Midtown Welcomes New Public Art Project — ‘Light and Airy’
Midtown Welcomes ‘Light and Airy'
A New Public Art Installation at 10th and Walker Roundabout
Midtown is proud to announce the installation of Light & Airy, a new public artwork at the 10th and Walker roundabout. Created by Sander Henriksen and the team at Heavy, the site-specific illuminated sculpture uses playful pop art imagery to celebrate Oklahoma City hospitality and the joy of gathering together around food.
At first glance, Light & Airy appears to be an oversized slice of layer cake — whimsical, unexpected, and designed to spark curiosity and smiles. But beneath its playful appearance is a deeper reflection on the neighborhood it calls home. The roundabout sits at the intersection of many daily experiences in Midtown: residents out for a walk, visitors exploring local restaurants and shops, healthcare workers caring for the community through long shifts, and patients and families experiencing the full spectrum of care, healing, resilience, and support nearby every day.
Layers of Meaning
Rather than serving as a solemn monument, Light & Airy was intentionally designed to offer something lighter. In a district defined by movement, hospitality, service, and care, the artwork aims to create a moment of delight and familiarity — a visual reminder of the comfort, connection, and humanity often found around a shared table, coffee counter, or neighborhood gathering place.
Because the placement of the artwork within the roundabout makes it inaccessible, a “fork” brings the artwork to the viewer as a bench or location for visitors to capture a moment in time.
This project was seeded through funds from the former Medical Business District, which earmarked a portion of remaining funds for a public art piece within the Midtown 10th Street corridor. To bring a notable piece of artwork to the area, SSM Saint Anthony, Midtown Renaissance, Midtown OKC, Lingo Construction, Downtown OKC Initiatives, Midtown Rotary and Oklahoma City Community Foundation have made generous contributions towards the fulfillment of the project.
‘Light & Airy’
Title: Light & Airy
Medium: Steel, Acrylic
Date: 2026
Artist: Heavy
‘Light & Airy’ is an illuminated pop art sculpture inspired by Oklahoma City’s hospitality, sunsets, and the joy of shared meals.
Made possible by: SSM Health Oklahoma, Midtown Renaissance, Oklahoma City Medical Business District, Lingo Construction, Midtown OKC, Downtown OKC Initiatives, Oklahoma City Community Foundation, OKC Midtown Rotary Foundation, Fitzsimmons Architects and Johnson & Associates
'Light and Airy' FAQ
How was the artist selected?
In 2023, after an extensive RFQ process, the committee chose Alberta based artist design firm, Heavy. The RFQ received 81 proposals, including eight from Oklahoma-based artist teams. Heavy was selected due to:
- Their strong portfolio in large-scale public art
- Experience designing artwork specifically for roundabouts
- Demonstrated ability to create interactive, place-based installations that reflect local identity
Why wasn’t a local artist chosen?
Local artists were encouraged to apply and were part of the applicant pool. Ultimately, the selection was based on the strength of proposals and relevant experience for this specific site.
Oklahoma City benefits from both supporting local artists and bringing outside artists into the community. This expands the city’s artistic diversity while also creating professional opportunities and connections that help Oklahoma artists work in other cities. It’s important to the ecosystem of public art that communities hire artists locally, as well as extend beyond their communities. Having artwork by international artists also reinforces Oklahoma City as a place with international appeal.
Why a piece of cake?
“Light & Airy” uses cake as a symbol of hospitality, celebration, and togetherness, values that have long defined Midtown. Hospitality is in Midtown’s roots, dating back to the formation of many of Oklahoma City’s major hospital systems, and continuing today through the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, shops, and service workers. After spending time walking the streets, talking with business owners, and eating at local spots, the artist chose cake as a playful way to honor the hard work behind every welcoming experience in Midtown, and the joy created when people come together at the dining table, bar, or counter.
Will the sculpture affect driver safety?
No. The sculpture complies with all City safety requirements for this roundabout. In fact, the artwork is smaller than the previous landscaping in both height and footprint:
- Total height from curb to top of icing: 15.8 feet. The sculpture itself is 7 feet at the top of the cake, and 9 feet at the top of the icing.
- Width: 12.3 feet
The project went through all required City approvals, including:
- Arts Commission Loan Agreement (Dec. 2024)
- City Council Loan Agreement (Feb. 2025)
- Downtown Design Review (June 2025)
- Water Utilities Trust Agreement/Revocable Permit (Dec. 2025)
Roundabouts should include landscaping or vertical elements in the center to calm traffic and encourage drivers to slow down and yield, which improves overall safety.
Who owns the artwork?
Midtown OKC, the 501(c)3 organization representing Midtown property owners, business owners and residents, is the owner of the artwork and responsible for its future maintenance, including regular maintenance of landscaping.
UPDATED 5/28/2026 See more public art in Midtown here.