Norman Arts Council announces New Fall Event celebrating dozens of area arts organizations.

Emerging artists, performers and long-time recipients showcase the Norman arts scene

The Norman Arts Council announced today a new fall event designed to highlight the multitude of organizations that receive funds and support from the council.

On Thursday, September 23^rd from 7-11pm, NAC will host the ONE party – a one-stop opportunity to see, hear, touch and taste elements from a host of Norman-based arts organizations.  A $40 general admission ticket grants entrance into the galleried art show, food tables, a ONE custom cocktail, games and raffles, and the cabaret-style show.

“The Norman Arts Council has hosted some sort of fall event since it was formed in the 70’s,” states interim Executive Director, Josh Lunsford.  “Since the impact of the council is so widely felt, it’s always challenging to boil down an event that still encompasses everything we do.”

“The council is always moving towards art activism,” elaborates Board President, Joe Hopper.  “It has always encouraged the free, public expression of art in public and equal access to a variety of artistic programs whether that is expressed in ways like the Norman Music Festival or Jazz in June, or very personal interactions through our art education in schools programs.  Keeping the money flowing and the programs free is always a challenge, and one that we will continue to meet through innovative fundraising.”

ONE will sharply focus the efforts and success of the council.  Presenting the event in an open and flowing style, attendees can purchase paintings or sculpture, hear great singers and musicians, watch beautiful dancers, participate in poetry readings, snack on delicious food and drinks and tour the party for information about a wide range of activities and programs available in Norman.

“We decided to call the party ONE because you could only come to this ONE annual event, and see and hear everything that is available through the council,” explains ONE chair Melissa Scaramucci.  “We’re booking a huge space so the party enjoys equal parts of festival, intimate performance, and fundraiser.  The council is determined to provide as many funds as possible to agencies, but to keep our administrative costs down, we must fundraise.  And a fundraiser that shows, in just ONE night, how big of an impact the council makes through the people of Norman, will be outrageous and inspiring.”

Tickets for ONE will go on sale on September 1^st and can be purchased at all Republic Bank locations in Norman and online at www.normanarts.org.