TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) will host The Creative Impact of Stephen Hillenburg at OKPOP on Friday, August 7, celebrating the Oklahomaborn creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants” and his enduring impact on animation, storytelling, humor, and popular culture.
The event will feature special guests Tom Kenny, the Emmy Award-winning voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, and Derek Drymon, longtime “ SpongeBob SquarePants” creative collaborator, writer, director, and producer. Additional guests will be announced at a later date.
The celebration will offer guests a first look at selected materials from The Stephen Hillenburg & SpongeBob SquarePants Collection & Archive at OKPOP, along with a public conversation exploring Hillenburg’s creative life, the making of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and the importance of imagination, collaboration, curiosity, and humor in the creative process.
“Stephen Hillenburg’s creativity is exactly the kind of story OKPOP exists to share,” said Jake Krumwiede, executive director of OKPOP. “His work has inspired generations around the world, but his story also reminds us that creativity can begin anywhere, including right here in Oklahoma. Through this collection and future exhibit storytelling, OKPOP is honored to help celebrate Stephen’s creativity and inspire the next generation of artists, animators, writers, performers, and storytellers.”
A public event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. will include a panel discussion with Kenny, Drymon, and additional guests to be announced, followed by a meet-and-greet opportunity. Special event merchandise is also planned, including a limited-edition commemorative poster. Tickets for this event are sold out, so it will be standing room only for guests without a ticket.