TULSA, OK.- Shakespeare said it best; “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The same can be said for Tulsa’s own Patrick Gordon. Art lovers may know him as Pat, Patrick, or P.S.—or the name may be new to you—but his brilliant, luminous paintings carry powerful impact and have been favorites in the Tulsa community for decades. Philbrook Museum of Art is presenting “Wall Flowers: Patrick Gordon Paintings” (Sept. 24, 2025–Jan. 3, 2026), the first- ever career retrospective for the beloved Tulsa artist.

Every picture tells a story. Patrick Gordon’s paintings explore ideas of identity and the notion that what we choose to surround ourselves with—a favorite flower, a special souvenir, or a carefully designed room—can say a lot about who we are. 

Featuring over fifty paintings, the exhibition includes Gordon’s earliest experiments in watercolor as well as his recent huge, saturated florals. These hang alongside stirring, sensitive portraits and still lifes that highlight Gordon’s deep commitment to the Tulsa community.

“For this retrospective we wanted to highlight the variety and breadth of a career spanning more than fifty years.” said Philbrook curator Susan Green. “These works are some of his absolute favorites and speak to significant moments in his development as an artist.”

This exhibition is simply a new chapter in the ongoing story between Gordon and Philbrook which originated in the 1970s when he began as a teaching artist. In 1977 Philbrook hosted Gordon’s first museum exhibition, marking a pivotal moment in a burgeoning career.

“Supporting local artists isn’t just part of our mission, it is an opportunity to celebrate perspectives and stories that are uniquely Tulsan,” said Philbrook President & CEO Megan Whittaker Nesbit. “Few have shaped the rich culture of our community more generously or dedicatedly than Pat. What an honor it’s been to collaborate with him on this beautiful exhibition.”