetry.”
Arts@302 benefits people of all ages and skill levels.
“I think we are very, very blessed in Broken Arrow to have such an amazing community and have a group of people that care so passionately,” Deal said. “One of the things that I love as I talk to people in the community is how passionate they are about making Broken Arrow into a place where you can work, play, and grow.”
Through its diverse programming and outreach, Arts@302 actively supports Broken Arrow’s cultural and creative growth. Deal concluded by stating that voting plays a vital role in shaping the community and enhancing the quality of life.
