Council committee hears Kayla Lee's appointment to Tulsa Arts Commission; confirmation set for April 30

Kayla Lee, a licensed architect who manages an office with ties to Minneapolis and Tulsa, appeared before the UED committee to seek appointment to the Tulsa Arts Commission representing Seat/Jurisdiction "Saint Josh Chesney" with a term through Dec. 1, 2027. The committee chair said Lee’s confirmation will be considered at the full council meeting on April 30 at 5 p.m.

Lee told the committee she has worked on public art projects in Tulsa, including project management for an installation at Elgin that used LED strips around doors and was intended to activate pedestrian thoroughfares near OSU and event venues. "Art is a catalyst for positive things and being a part of that and helping to promote and get those things situated is really important," Lee said.

Councilors who spoke in support said they welcomed Lee's technical perspective as an architect and her experience managing arts installations. Councilor Dunne said she wanted more cultural voices on the commission and said Lee would help broaden the commission’s range beyond traditional fine arts. Other councilors noted Lee’s neighborhood- and place-focused approach and invited her to the April 30 confirmation hearing, which she may attend at her discretion.

No committee vote on the appointment was recorded during the UED meeting; the chair indicated the matter will move to the full council for confirmation.