New & Now Community Buzz Newsworthy happenings BY EMILEY BAINBRIDGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED. Growing to serve even more In 2026, Hearts for Hearing, which provides solutions and support for children and adults with hearing loss, will open a new, expanded Oklahoma City clinic. The innovative space will double its current footprint, increase capacity for pediatric and adult services and house an expanded Research Institute led by Dr. Renee Gifford. A signature feature of the new building will be a 53-foot tower with an illuminated soundwave sculpture, symbolizing a “celebration of sound.” The tower will light up at night each time someone receives the gift of hearing, a visual reminder of the lives changed within its walls. To learn more, donate or get involved, visit HeartsforHearing.org.
HEARTS FOR HEARING “CELEBRATION OF SOUND” SCULPTURE
Oddball Academy opens as new STEM learning center Geek out at Oddball Academy, Oklahoma City’s newest STEM-focused learning center. The academy offers homeschool and after-school STEM courses, Saturday family workshops, birthday party options, Parents’ Night Out, a Maker Bar, Homeschool Co-Op hours and more. From coding and robots to simple machines and magnets, Oddball Academy has something for every young scientist. Oddball Academy is located at 12403 N. Rockwell. Learn more at OddballAcademy.org.
Oklahoma Contemporary launches ARTS LAB: a bold new framework for arts education
Last fall, Oklahoma Contemporary launched ARTS LAB, a new education platform that delivers arts-integrated, future-ready programming to students, teachers and schools across Oklahoma. Grounded in contemporary visual and performing arts, ARTS LAB features reimagined field trips, hands-on educator workshops and a redesigned high school event centered on creative careers. ARTS LAB is built to make the arts more accessible, relevant and connected to today’s classrooms. With programs aligned to academic standards and connected to real-world creative fields, the initiative bridges classroom learning and professional artistic practice. Learn more at OklahomaContemporary.org.
INSTALLATION VIEW OF ARTNOW: THE SOUL IS A WANDERER
10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026
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