A patron of the Leslie Powell Gallery in Lawton, Oklahoma views a piece of artwork by Fari Rahimi.

Who We Are

For nearly 40 years, the Leslie Powell Gallery has been promoting fine art in Lawton and southwest Oklahoma.

Leslie Powell was born in Minneapolis, Kansas in 1906. His parents soon moved their family to Lawton, Oklahoma, where Powell’s father opened a pharmacy. Though he lived in many places, most notably New York City, the Lawton area always held a place in Powell’s heart; he often returned to teach art classes at the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council, which he helped create. After his death in 1978, The Leslie Powell Trust and the Leslie Powell Foundation were created to celebrate and promote fine art in the town he loved so much.

Today, the Leslie Powell Gallery hosts six exhibitions throughout the year, including the Cameron Senior Art Exhibition and the Lawton Farmer’s Market Annual Art Competition. In addition to the visual arts, the gallery also hosts poetry readings and lectures. However, our focus is always on presenting the work of local and regional artists to the public.

Due to our revolving exhibition schedule, there is always something new to see at the Leslie Powell Gallery. There is new artwork on the walls every two months, making for a new experience every time you walk in the door. Though most of the artwork is for sale, there is no entry fee to visit, and we are open to the public.

The Leslie Powell Trust

Tom Sutherlin
Alan Jolly
Teresa Pendergraft

The Leslie Powell Foundation

Paige Michener, Chairperson
Cathy Ross, Secretary
Edna McMillan, Treasurer
John Kennedy II
Jason Poudrier

Exexutive Director and Curator

Matthew D. Hughes