Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of our friends and families who are affected by the tornado destruction in Moore and Shawnee.

You may have heard that the Norman Arts Council was planning to partner with Chipotle at 1641 24^th Avenue NW tomorrow (May 22, 2013) from 5:00pm – 9:00pm to raise funds for our Public Art Project Cre8Sk8. In light of the tornado recovery relief needed, we will now direct those funds raised to the Red Cross of Central Oklahoma.

Simply go to Chipotle and mention Norman Arts Council, Red Cross or Moore Tornado Relief and 50% of all sales will go on to benefit tornado relief through Red Cross.

AND, From Allied Arts…

 Eat at S&B’s Burger Joint for Arts Education now supports Tornado Relief Support!

As you might have heard, Allied Arts was planning to partner with S&B’s Burger Joint on 9th Street today to raise money for arts education.  In light of the tragedy that took place in Moore yesterday, we have decided to redirect those efforts.  S&B’s will now be donating a portion of their proceeds from ALL S&B’s Burger Joint locations from now until Sunday to the Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma.  We encourage you to join us at your closest S&B’s restaurant to support relief efforts.

It becomes even more so in times like this, when artists are prepared to take that art and use it to benefit others in times of need.

Tragedy struck our neighbors in Newcastle, Shawnee, Little Axe and Moore on Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20, and it took only seconds for many to begin organizing benefit events and donating sales of their art to the victims devastated by that day’s events. We have collected what we have seen so far into this list below, though we expect it to grow in the coming days, as Oklahomans have so clearly shown in the past few days that our love knows no bounds.

We will continue to update this listing as more details, events, benefits and so on are added. To add an event or promotion to this listing, email Joshua Boydston at joshb@normanarts.org.

An original song by SWAN members and Moore High School freshmen Grace + Sophia:

Benefit Events:

Kevin Welch, Michael Fracasso and Miss Brown to You

8 p.m. Friday, May 24

The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, Oklahoma City

http://www.bluedoorokc.com/2013/03/kevin-welch-on-fri-may-24-2013/

ADDverse Effects with Regg

9 p.m. Friday, May 24

Opolis, 113 N. Crawford, Norman

https://www.facebook.com/events/486516394753928/

Oklahoma EDM Benefit Show featuring Alex Sin, Jesse Strange, Bax Trax, DJ Mike B and DJ Twistify

9 p.m. Friday, May 24

Bison Witches, 211 E. Main, Norman

$20 for all you can drink beer, proceeds benefiting tornado victims

The Kamals, The Younglings and The Trading Co.

9:30 p.m. Friday, May 24

Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/247480402056912/?suggestsessionid=3fd9e1fefd596229673226f95e06ad59

Moon with Gentle Art of Floating, Corporate Ghost and Larry Chin

10 p.m. Friday, May 24

Kamp’s Lounge, 1310 N.W. 25th Street, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/583247308387341/?fref=ts

Black Canyon with Matt Jewett & The Rowdy Dow and Barling

9 p.m. Saturday

HiLo Club, 1221 N.W. 50th Street, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/356072174494772/

Colourmusic, The Pretty Black Chains, Josh Sallee and Sherree Chamberlain

9 p.m. Saturday, May 25

51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 N.W. 51st Street, Oklahoma City

http://www.thelostogle.com/2013/05/22/join-us-at-the-help-moore-benefit-concert-this-saturday/ 

Colin Nance with Prix Teen and Tallows

10 p.m. Saturday, May 25

Kamp’s Lounge, 1310 N.W. 25th Street, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/259084274235588/?fref=ts

Em and the Mother Superiors with FOS

9 p.m. Saturday, May 25

The Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City

 https://www.facebook.com/events/376519169119391/

Psychotic Reaction, Caravact, Kinda Creepy, Abby and the Norms and Gregg Standridge

7 p.m. Saturday, May 25

Red Brick Bar, 311 E. Main, Norman

https://www.facebook.com/events/164086280433111/ 

Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads Benefit Concert

12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 26

Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads, 7000 Crossroads Boulevard, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/449371208485811/

OKC Comedy Prom featuring James Nghiem, Josiah Overstreet, 7th City Comedy, BradChad Porter and Dan Skaggs

7 p.m. Monday, May 27

Oklahoma City Contemporary Art Center, 3000 General Pershing Boulevard, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/519880034738625/

