Button Day is a fund raising event for The Children’s Center, a private, nonprofit pediatric hospital, focused on maximizing the potential of children with complex medical needs and disabilities.  This year will mark one hundred years since the first Button Day, on July 7, 1910 (see attached). The Children’s Center is celebrating this anniversary by hosting a juried art exhibition, highlighting artwork that incorporates buttons in some way, either as subject or medium.

On July 7, 1910, fifteen women sold buttons to benefit The Oklahoma Orphanage (now The Children’s Center). Resembling the modern pin-back button, the original design included the image of an infant and was sold at whatever price the buyer could afford. Buttons were sold throughout the day, appropriately called “Button Day,” with donations totaling $400. Collected funds were used towards future building projects and equipment.
To our knowledge, Button Day has not occurred since its inception in 1910. We are excited to mark the 100th anniversary with an exhibition which will both highlight the talents of those in the community and celebrate the Center’s heritage as well.  In addition to a juried art exhibition, pin-back buttons made by local elementary school students and patients of The Children’s Center will also be on display and available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit The Children’s Center.

Click here for artist application, which includes all the details.