THE JOY FORMIDABLE OU MFA THESIS EXHIBIT

NAC MAGNAC MAGA LOOK AT NORMAN ART

WEATHER THE STORMTHE NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER TEAMS UP WITH

NORMAN ARTS COUNCIL AND FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART FOR AN EXHIBIT THAT’S ALL ABOUT WEATHER

PREVIEW OF NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

LOOK AT WHERE NORMAN ART IS MADE WITH OPEN STUDIOS

APRIL/MAY 2013

TAB

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F CONTENTS

5 SEE WHAT NSAA, CAN & SWAN ARE UP TO8 2ND FRIDAY APRIL PREVIEW

9 WRITING WORKSHOP OFFERS DIVERSE SELECTION OF SESSIONS12 THE OU MFA THESIS EXHIBIT GOES ON DISPLAY AT MAINSITE

14 OPEN STUDIOS RETURNS FOR A SECOND YEAR16 PUTERBAUGH FESTIVAL & STIRRING THE FIRE EXHIBITION

18 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR AT NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL24 PHOTO COLLECTION FROM THE ONE EVENT

10. ON THE COVERTHE INAUGRAL NATIONAL

WEATHER CENTER BIENNALE DEBUTS ON EARTH DAYTHE PAINTED DESERT — CAROL BEESLEY

DESIGNED BY JOSHUA BOYDSTONEDITED BY ERINN GAVAGHAN

Dear Arts Friends and Supporters,

A special thank you to all of you. We are so thrilled that the Hotel Tax increase passed with overwhelming support from voters last week. This is excellent news for tourism and arts in Norman. But I think what makes this so special is the Norman community support for public funding of the arts. We in the arts work very hard to make Norman a great place to live and visit and it means a lot that our community recognized our work with this vote. We promise to continue to bring you great programs and educational opportunities with the increased funds from the tax.

Spring is a wonderfully exciting time for arts in Norman, and as you will see here in the NAC MAG, there is a ton to see and do! The National Weather Center Biennale, Norman Music Festival 6, Jazz in June, warm 2nd Fridays, Norman Open Studios, so much art! Go out and enjoy the weather and the arts.

Warmest wishes,

Erinn GavaghanExecutive DirectorNorman Arts Council

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

YOU, MEAND NACYOU, MEAND NACA LOOK AT WHAT WE SAW LAST MONTH THROUGH INSTAGRAM

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Monthly Art CritiquesTHE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 6:45 PM - 8:30 PMAT MAINSITE CONTEMPORARY ART | 122 E. Main St., Norman, OK

Sign Up at 6:45pm for your critique. Select between Session I for those with one work OR Session II for those with a body of work (a series of two or more works). Discover ways to improve your work and inspire others with your feedback about their pieces. Stay and mingle/network until 8:30pm following all critiques. Join us.Call (405) 360-1162 for more information or visit www.normanarts.org

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OPEN MIC - 7-9 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 9 AT PINK ELEPHANT CAFE/TRES CANTINA

2ND FRIDAY - 7-9 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 12AT PINK ELEPHANT CAFE/TRES CANTINA & PERSPECTIVE

OPEN MIC - 7-9 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 16 AT MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE & WINE BAR

5TH TUESDAY - 7-11 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 30 AT O’CONNELL’S

MONTHLY MEETING & OPEN MIC - 7-9 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 7 AT MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE & WINE BAR

OPEN MIC - 7-9 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 14AT PINK ELEPHANT CAFE/TRES CANTINA

OPEN MIC - 7-9 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 21AT MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE & WINE BAR

APRIL & MAY EVENTS

The SongWriters Association of Norman (SWAN) is an Artist Community of the Norman Arts Council and is designed to promote and support the creation of original music in the greater Norman community.

Whether you’re a seasoned songwriting veteran or are just getting started, this group is the perfect venue to discuss songwriting techniques, song & lyric structure, and perform finished work.

For more information, visit SWAN online at www.normansongwriters.org.

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Cinematic Artists of Norman was founded by a group of local filmmakers, and strives to strengthen the community

of filmmakers in Norman and the surrounding areas by providing valuable resources and outlets for local

filmmakers. No matter the age or experience level, CAN seeks to build a support system for the creativity of film

and video, and seeks to grow the film industry’s interest in Norman.

For more information, contact Cait Brasel by email

canchair@gmail.com, or visit www.cinematicartistsofnorman.org.