Music For Moore with JD McPherson, Graham Colton, Colourmusic, Evangelicals, Taddy Porter, The Damn Quails, Beau Jennings & The Tigers, Hosty Duo, Skating Polly, Prettyboy, Sherree Chamberlain, Camille Harp, Parker Millsap, John Calvin, Ramsay Midwood, Feel Spectres, Kyle Reid, Black Canyon, ADDverse Effects and Deerpeople

5 p.m. Wednesday, May 29

Chevy Bricktown Events Center, 300 E. Main Street, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/382293401887615/

Power Pyramid, Glow God, Found Footage and Little Bear

8 p.m. Thursday, May 30

Blue Note, 2408 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City

www.dusthousestudio.com

Samantha Crain with Tallows and Sherree Chamberlain

9 p.m. Thursday, May 30

Opolis, 113 N. Crawford, Norman

https://www.facebook.com/events/585668988111749/

Great American Jug Band with Your Mom

10 p.m. Thursday, May 30

The Deli, 309 White, Norman

https://www.facebook.com/events/128594950673130/

RAW OKC Silent Auction

7 p.m. Thursday, May 30

A large silent auction FULL of tons of local art as well as items donated by Club One15.  RAW OKC will be taking art and clothing/food donations all day while they set up the venue until 7 p.m. at Club One15. People can by tickets here http://www.rawartists.org/oklahomacity/expressions and proceeds of the auction and donations that night go to local Red Cross initiatives. The are also discounting tickets for large groups.

Limber Limbs with Feathered Rabbit, The Wurly Birds and Samurai Conquistadors

8 p.m. Friday, May 31

VZD’s, 4200 N. Western, Oklahoma City

Unity Benefit Show for Moore

Saturday, June 1st

McSalty’s, Thunder Alley and Frequency

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152846423440613&set=a.10150263522305613.505246.731890612&type=1&theater

Peace Love and Goodwill Benefit with John Fullbright, Tony Lucca, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Matt Duke, Shane Henry, Maggie McClure and Kyle Reid

6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Chevy Bricktown Events Center, 300 E. Main Street, Oklahoma City

https://www.facebook.com/events/497538890308480/?fref=ts

Bo Phillips and more

Sunday, June 9

Arbuckle Ballroom, Davis

Vulgar Fashion, Depth & Current and Quilted Cherry Podium

9 p.m. Friday, June 14

Opolis, 113 N. Crawford, Norman

Music:

Deerpeople is donating all proceeds from digital downloads until May 28:

http://deerpeople.bandcamp.com

Beau Jennings is donating all sales this week to tornado relief:

http://beaujennings.bandcamp.com/music

Sunny Side Up has released a special rarities album available that benefits tornado victims:

http://sunnysideupska.bandcamp.com/album/ssu-rarities

Everybody Talks is donating all album proceeds to tornado relief:

http://everybodytalksband.bandcamp.com/album/lappel-du-vide

Dylan Black is donating all album sales to Moore Tornado Relief

http://dylanblack.bigcartel.com

Art:

Anthony Fontaine prints benefiting Moore Tornado Relief:

http://cowabungadudeee.tumblr.com/post/50972540641

Juuri is donating proceeds from prints:

www.etsy.com/shop/juuriart

Bella Vita Jewelry has designed a special necklace with all profits going to relief funds. Norman residents can email Brandy Thomason at Brandy Thomason brandy.elizabeth@gmail.com to arrange deliveries/avoid shipping costs:
http://bellavitajewelry.bigcartel.com/product/hope-for-moore

Contemporary Art Gallery artists Kim Pagonis, Carol Shanahan, Kay Wall and Verna Fuller are offering 50% of art sales towards the relief effort/organization of their choice.

www.contemporaryartgalleryokc.com 

Tree & Leaf and The Okay See have collaborated to design a special t-shirt with all proceeds going to tornado relief:

http://www.theokaysee.com/product/together-we-ll-be-ok-tree-and-leaf-the-okay-see-collaboration-benefit-tee

Shop Good — Benefit Tee for Moore Tornado Relief

Order online:

http://store.shopgoodokc.com/SHOPGOODAPPAREL1072.html

Available at Shop Good and Blue Seven later this week.

