New Student-Led Exhibit Explores American Myths

Since time immemorial, humans have been fascinated and terrified by the inexplicable. Ancient people found a way to explain these phenomena: through stories. Epic tales of heroism, dire warnings, and evolving tales of deities have always helped bring us together. These stories detailed gods from Greek, Roman, Norse, and many other cultures, cryptid creatures, heroes and villains, and ordinary people doing the extraordinary. Places and cultures were built on what are often called “myths.” However, many of these myths are old and often connected to a different part of the world. What about now, here … where we are?

This exhibit represents a deep dive on American myths, stories that have shaped what today is called “America” and its people. The pieces you see around you reflect something that is deeply, truly, and comprehensively American in nature and origin, from Indigenous stories to political narratives that frame this land’s history.

You are invited to look at myths through five different lenses: Invention/Creation, Cryptids/Fears, Doomsday/Violence, Hope/Heroes, and Reinvention/Resilience. Consider how you approach each of the pieces – and where you reside within it. Think about the American myths that were not included, how they interact with the story that is being told, and imagine which myths you would like to see added.

American Myth is a student-led exhibit which started as a Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) project. Founded in 1992, TURC encourages and supports undergraduate students who engage in exciting research projects while also devoting time toward serving the community. TURC also enables undergraduates to conduct advanced research under the guidance of top UTulsa professors. The project was spearheaded by Emmalie Maez, with research support from fellow TURC students Aeric Beck and Katherine Renteria. Professional and gallery support was provided by Danika Bryant, Jessica Mehta, and Schuyler Tracy

This exhibit runs Friday, Feb. 6–Saturday, Apr. 25, at UTulsa’s 101 Archer in the North Gallery. Our galleries are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon until 5 p.m. Special closures for private events will be announced on our social media pages. As always, admission is free.