Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Karper.
Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When we founded Factory Obscura in 2017, it came as a result of a conversation among a group of friends. This conversation (hypothetical at the time) was first about imagining what it would look like to build a playground for adults. As the conversation continued, and engaged more people, the idea became more real and got much bigger! Ultimately, a group of five of us came together as founders to build Factory Obscura as a business together. Our goals for the company are many, but they include: building a new economic engine that can evolve how art and artists are valued and sustained; providing a platform for artists to create on a larger, more ambitious scale than is possible on their own; and awakening wonder and joy in our community through meaningful art experiences.
We started back in 2017 with a series of temporary events and immersive experiences, and in late 2018 we landed in our permanent home at 9th & Broadway in Downtown OKC. Here, we have built MIX-TAPE, a 6,000 square foot, handcrafted experience that is open year-round. We also have space for temporary and rotating experiences, along with live music, performances, and events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our growth so far has not been easy, but the work is incredibly rewarding and we are constantly learning and adapting along the way. One of the biggest challenges for us has been the lack of existing models for exactly what we are doing, and often having to find our own way. But that’s also part of the joy of the work, knowing that we can build a path that is right for us and our team.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Factory Obscura is a collaborative company working with a wide range of artists and makers to create fully immersive art experiences. This includes painters, sculptors, fiber artists, musicians, poets, tech specialists, carpenters, and so much more! Our highly collaborative process – from design to installation – is something that sets us apart, resulting in intricately detailed, handmade environments that are rich in meaning and emotion. This collaborative process is designed to bring out each team members strengths, while also stretching them to expand their skills and learn from each other.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success can be defined in so many ways with the work that we do at Factory Obscura, and there are always layers to the goals we are trying to accomplish. The work is successful when the participants can connect with it emotionally, and allow themselves to open up to shared experiences with other humans, which can have endless positive ripple effects. Success for us also means paying artists thriving wages to make their most ambitious work, and giving them the support they need to make their ideas happen.
Pricing:
- General Admission: $24
- Kid Admission (4-17): $16.50
- Children 3 & Under: Free
Contact Info:
- Website: www.factoryobscura.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factoryobscura/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factoryobscura
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factoryobscura
Image Credits
Madelyn Amacher Dylan Johnson