Jason Pawley has designed a special t-shirt with all proceeds going directly to relief efforts:

http://pinesprimitive.storenvy.com/products/1566087-okmoorerelieftee

Laura Reese is making disaster relief postcards available for a $10 donation to Red Cross:

http://laurareese.tumblr.com/post/50999205505/postcards-for-tornado-relief-i-am-making

Spencer Tracy is donating 50% of all sales to the Red Cross:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TussinStudios

Katelynn Knick is donating all proceeds from prints sold to support the Moore community:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/katelynnknick

Tony Grider is donating all proceeds from fine photography prints this week to Moore relief:

http://tony-grider.artistwebsites.com

Red Dirt Artistry is donating 75% of any sales to Moore relief:

https://www.facebook.com/RedDirtArtistry

Other:

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is offering complimentary admission throughout May and during the entire month of June “in recognition of the needs of Oklahomans to have a place to gather and escape the trauma and chaos of the tragedy of the tornados that affected Oklahoma May 19 and 20.”

To help with tornado relief, Cimarron Opera would like to offer a full tuition scholarship for our 3 week Opera Theatre Camp to any student aged 8-18 who lost a home on May 19 or 20. This would be a fun, safe and educational place for a student to go from 9:00-5:00 Monday-Friday June 10-29 while parents deal with rebuilding. We can accept up to 10 students. Please call 364-8962 if you or a student you know would be interested, and feel free to share.

The Paseo Arts Festival is setting up a donation station for the Regional Food Bank at The South Stage and will be accepting donations throughout the festival.

http://www.thepaseo.com/events/festival/paseofestival_2013.html

The fourth annual picnic is a collaboration between the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Firehouse Art Center, Jacobson House Native Art Center, Norman Arts Council, Norman Public Arts Board and Performing Arts Studio.

Lions Park is located at 450 S. Flood Ave., next to the Firehouse Art Center. The event is open to the public with no admission charge.

“The Firehouse Art Center is excited to participate in the fourth annual Luncheon on the Grass event,” said Douglas Elder, executive director of the Firehouse. “This is a fantastic occasion to build upon our established partnership with so many Norman arts organizations.”

Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, food and drinks. The collaborating organizations will provide hands-on art activities, Native American performances, music and snow cones.

“Norman is home to many great arts institutions,” said Ghislain d’Humières, director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “Luncheon on the Grass is a great opportunity to represent this collective vision each year. We are excited to see community involvement grow each year during Luncheon on the Grass.”

Artists of all ages also can participate in making gyotaku, or Japanese fish prints, with FJJMA staff by applying ink to realistic fish replicas made of rubber. Firehouse faculty will assist children who wish to create their own painting on the Children’s Art Wall in Lions Park.

The Norman Public Arts Board and the Norman Arts Council will be inviting visitors to participate in a temporary, public art recycle installation. The goal is to make a tree from recycled soda bottles that will be lighted and remain in the park through the evening’s concert.

The Jacobson House will provide Native American flute music, storytelling and powwow singers and drummers, as well as a reading by children’s book author and OU student Josh Bartolo. Additionally, the Native art center is planning a live art demonstration.

“The Jacobson House Native Art Center is pleased to be participating in the fourth year of the Luncheon on the Grass,” said Dan Brackett, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Jacobson Foundation. “It is our sincere hope that the entire Norman community takes advantage of this opportunity to enjoy and participate in the outreach activities and programs of our outstanding local art organizations.”

As in past years, DJ Nexus will provide musical entertainment throughout the event.

Luncheon on the Grass will be followed by a complimentary live concert by The Gourds, presented by Summer Breeze. Since 1994, the Austin-based alternative country band has performed nationally and internationally. With a dozen albums recorded, their songs have been included in such TV series as Friday Night Lights, My Name is Earl and the HBO documentary, Unknown Soldier: Searching for a Father. The five-piece also was featured on Austin City Limits in 2006.

“The Performing Arts Studio welcomes the opportunity to add to this wonderful community event and partnership with Norman’s premier arts organizations,” said Mark McClellan, Summer Breeze chair. “It truly represents what is so special about our city.”

Erinn Gavaghan, executive director of the Norman Arts Council, said she was glad to see so many organizations sharing missions common to the NAC.

“The Norman Arts Council is very excited to participate in the Luncheon on the Grass series,” she said. “Collaboration between Norman’s amazing arts organizations is at the heart of the NAC’s mission, and this event is an excellent example of the great work we all do.”

The Firehouse’s website is www.normanfirehouse.com; the Jacobson House’s website is www.jacobsonhouse.com; the Norman Arts Council’s website is www.normanarts.org; the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s website is www.ou.edu/fjjma; and the Performing Arts Studio’s website is www.pasnorman.org. Information about the Norman Public Arts Board can be found on the Norman Arts Council’s website.

