The City of Lawton Arts & Humanities Department continued its mission of enriching the Lawton-Fort Sill community through arts, culture, education, and historic preservation. Throughout the year, the department presented and supported a diverse calendar of educational programs, visual arts experiences, literary events, performances, and community celebrations while continuing to oversee the preservation and management of the City’s cultural facilities.

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the completion of renovations at McMahon Memorial Auditorium. Throughout construction, the Arts & Humanities Department worked closely with the McMahon Auditorium Authority to oversee the management, preservation, and restoration of the historic venue while continuing to support local arts organizations and community programming. We are excited to welcome the community back when McMahon Memorial Auditorium officially reopens on August 8, 2026.

Carnegie Library Town Hall continued to serve as a center for arts education. This Spring concluded our third semester of art classes, including pastels, watercolor, photography, and creative writing. The McMahon Auditorium Authority Book Discussion Series returned for another successful season, providing opportunities for readers to connect through literature. Additional educational programming included a Media Literacy Workshop and activities celebrating Youth Art Month.

Literary arts remained a strong focus throughout the year with the NEA Big Read: Lawton. The community gathered for the kickoff event, participated in programs throughout October and November, and welcomed readers to a special community reading featuring author Mary Roach.

The department also supported a variety of performing arts experiences. Oklahoma Children’s Theatre brought Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede to local audiences, while the Lawton Schubert Music Club presented its 84th Annual Performance of Handel’s Messiah. The department also continued supporting community arts organizations by loaning equipment to Lawton Public Schools for its Elementary Showcase, the Lawton Philharmonic for its 2025–2026 season, and local dance organizations including Sherri’s Dance Studio and Lawton Ballet Studio.

In September, the department assisted the International Festival by supporting their 46th Annual International Festival, which attracted approx. 20,000 people to Elmer Thomas Park for a three day event featuring both headline and volunteer performers.

Visual arts and community celebrations flourished throughout the year with Black History Month and Earth Day Pop-Up Art Shows, Christmas tree decorating, City of Lawton Birthday celebrations at City Hall and community centers, and participation in Holiday in the Park.

The Arts & Humanities Department continued to strengthen partnerships with local organizations, artists, educators, volunteers, and community leaders to make arts and culture accessible to residents of all ages. Annual traditions such as the State of the Arts Luncheon, Youth Art Month, Carnegie Library art classes, the Book Discussion Series, and the NEA Big Read demonstrated the division’s ongoing commitment to enriching the quality of life in Lawton through the arts.

As we celebrate another successful year, we thank our partners, volunteers, sponsors, artists, educators, and community members for their continued support. Together, we look forward to opening the doors of the newly renovated McMahon Memorial Auditorium and continuing to inspire, educate, and connect our community through the arts.

Notable Achievements:

· Completed Phase I Renovation of McMahon Memorial Auditorium

· Awarded 5th consecutive NEA Big Read Grant, for a total of $100,000

· Completed Carnegie Library Townhall exterior stair renovation

· Concluded third semester of Carnegie Library Townhall Art Classes

· Classes were full, totaling thirty students and waitlists were needed