About the Poster

For 2025, we’ve proudly unveiled the Stay Gold Collection, featuring two official designs – one to serve as the festival’s commemorative 2025 poster art and the other design to celebrate the new Mayfit 5K with a poster and T-shirt – as well as a dozen more original art pieces that are now on display at 101 Archer.

The curated collection is inspired by this year’s Mayfest theme: “Stay Gold,” a tribute to the iconic novel “The Outsiders” by UTulsa alumna S.E. Hinton, which was made into an internationally known movie and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

Shelly Collins, a high school teacher and artist from Owasso, was announced as the creator of the Mayfest poster art. Her colorful work features hand-cut paper that highlights birds, flowers and other natural elements surrounding the iconic downtown Tulsa skyline.

“I grew up in a North Tulsa neighborhood adjacent to the Admiral Twin Drive-In – the very location where scenes from the 1983 movie ‘The Outsiders’ were filmed,” Collins said. “As a child, I remember climbing through a hole in the fence between my elementary school and the theater, much like Ponyboy and Johnny do in the movie to enter the drive-in. These memories of Tulsa’s rich history and the sense of belonging to a community steeped in stories and culture have profoundly shaped both my identity and my art.”

This year also marks the introduction of a 5K run/1K fun run, which is set for May 10. Jessica Scheffel, an art teacher in Catoosa, was announced as the designer behind the Mayfit 2025 poster and T-shirts. The print was created with linoleum blocks and features bold blue, red, and, of course, gold.

“‘The Outsiders’ book and the film hold a very special place in the hearts of many Tulsans,” said Scheffel. “I knew for this piece to be successful, I had to include an image of the Outsider’s house. To stick with the gold theme, I also wanted to feature the Golden Driller landmark. Last, and certainly not least, I set the Tulsa flag in the background. The design was good, but more importantly, the design was Tulsa.”

Also revealed were 12 artists whose original works complete the Stay Gold Collection. These pieces will be on display at 101 Archer until May 31. All are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. They are Rick Leroy Bartholomew (Tulsa), Lisandro Boccacci (Tulsa), Marsha Francine Campbell (Tulsa), Matthew Dean (Southfield, Michigan), Joe Faber (Tulsa), Jonathan Goldie (Tulsa), Charisa Dené Jacobs (Tulsa), Nicholas Joel Santistevan (Owasso), Kendall Schulz (Sapulpa), David Swartz (Denver), Landan “Tanglman” Tolentino (Piedmont), and Alyssa Torres (Jenks).

“We are excited to feature all of these artists and their incredible works at the 2025 Mayfest,” said Julie Carson, chair of Tulsa Mayfest 2025. “In each of these pieces, you’ll find reflected the deep love that Tulsans have for their city. Tulsa truly is ‘gold,’ and I think the community will find this year’s elevated Mayfest to be an extraordinary event.”

Carson extended her gratitude to the many sponsors who make Tulsa Mayfest possible, including Sodexo, Heartland/Roark, Tulsa Bone and Joint, PSO of Oklahoma, ONEOK, Renewal by Anderson, Zizo, and MidFirst Bank.

The Artful Journey: Over 50 years of Mayfest Poster Art

Since its inception in 1973, Tulsa’s Mayfest has been a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. Each year, a talented artist crafts a poster that encapsulates the spirit of the festival. Take a brief look at five decades of Mayfest poster art:

1. The Genesis (1973-2000)

• Jubilee '73: The inaugural Mayfest, then known as Jubilee '73, marked the festival’s birth. The first poster featured a jubilant crowd dancing under a star-studded sky, symbolizing unity, and joy.

• Floral Flourish (1981-1990): As Mayfest gained momentum, floral motifs took center stage. Artists painted tulips, daffodils, and irises—nature’s ode to spring. These posters radiated optimism and growth.

• Abstract Expressions (1991-2000): The '90s brought abstract art to the forefront. Bold strokes, geometric shapes, and vibrant colors adorned the posters. Each year, attendees deciphered hidden meanings within the abstract forms.

2. The Millennium Shift (2001-2010)

• Digital Renaissance (2001-2005): The dawn of the digital age influenced Mayfest posters. Artists blended traditional techniques with digital wizardry. These posters reflected a fusion of old and new.

• Cultural Collage (2006-2010): Tulsa’s diversity shone through collage-style posters. Layers of imagery—musicians, dancers, and iconic landmarks—celebrated the city’s rich tapestry.

3. The Modern Era (2011-2022)

• Urban Vistas (2011-2015): Artists captured Tulsa’s evolving skyline—the BOK Center, the Gathering Place, and the Art Deco District. These posters whispered, “Look how far we’ve come.”

• Whimsical Realism (2016-2022): Surreal scenes emerged—hot air balloons floating over Guthrie Green, mythical creatures dancing by the Arkansas River. These posters invited viewers to dream.

4. The Golden Jubilee (2023)

• 50th Anniversary (2023): Shortly after purchasing Mayfest ensuring its 50th annual event, The University of Tulsa President Brad R. Carson invited acclaimed international artist, Patrick S. Gordon to create the golden jubilee poster. “M is for Mayfest (Oni’s Flowers),” depicted sunflowers, tulips, and violets on a 19th-century table. A snow globe added whimsy. The ribbon tied around the flowers came from Toni’s Flowers & Gifts, a local florist. A tribute to community and continuity.

5. Mayfest 2024

• With roots in graffiti and street art scenes, inspiration is drawn from hand painted signage, street textures and type, the 2024 Mayfest Poster Artist Aaron Whisner used bold imagery and technique to capture elements from 50+ years of Mayfest posters. A native of Oklahoma, Aaron is co-founder of Clean Hands Inc., a Tulsa based design crew and streetwear supplier. Aaron has been actively painting since the mid 90’s.