Information and accommodations on the basis of disability are available by calling (405) 325-4938.

For more information, call Norman Arts Council at 405-360-1162 or email nac@normanarts.org.

John Fullbright is a young man who finds love, beauty, and pain in the here and now, and skepticism and disdain for those who would take advantage of the dreams of those hoping for a better world. He is a gifted songwriter, a brilliant vocalist, and an exciting multi-instrumentalist,traversing an emotional and musical terrain that is extremely broad, showing equal acuity with tender ballads and songs that make you want to drive faster with the windows rolled down.  Firmly rooted in a variety of musical styles, he draws on what has come before, but without imitation. Forget labels when you listen to John Fullbright. He is not folk, not Americana and not pop, but possibly the best fusion of them all.

June 2, Summer Breeze, The Gourds, 7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free

You would think that after multiple albums and seventeen years of touring coast-to-coast and across the pond, the Gourds would have it all down. Well, they do: they project the alt/indie/roots sensibilities of their hometown, Austin, Texas, better than any music group going. The Gourds mix of Americana/blue grass/rock/bayou among other music influences makes them impossible to fit into a neat classification. Their high-energy live performances and constant touring have earned them the reputation of a band that must be seen to be appreciated.

June 16, Summer Breeze, Parker Millsap, 7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free

Parker Millsap writes songs and then he sings them. Also, he sings other songs that he wishes he wrote.  The Oklahoma singer/songwriter writes bluesy, folksy melodies, with lyrics thathave pleasantly surprising turns of phrase while simultaneously recalling gut-bucket blues from a bygone age.  To really get to know the man, you must listen to his music. And frankly, his music really does all the talking. Millsap is a poet:  at times his work can be dark and brooding, at other times hopeful, but most of all he has something to say, something to tell you that will grab you and attach itself to you and remain a part of you forever.

July 7, Summer Breeze, Hosty Duo, 7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free

The Hosty Duo are Mike Hosty, an outstanding guitarist and songwriter, and Michael Byars, a world-class drummer. Their setup is simple, but their individual talents make this two-piece band sound twice its size. Hosty simultaneously tears through gritty slide leads, blows harmonica and or Kazoo and uses foot pedals to stomp bass lines. His guitar collection includes an 8-string instrument that allows him to thump three bass strings with his thumb while he fingerpicks guitar.  And “Tic Tac” Byars puts it all in a rock-solid groove. Their superb style of bluesy roots rock combines with imaginative songs about nights spent in jail or dinosaurs or affairs of the heart to make one of the most entertaining shows anyone could hope to see.

July 21, Summer Breeze, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, 7:30, Lions Park, Free

If you haven’t experienced the high energy, swamp funky zydeco sound of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, it is high time that you join the legions of fans that have. Once the accordion-playing virtuoso grabs the mic and takes to the stage with his band mates, audiences are treated to a show like no other. Chubby’s sound is infectious – a concoction of blues, 70s funk, rock and roll, and good-ole zydeco flavor – and makes even the most timid individuals get their feet a movin’.

August 4, Summer Breeze, Honeylark,  7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free

Honeylark is the dark, sticky-sweet offering of Natalie Moore Houck and Ryan Houck (formerly of Oklahoma’s Green Corn Revival) to the ever temperamental gods of the aesthetics… Watch out for lightning. The group strikes a fine balance between Americana roots and indie-pop sensibility, mixing country influences with a folk flair and a ‘folk-rock noir’ feel.

August 25, Summer Breeze, Elephant Revival, 7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free

“Where words fail… music speaks.  “That simple line reveals volumes about the band’s reason for being. Music unites us in ways that no other medium can. Even when we don’t understand one another’s languages – we can be moved by a rhythm, soothed by a song. Brought together by a unified sense of purpose – the spirit of five souls working as one, in harmony, creating sounds they could never produce alone. This Nederland, Colorado quintet are, needless to say, quite a sound to be experienced – especially when they fall into the pocket of a groove containing elements of gypsy, rock, Celtic, alt-country and folk. Their mission is “to close the gap of separation between us through the eternal revelry of song and dance.”

