New art installation brings attention to Oklahoma education crisis

NORMAN, Okla. (KOKH) — A new, large-scale art installation is putting a face to the education crisis plaguing Oklahoma.

It’s called ‘Faces of the 47th’ and refers to Oklahoma's ranking as 47th in the nation when it comes to education.

"We just wanted to provide a face of the children who have been, you know, neglected over the past decade with our current legislation,” said Sarah Agee, the project’s director.

Agee, a Norman resident and mother of three, spent several days at the Capitol during the teacher walkout and organized welcome parties for teachers returning to their schools after long days spent advocating for funding.

When the walkout wrapped up, Agee knew she couldn't just stand by idly hoping for a positive outcome.

"Through networking, I met a wonderful, experienced photographer by the name of Neil Chapman, and Neil and I went across the state in May of this year photographing public school children,” Agee told FOX 25.

Those photographs are now a part of three completed installations in Norman, Pauls Valley and Waynoka. Two more installations are expected to be completed in Oklahoma City and Enid in the coming weeks.

The message behind the project is simple yet profound, and it serves as a visual reminder for people to vote pro-education. Agee hopes those who see it are as touched by it as she was in helping to create it.

"The biggest message that I got was how much the children love their teachers,” Agee said. “They love school, they love their teachers, and that's mutual and it's a beautiful thing."

The artwork can be viewed at:

• 209 W Main St. in Norman
• 1624 Main St. in Waynoka
• 111 E. Paul Ave. in Pauls Valley

More information can be found at www.facesofthe47th.com