ART WALKART WALKFRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013

PARTICIPATING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:Firehouse Art Center (444 S. Flood) presents a jewelry and metalsmithing exhibition of internationally known artists Charles Lewton-Brain and Charleen Weidell.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm) debuts Stirring the Fire for Museum Association members with an opening reception for the general public planned for the following day.

The Performing Arts Studio (200 S. Jones) presents a collaborative exhibit from Norman artists Carolyn Faseler, Corazon Watkins and Betty Wood titled Dreams. University of Oklahoma Steel Drum Band at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Dreamer Concepts (324 E. Main) debuts Dreamer 48, which features the work of University of Oklahoma painting students Robert Ahboah, Matt Anderson, Andrea Duran, Michael Hatcher, Alexa Healey, Theresa Hultberg, Meghan Murphy, Elliott Robbins and Anna Thomas.

Norman Public Library (225 N. Webster) will host a Pioneer Library System-sponsored Art Walk Culture Talk, which highlights collections in the library and ties them in with local and global culture. April’s Talk focuses on Native American contributions to literature and poetry with special guests Susan Shannon and Joe Dale Nevaquaya, starting at 6 p.m.

Jacobson House (609 Chautauqua) hosts Electric Buffalo, an evening of contemporary pop art, comedy and food featuring DJ TaylorMade and DJ Khani Deep with the famous Caesar Family Indian Tacos available.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art: Home of the Norman Arts Council (122 E. Main) debuts the OU MFA Thesis Exhibit, featuring the work of graduating University of Oklahoma masters students Brent Richardson, Erin Shaw, Jacquelyn Sparks, Spencer Ulm and Stuart Whitis. N. Harold Donley will be signing copies of his new book OUTWORLD in the Library Gallery.

KIDS’ CORNER:Kids’ Corner (located at the parking lot adjacent to LWPB Architects & Planners, or inside in case of inclement weather) is back with activities sponsored by Sonder Music, Dance & Art and Rose Rock School! Engage in child-friendly art exercises from 6 to 8 p.m.

FOOD TRUCKS:Big Truck Tacos (parked at STASH, 412 E. Main) is serving up its now famous Mexican street food from 6 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting).

GALLERIES, SHOPS & STUDIOS:The Social Club (106 S. Crawford) debuts work of collage artist Ty Lee, who uses found images to push past conventional lines of thinking and creating.

Sonder Music, Dance & Art (225 E. Gray) continues hosting Blue Bunny, Russian Cat, a collection of paintings coming out of the sillier side of artist Roshni Robert’s brain.

Studio 360 (109 N. Crawford) comes alive with performances by McMichael Music Rock Clinic Bands from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Massive Downtown (301 W. Main) welcomes multimedia artist M Paul Kirby with pieces from his This is My Grandmother and I Love Her series and more.

Gallery 123 (123 E. Main) is celebrating its third anniversary with drinks, cake and a ten percent off gallery wide sale.

Unlabeled Apparel (1272 N. Interstate) invites you to enjoy the work of Melissa Kennedy, an University of Oklahoma graduate and nature photographer

Gray Owl Coffee (223 E. Gray) debuts a works on paper exhibit Madcap Doodles from Alli Campbell and friends.

STASH (412 E. Main) hosts a special preview of Keisha Register’s Wallpaper Project, a collection of photograph portraits that celebrate the Norman community, along with new work from Bella Vita Jewelry and crepes by Karen.

Joy’s Palace (300 E. Main) gets down with a free blues concert and tea.

D5 Architecture (301 E. Main) hosts the Sooner Rotary Club, who will have a display of their members’ artwork.

Third Eye Gallery (120 E. Tonhawa) is proud to present Born Into Wisdom, a new exhibition of photographs by internationally-acclaimed artist Linda Schaefer whose Come and See: A Photojournalist’s Journey into the World of Mother Teresa.

The Artist Studios above MAINSITE (122 E. Main) features new watercolors by Bill Williams and work by Skip Hill, as well as Maggy’s Thread’s new line of spring and summer hats, handcrafted by Juanita Williams.

Sandalwood & Sage (322 E. Main) has a trunk show of imports from Nepal.

Bison Witches (211 E. Main) has DJ Mike B spinning through the night, as well as jewelry by WCH Handmades outfront.

D.M. Wealth Management (201 E. Main) welcomes the colorful work of conceptual and portrait artist Barby D. Osborn.

Bigfoot Creative (315 E. Main) welcomes the bold, funky work of artists Barry Magnin and Derrick Adams.

2ND FRIDAY LATE NIGHT:The Blue Bonnet (321 E. Main) gets taken over by The Wandering Madman, who will perform for free at 10 p.m.

