04-24-26 Spring Home & Garden

Design meets meaningful cause: Symphony Show House 2026

By Rose Lane Editor

Set within the breathtaking historic estate known as Wilshire Gardens (2203 E. Wilshire Blvd.), Symphony Show House 2026 invites guests to experience the magic that happens when exceptional design meets a meaningful cause.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic‘s Symphony Show House 2026, runs May 2-17.

Now in its 53rd year, this highly anticipated event — founded by the Oklahoma City Orchestra League — raises vital funds in support of the OKCPHIL’s education and community engagement programs, which inspire thousands of students and families each year.

“Every house transformed by the OKC Orchestra League’s Symphony Show House experience is unique in some way, whether ownership, location or provenance,” Orchestra League President Ra-

chael Geiger said, “This year’s home is absolutely an escape within the city. This 12.5 acres feels like you’re in rural Oklahoma, but you’re really just a stone’s throw from everywhere you want to be!”

Nestled beneath a canopy of mature trees at the end of a stone-lined drive, Wilshire Gardens is a meticulously preserved Tudor-style residence spanning 11,169 square feet. Originally constructed in the 1920s and expanded in 1931, the home features extraordinary architectural details including a restored barrel-vaulted ceiling with hand-carved wood, a richly paneled library, a grand limestone fireplace, and sun-drenched rooms that celebrate timeless elegance.

Of course guests will see the incredible work of all the designers. Every single lighting piece is stunning and the art is spectacular, Geiger said.

See SHOW HOUSE, Page C4

Every single lighting piece is stunning and the art is spectacular in this year’s OKCPHIL

2203 E.

May 2-17.

Southwest Builders always strives for excellence

SSouthwest Builders transforms your home into your dream oasis with our custom home remodeling services. We are a remodeling company that serves Oklahoma, including OKC, Edmond, Norman, Moore and its rural communities. Our clients can always expect our services to be excellent, fair, and of the highest quality work and results.

We started our company with a single goal in mind: Always strive for excellence by never taking shortcuts with material or workmanship. The majority of our business originates from client referrals because of our quality and customer service standards. Now, we are an award-winning remodeling contractor and the only central and western Oklahoma home remodeling contractor in

the city carrying the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation.

Southwest Builders has been chosen by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry as Contractor of the Year 25 times.

Every year these awards recognize design, workmanship, and strict adherence to NARI’s business practices and code of Ethics. As construction professionals, we stay active in the following civic and trade organizations:

• The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

• Oklahoma State Home Builders Association.

• Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association.

• Oklahoma City Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating).

• National Sunroom Association.

• RemodelersH Council.

SHOW HOUSE

From Page C2

“But at this year’s Symphony Show House, I’d encourage every guest to look for the fifth wall — ceilings,” she said. “The craftsmanship is unlike anything we see in modern home building —from the beams in the kitchen to the barrel ceiling of the formal living area which was originally created by European artisans without a single nail.” The Symphony Show House isn’t just an

event for the OKCPHIL, Geiger said it is an investment in the children of Oklahoma.

“For over 50 years, it has fueled music education and outreach programs that bring the power of live orchestral music to students across Oklahoma,” she said.

“This year alone, programs originally launched by the OKC Orchestra League — like We’ve Got Rhythm and Rhythm on the Road, our newest initiative — reached 191 schools in 43 counties. Our Youth Concerts welcomed 11,000 students to the Civic Center, contributing to a total impact of

more than 31,000 lives.

“Every ticket, every guest, every visit to Show House helps make that possible.” OKC Philharmonic was founded in 1988 and celebrates over 30 years of beautiful music in Oklahoma City. Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra performs Classics, Orchestral Pops, and Discovery Family concerts, as well as a variety of community engagements. Its mission exists to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music. For more information, contact visit okcphil.org.

Art in action: Painting live at Howell Gallery

OOn Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we're turning the gallery into a working studio.

Three of our Oklahoma City artists — Andre Tutak, Ginger Myers and Nancy Junkin — will be creating live. This is your chance to watch their visions come to life.

Andre Tutak is known for his richly textured cityscapes and urban night scenes. Ginger Myers brings whimsy and warmth to her distinctive ceramic sculptures. Nancy Junkin's expressive abstract and figurative paintings capture mood and movement with bold color and loose brushwork.

Guests are welcome to stroll the gallery, ask ques-

tions, and see finished pieces alongside works in progress.

Three different artists, three distinct styles, one dynamic opportunity to see art live. This event is free and open to the public. Join us Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Howell Gallery — 6432 N. Western Ave.

Howell Gallery represents a diverse roster of Oklahoma and regional artists and has been a fixture of the Oklahoma City arts community for decades. The Howell Gallery is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Learn more about the gallery and our artists by visiting our website at howellgallery.com.

2026 Orchestra League Symphony Show House

The designers have performed their magic and have transformed the 2026 Orchestra League Symphony Show House into a masterpiece! From the furnishings to the art and the outdoor spaces, this year’s creation is certainly something to see.