Sept. 8, Summer Breeze, Byron Berline Band, 7:30 pm, Lions Park, Free 

For an exciting evening of traditional bluegrass and Western swing music, join three-time national fiddle champion Byron Berline and his band; John Hickman, Jim Fish, Greg Burgess, Richard Sharp and Steve Short. Berline’s career includes helping Vince Gill get his start in the recording industry, recording a fiddle solo for a song by the Rolling Stones, playing with musicians like the Eagles and Elton John, among others, and recording with Gene Clark of the Byrds. The Byron Berline band entertains regularly in the Music Hall above Berline’s Fiddle Shop in Guthrie, and the group is in great demand around the state, as well as surrounding states and throughout Europe.

Longtime Norman resident and celebrated artist O. Gail Poole passed away on Saturday, April 13th.

A celebratory memorial will be held at MAINSITE Contemporary Art: Home of the Norman Arts Council, 122 E. Main Street on May 2nd from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Poole’s friends from the community are invited to attend. Guests should dress as colorfully as they desire, as this is how Gail would want to be remembered.

Poole’s family has established a memorial grant for artists with the Norman Arts Council. The Poole Memorial Travel Fund will provide funds to artists of exceptional talent to travel in support of their careers. The Family has asked that donations to grant fund be made in lieu of sending flowers.

Poole, 77, was born in Marlow and held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He painted for more than half a century. His works have been exhibited across the United States and internationally.

For information about the celebratory memorial or The Poole Memorial Travel Fund, please contact the Norman Arts Council at 405-360-1162. Donations for the fund are accepted at the Norman Arts Council by phone or by mail at 122 E. Main Street, Norman, OK 73069.

For more information on O. Gail Poole, please visit: www.ogailpoole.com.

“$ell Out!” will feature local businesses seeking innovative and interesting work by Oklahoma artists of all mediums and styles. Among the participating galleries and stores are:

• AKA Gallery
• Blue Seven
• Dreamer Concepts
• Collected Thread
• Dwelling Spaces
• Guestroom Records
• Massive Graphics and Red Dirt Emporium
• Michelangelo’s Wine and Coffee Bar
• McKenzie & Co. T-Shirts
• STASH
• Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar
• Girlie Show
• Firehouse Arts Center
• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition
• Istvan Gallery

Artists will have the chance to talk with the various local businesses to find out where their work might find the best fit. Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition will be on hand to provide information about workshops and services they provide that can also assist artists interested in merchandising.

The Oklahoma Artist Network facilitates creative growth through inter-disciplinary communication and collaboration. OAN hosts quarterly events focusing on various aspects of the state’s rich artistic culture in an effort to highlight ways to bolster the creative industry. OAN also maintains an online forum where artists can connect to one another as well as find opportunities to develop their careers. For more information, visit okartistnetwork.com or email erinn@normanarts.org. “Like” us on Facebook to stay abreast of new developments with the Artist Network and other arts organizations across the state.

If you go:

$ell Out!

Sponsored by: Oklahoma Artist Network

6:30 – 8:30 pm, Monday, May 6

Mainsite Contemporary Art

122 E. Main Street in Norman, OK

okartistnetwork.com

Free admission

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.  The exhibition will be held at the National Weather Center Atrium beginning Earth Day, April 22, and closing June 2. 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.

Narrowed from an initial pool of more than 700 pieces submitted by nearly 400 artists, 100 works were selected for display at the exhibition.  A panel of three guest jurors selected a winning piece from each of the three categories in addition to the overall Best of Show. 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 winning pieces are:

Best of Painting

Tom Berenz

Madison, Wisconsin

Flooded Car Lot

Oil on panel

Best of Photography

Mitch Dobrowner

Los Angeles, California

Rope Out

Archival pigment photographic print on cotton rag paper

Best of Works on Paper

Tom Heflin

Rockford, Illinois

Approaching Winter Storm

Pastel on Paper

Best of Show

Elizabeth Patterson

Los Angeles, California

Pershing Square, Los Angeles

Colored pencil and solvent on Bristol vellum

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.

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 opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2013, and will close 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.

The next National Weather Center Biennale will be held in 2015.  An initial call for entries will commence on Earth Day, April 22, 2014.  The opening of the second biennale will be on Earth Day, April 22, 2015.

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, Okla. The central space for the exhibition will be the 9,600-square-foot atrium with gallery lighting and full security.

Additional information about the exhibition is available at www.nwcbiennale.org and the biennale’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The National Weather Center’s website is www.nwcnorman.org; the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s website iswww.ou.edu/fjjma and the Norman Arts Council’s website is www.normanarts.org.