Tulsa Goff Fest celebrates area architecture

TULSA, Okla. — Even if you haven’t heard of Bruce Goff, you’ve likely seen his work.

Bruce Goff grew up in Tulsa, starting as an architecture apprentice at just 12 years old before being mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright. Goff taught and served as the Chairman for the School of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma but many reports say he was forced to resign in 1955 because of his eclectic designs and homosexuality.

That is actually one of the reason’s the festival page says Goff Fest started: “to change the discourse, to open dialogues of truth and celebrate the life and work of America’s best unknown organic architect.”

Goff is credited with designing the Boston Avenue Methodist Church downtown and also the Tulsa Club Hotel.

Goff designed around 500 structures in Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota and Mississippi, many were private homes but some of his largest pieces are right here in Tulsa.

>>>INTERACTIVE MAP OF GOFF WORKS

Goff Fest features architectural tours, a documentary screening, art shows and a ball.

The Tulsa Spotlight Theater

Quaker House near Cherry Street

Adams House in Vinita

Shin’en Kan in Bartlesville

John Frank home in Sapulpa