The Abner Ale House (121 E. Main) will get rocked by an acoustic show from Norman alt-country act Radio Apathy at 10 p.m.

Opolis (113 N. Crawford) sees the return of Norman psych pop act Evangelicals with Tulsa’s The Low Litas at 8 p.m. Cover is $7.

WRITE RIGHTThe Norman Arts Council partners with the Pioneer Library System for the third

annual Writing Workshop, May 4, 2013. This year the NAC is pleased to announce that the Writing Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Writers’

Federation’s 45 Annual Conference. OWFI is sponsoring the Writing Workshop through a donation of space at the Embassy Suites during the conference. The

joint venue will allow aspiring writers to mingle with published authors during the autograph party following the Workshop.

This years Writing Workshop features three exciting sessions:

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. “Self-Expression” – Lead by Gregory Jerome This session presents a history of Hip Hop along with lyrical development.

Open to writers/musicians of all skill levels, no previous Hip Hop or songwriting experience needed. All ages welcome, adolescents to adults.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Poetry and Songwriting with Oklahoma Poet Laureate, Nathan Brown

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. “Paths to Publishing: e-Publishing” with Mel Odem

Writing Workshop participates are invited to stay after the workshops for the OWFI Autograph party from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

The Norman Arts Council Writing Workshop is free and open to all ages and registration is required. Call 701-1849 or email cindy@pls.lib.ok.us to register.

If Workshop participants would like to attend any of the OWFI Conferences, there is an additional charge for that and registration is separate at www.owfi.org.

WRITING WORKSHOP HELPS VARIETY OF WRITERS

ARTISTIC FORECAST Late spring and early summer typically reveal active weather patterns in Oklahoma, and this year will establish a new precedent. However, this particular weather can only be found indoors. The National Weather Center and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma have teamed up with the Norman Arts Council to present the first international biennale to be held at the National Weather Center Atrium beginning Earth Day, April 22. The National Weather Center Biennale showcases art’s window on the impact of weather on the human experience through three media – painting, works on paper and photography. “It is easy to see how the weather influences peoples’ daily lives, but art often exerts a more subtle influence,” said Alan Atkinson, exhibition curator and art instructor at OU. “It makes sense to combine them in a venue that will underscore the ways that both art and weather shape our humanity.” Initial jurors have selected 100 works for display at the exhibition from more than 700 pieces submitted by nearly 400 artists representing all 50 states and multiple countries. A panel of three guest jurors will select a winning piece

from each of the three categories as well as name one piece the Best of Show. “We are very fortunate to have such an amazing response from international artists who entered very intriguing and impressive works,” said Ghislain d’Humières, director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “The level of talent represented in this initial biennale is complemented by a truly incredible panel of our guest judges, who will have the difficult task of narrowing down these works to prize winners.” The final jurors are Christoph Heinrich, the Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the Denver Art Museum; Spencer Finch, an American artist specializing in glass and light installations; and Jacqui Jeras, a broadcast meteorologist with WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. “We are honored by the experts who agreed to serve as our three judges,” said Berrien Moore, director of the National Weather Center. “They bring an artistic sensitivity and breadth with an appreciation of the magic of our planet and its weather. Importantly, all three understand the world of communication and the importance of images.” Moore also is the dean of the OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS SHINE AT INAUGURAL NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER BIENNALE

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ARTISTIC FORECASTSciences, vice president of Weather and Climate Programs, and Chesapeake Energy Corporation Chair in Climate Studies. Category winners will receive $5,000 each and the overall Best of Show winner will be awarded $10,000 and a full-page advertisement in an upcoming issue of Southwest Art Magazine. The winners will be announced during the exhibition’s opening. “We are so fortunate to have both a world renowned art museum and the National Weather Center as part of the University of Oklahoma in Norman,” said Erinn Gavaghan, executive director of the Norman Arts Council. “This is such a wonderful opportunity for the arts community here to work with these two superb institutions which are bringing the worlds of arts and science together for this truly unique biennale exhibition.” Atkinson, Moore and Gavaghan served as initial judges who were tasked with narrowing the talented pool of entries to the final 100 works that will be on display at the National Weather Center. The selected works, including the prize winners will be featured in the biennale exhibition, which is open to the public at no cost. The exhibition officially opens on

Earth Day, April 22, 2013, and closes June 2, 2013. The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors will need to present a photo ID for entry. Additional information about the exhibition is available at www.nwcbiennale.org and the biennale’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Completed in 2006, the 244,000-square-foot National Weather Center building is the anchor of a unique research and learning community that includes the nation’s largest academic meteorology program; five National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research, operations and support organizations; and more than a half dozen private weather and weather technology-related companies – all located within a few hundred yards of each other on the OU Research Campus in Norman, OK. The central space for the exhibition will be the 9,600-square-foot atrium. The National Weather Center’s website is www.nwcnorman.org; the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s website is www.ou.edu/fjjma and the Norman Arts Council’s website is www.normanarts.org.

