As Forma’s art director, Ashley Forrest, puts it, “Not only do we provide art for your face, but also for your walls.”

Forma is located on the ground floor of Oklahoma City’s historic Pontiac Building. Oil stains from the original auto showroom can be seen on the century-old floor.

The gallery at Forma rotates art shows regularly while also doubling as an event space. It has shown over 200 local artists since its opening in late 2020.

Display cases and tables are on wheels, allowing the space to be easily repurposed for art shows and events.

Forma, Optics & Art currently offers works by over 60 local artists.

Natural light and plants fill the space, and all millwork is custom BauBuche.

When Forma moved in, the space was completely renovated, according to Forrest, to achieve “a clean, modern feel to act as a canvas for all Forma’s eccentricities.”

All of the independent eyewear lines selected by Forma offer something unique in terms of style, design or material. The team especially appreciates brands that are agreeable to customizing frames to suit a particular client.

For Forma’s latest art show, “Ego Death,” the optical was transformed into an open gallery type space. The ceiling was decorated in large clouds hanging throughout with a large disco ball encased in a golden bird cage, from which doves escaped.

Fostering a community around its art space has allowed Forma to largely eschew marketing in the usual sense. “Our events bring in large crowds, spreading awareness about our space,” says Forrest.

Forma was asked to create a pair of frames for rock legend Sir Elton John. They reached out to Sabine Wagner of Sabine Be, and the result was the custom Sabine Be Val de Loire sunglass in gold with custom blue lenses with cloud print — and a diamond on the temple.

Dr. Johnston’s roots in local eyecare run deep; a second-generation eye doctor, he got his start over two decades ago at the business his father established in the early 1970s, Johnston Eye Associates. He still practices at the location in the city’s northwest, 15 miles or so from
Forma.

Forma has hosted performance art, musicians, ballet dancers, local art groups, theater troops, even civil rights rallies. “We constantly reinvent our space to serve our community,” says Forrest.