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS SHINE AT INAUGURAL NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER BIENNALE

Tony Abeyta (Navajo, b. 1965)Storm from the South, 2011

Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in.On loan from a private collector.

University of Oklahoma masters students present the OU MFA Thesis Exhibit to the public from Friday, April 12 through Friday, April 26 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main, with an opening and closing reception planned for 6 to 10 p.m. on each of those respective nights. The MFA students showcasing work include Spencer Ulm (top), Erin Shaw (right), Jacquelyn Sparks, Brent Richardson and Stuart Whitis. The Water Closet Gallery will show behind-the-scenes photographs of the MFA students at work creating their exhibit. In addition to the OU MFA Thesis Exhibit, science fiction author N. Harold Donley will be on hand signing copies of his latest work OUTWORLD. Signed copies will be available for purchase for $15.

MASTERING ARTTHE OU MFA THESIS EXHIBIT RUNS THROUGH APRIL

ERIN SHAW

SPENCER ULM

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JACQUELYN SPARKS

STU

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HIT

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BRENT RICHARDSON

OU MFA THESIS EXHIBITAPRIL 12 - APRIL 26

MAINSITE CONTEMPORARY ART

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HOW IT GETSMADE

OPEN STUDIOS GIVES INSIGHT INTO HOW

— AND WHERE — NORMAN ART IS CREATED14

Artists and art lovers, mark your calendars for May 10-11, 2013 for the second annual Norman Open Studios Weekend. Last year saw 21 Norman-area artists open their working spaces to visitors. Visitors were guided through town by a map (available at normanarts.org starting on Friday, April 26) and examples of artists work displayed at MAINSITE Contemporary Art.

Through Open Studios, visitors are given the opportunity to see where and how Norman art is being made. From garage, to basement, to cottage out back, artists will turn any available space into a studio!

Work by the artists will be on display starting on Friday, May 10 through Friday, May 17 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art with a reception planned from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 10 in conjunction with 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.

Studio visits are planned for the following day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an artist party scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at MAINSITE. Admission is free for participating artists and $5 for the general public.

For more information, visit normanarts.org or call (405) 360-1162.

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Festival, Exhibition Celebrates Literature and

Photography, with a Spotlight

on Global Women’s Issues

The second week of April, World Literature Today — the University of Oklahoma’s award-winning magazine of international literature and culture — will welcome Ethiopian writer Maaza Mengiste (pictured), the 2013 Puterbaugh Fellow, as the visiting writer during “Image & Word,” the Puterbaugh Festival of International Literature & Culture (April 9–12, 2013). That same week, internationally renowned photographer Phil Borges will speak at the opening of the exhibition Stirring the Fire: A Global Movement to Empower Women and Girls at OU’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. According to WLT executive director RC Davis-Undiano, the 2013 festival will offer unparalleled insight into the synergy between language and images: “Since the earliest daguerreotypes,” he said, “photographs have transformed the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us. Going back millennia, writers have also transformed our ways of encountering the world. Looking through the eyes of writers and photographers, prepare to be astonished by the power of what images and words can accomplish together.” The week’s events will also include the Oklahoma premiere of the film Girl Rising, which “uses the power of storytelling and the leverage of strategic partnerships to deliver the message that educating girls in developing nations will change the world,” followed by a roundtable discussion on the topic of using art to promote social and political change. Additional roundtable discussions and workshops devoted to photography, literature, women’s empowerment, and human trafficking will round out the week. All events (except for two workshops) are free and open to the public, and the museum opening on April 12 will coincide with the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, a monthly performance event and walking tour of Norman’s art galleries. For the complete schedule, visit puterbaughfestival.org.

A new exhibition of photography by Phil Borges at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art sheds light on gender issues worldwide. Stirring the Fire: A Global Movement to Empower Women and Girls opens to the public Saturday, April 13. The photographs featured in the exhibition depict the stories and lives of women across the world, highlighting the common themes among the very different environments in which they live. Stirring the Fire is sponsored by World Literature Today, the University of Oklahoma’s award-winning magazine of international literature and culture. The Puterbaugh Festival is a part of a 40-year tradition through which WLT brings world-class writers to the OU campus for an international symposium, public talks and engagement with students and the general public. This year’s events will include multiple opportunities for the local community to interact with the featured speakers and experience the festival’s theme of gender equality. The full festival schedule is listed on the Puterbaugh website, puterbaughfestival.org. “Stirring the Fire gives the museum an incredible opportunity to collaborate with World Literature Today on this very important exhibition of photography by renowned artist Phil Borges,” said Ghislain d’Humières, the director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “This exhibition is as educational as it is impacting. I hope visitors are able to connect with the striking images of the women portrayed in Mr. Borges’ works.” The Stirring the Fire opening reception will be preceded by a media slam presented by OU School of Art and Art History students at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. Faculty will select 12 students to present photography, video, performance art and

more. The students’ work will then be featured as a virtual exhibition on the museum’s website. A roundtable discussion on photography also is scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11, followed by a gallery talk with photographer, Phil Borges at 11:30 a.m. Guest speakers include Borges; photographer Yousef Khanfar; Todd Stewart, associate professor of photography and associate director of the OU School of Art and Art History; Andrew Strout, professor of photography at the OU School of Art and Art History; and Mark White, the Eugene B. Adkins and Chief Curator of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Both events are open to the public with no admission charge. The exhibition closes July 28. Borges will present a guest lecture about the exhibition and gender issues preceding the Association opening reception at 6 p.m., Friday, April 12. Following the lecture, current Association members and their guests are invited to attend the opening reception, co-hosted by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and WLT, at 7 p.m. Association members with Metro Arts Circle benefits are invited to bring their guest (age 21 and above) to an after party at LOCAL restaurant, 2262 West Main St. in Norman, at 9 p.m. More information about these and the museum’s other events is available on the museum website, www.ou.edu/fjjma. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in the OU Arts District on the corner of Elm Avenue and Boyd Street, at 555 Elm Ave., on the OU Norman campus. Admission to the museum is complimentary to all visitors, thanks to a generous gift from the OU Athletics Department.

Festival, Exhibition Celebrates Literature and

Photography, with a Spotlight

on Global Women’s Issues

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WHO: THE JOY FORMIDABLEWHEN: 9:30 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 27

WHERE: MAIN STAGESOUNDS LIKE: METRIC, PARAMORE

SOU

NDOFF

WHAT YOU CAN HEAR AT NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

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19WHO: IO ECHO

WHEN: 5 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 27WHERE: OPOLIS OUTDOOR STAGE

SOUNDS LIKE: GRIMES, CHARLI XCX

WHO: KING KHAN & BBQ SHOWWHEN: 6:30 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 27WHERE: MAIN STAGESOUNDS LIKE: BLACK LIPS, TY SEGALL

WHO: JONATHAN TYLER & THE NORTHERN LIGHTSWHEN: 6:45 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 27

WHERE: JACK DANIELS STAGESOUNDS LIKE: KINGS OF LEON, RED WANTING BLUE

WHO: ESTER DRANGWHEN: 1 A.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 28WHERE: BLACKWATCH STAGESOUNDS LIKE: RADIOHEAD, POSTAL SERVICE

PHOTO: JEREMY CHARLES

WHO: JD MCPHERSONWHEN: 8:15 SATURDAY, APRIL 27

WHERE: JACK DANIELS STAGESOUNDS LIKE: BUDDY HOLLY, ELVIS COSTELLO

WHO: TADDY PORTERWHEN: 7 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 27WHERE: SOONER THEATRESOUNDS LIKE: THE BLACK KEYS, JACK WHITE

PHOTO: DOUG SCHWARZ

WHO: SKATING POLLYWHEN: 10 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 25

WHERE: BLACKWATCH STAGESOUNDS LIKE: PIXIES, BIKINI KILL

WHO: COLOURMUSICWHEN: 10 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 26

WHERE: OPOLIS OUTDOOR STAGESOUNDS LIKE: MAN MAN, MENOMENA

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ONE PHOTOSONE SURREAL EVENINGA LOOK AT MARCH’S ONE EVENT

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ONE PHOTOS

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ONE PHOTOS

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ONE PHOTOS

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1. IRON & WINE8 p.m. Saturday, April 13East Union Lawn - The University of OklahomaFree

2. MAYFAIRMay 4-5Andrews Park

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CALENDAR

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3. ON THE TOWNApril 26-May 5Reynolds Performing Art Center - The Universityof Oklahoma

4. HELLO DOLLY!April 12-14Sooner Theatre

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4.

THANKSFOR

READING!