Norman Arts Celebrates Reaves Park's New Robot Friend with Public Art Dedication

Mechan 14 still under construction at Tyler FuQua Creation’s studio in Oregon

You are invited to join Norman Arts and the City of Norman for the dedication of Mechan 14 — a public artwork by Tyler FuQua Creations (TFC) —at 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 5 at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman.

The towering robot creation will greet visitors to Reaves Park and become the latest, iconic piece in Norman’s burgeoning collection of public art. Mechan 14 is the sixth piece of public art made possible by the Norman Forward 1% for Art program, with more on the way in the months ahead.

A Request for Qualifications seeking artists to create the piece went live in August 2022 and garnered more than one hundred submissions from artists across the country and beyond. Three finalists were selected with TFC ultimately chosen to create the work that felt like the perfect fit for the use of the park.

TFC has created a number of robot sculptures (called Mechans) that dot the country and have also been seen at the likes of Burning Man.

For a unique spin and reflective of Reaves Park’s history of hosting youth baseball as well as the Medieval Fair each spring, Norman’s Mechan comes with special accessories that allows it to be transformed from a helmeted ballplayer holding a bat to an armored knight armed with a sword on a seasonal basis.

More about Tyler FuQua Creations

Spearheaded in 2007 by Tyler FuQua, TFC is made up of a handful of skilled and talented people from the Portland, Oregon area. Tyler, having gotten started by making giant puppets with what was lying around his house, had set his focus on building bigger and better things with each new creation. In addition to joining forces with Jason Hutchinson, a fellow creative builder, Tyler surrounded himself with a crew of amazingly creative and hardworking people that now make TFC way more than just a one man operation. They are always looking for new and exciting opportunities that push our creative abilities. 

Tickets on Sale Now for Area fiftyONE

Area fiftyONE

It’s going to be ART of this world

Greetings, Earthlings.

Norman Arts' annual arts party goes intergalactic with Area fiftyONE! MAINSITE Contemporary Art will be invaded by stellar art, drinks and bites while live music thumps from live DJs spinning all night.

Let loose and dress in your favorite space attire — be it ship commander, alien creature or any take on space and sci-fi that you desire — to immerse yourself and other guests in the extraterrestrial experience!

It'll be a cosmically good time, and all proceeds have an astronomical impact on Norman Arts Council's operations and programs like 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, exhibitions at MAINSITE, arts education scholarships, artist grants, public art, grants to local arts organizations like Sooner Theatre, Norman Music Festival and Jazz In June ... and so much more!

Join Norman Arts Council from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main, Norman by purchasing a ticket in advance of the party! Earlybirds can nab theirs for as little as $75, before prices go up to $100 on February 24 and $125 the week of the event. 

Must be 21+ to attend!

All Tickets include:

Premium Open Bar

Delicious food

Art auction + silent auction items

Live entertainment

Lots of other arts party fun and surprises!

Norman Arts to Dedicate Two Public Art Installations at City of Norman Development Center

All visitors entering the City of Norman’s new Development Center will receive immediate reminders of how arts and creativity sits at the center of our community identity with two new public art installations now adorning the corridor connecting the public to the lobby of the city hub.

The City of Norman and Norman Arts Council will celebrate “Circle of Inclusion,” 60 foot mural by Oklahoma artists Jose Scott and Tony Thunder, and the Gallery of Norman Artists — a rotating exhibition of Norman-based creatives — with a double dedication of the new Development Center fixtures at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 21 at the City of Norman Development Center, 225 N. Webster.

Both projects underwent public requests for submissions and qualifications, garnering dozens of qualified applicants that made for a challenging, but rewarding, selection process.

The hallway-spanning “Circle of Inclusion” mural by Scott and Thunder is chockfull of symbolism celebrating all facets of Norman life, geography, history and community. Details highlight our Norman’s Camp namesake, the University of Oklahoma, tribal ties, aviation industry, public art, Lake Thunderbird, city festivals and more.

It’s all united by inspiration from the quote “You deserve a circle of inclusion and influence, but it’s up to you to create it” by Richie Norton that informs the central Oklahoma outline and paintbrush, a fitting message to reinforce to those who are entering the center with plans to build and develop our city to do it in all the ways that have and continue to make Norman special.

The Gallery of Norman Artists will feature practicing Norman artists and Norman student talent on an alternating basis with two exhibitions per year. A call for student talent for another exhibition opening in May will come this winter.

The current slate of featured artists and works includes: Barbara Benton, Jordy Branam, Dennis Brigham, Lacy Jo Burgess-Cady, Adrienne Day, Jenny Dillon, Ginna Dowling, Jesse Edgar, Melinda Gonzales, Katy Hall, Julius, Darci Lenker, Maya R, Danny Sands, Chase Spivey, Gregg Standridge, Che Warton and Sereta Wilson.

Much of the art will be for sale and those interested in purchasing can find details in the hallway of the exhibition.

Norman Arts Accepting Arts Education Scholarships for Winter 2024!

Winter 2024 Arts Education Scholarships
Due 11:59 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023

ANY NORMAN STUDENT (GRADES K-12) IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE!

Norman Arts Council Arts Education Scholarships are intended to provide Norman children with the opportunity to attend arts programming that is offered outside of schools. 

Applicants may use funding — up to $500 — for any arts education program of their choosing beyond what local schools are able to provide, including but not limited to visual art instruction, music lessons, vocal and theater coaching and more.

Applications are available on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 and are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023!

Priority is given to low income applicants and families facing a hardship, but any student (grades K-12) who lives or attends school in Norman is eligible to apply.

The NAC is seeking applications for scholarships from students who:

• express a strong desire to enhance their arts education experience beyond what is offered in schools, demonstrates a past commitment to visual or performing arts, or a student that a parent, guardian or teacher deems the child could benefit from an arts experience

• have the ability to commit to the completion of the program

• have a financial need that prevents them from funding the tuition themselves

• priority will be given to low income applicants or families facing a hardship

• $500 is the maximum award a single student will be granted for a single program

• Applications must be 100% completed

Norman Arts Council Seeks New Executive Director, Applications Due by November 30, 2023

With longtime Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan departing Norman Arts Council to relocate closer to family in the Pacific Northwest, the organization is seeking qualified candidates to lead the organization beginning in 2024.

Candidates should have a passion for the arts, strong leadership background, support a collaborative work environment, responsibly manage resources and be a forward thinker to guide the organization into a vibrant, future.

Salary range is $70,000-$75,000 with benefits including healthcare, generous PTO, flexible scheduling and more. Applications — including resume, cover letter addressing your qualifications and how they align with the Norman Arts Council's mission and goals, and three professional references by November 30, 2023 to Janetta Cravens at jcravens@cospireconsulting.com. Learn more below.

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Full job description:

Job Title: Executive Director
Organization: Norman Arts Council
Location: Norman, Oklahoma

Overview

The Norman Arts Council is a dynamic and influential organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of the arts community in the region. We provide crucial support and leadership to numerous arts organizations, maintain a vibrant community art space, and serve as a model of excellence for state and regional arts groups. We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director who can champion the arts, collaborate effectively with the Board of Directors, staff, artists, and community leaders, and drive innovation and growth within the organization.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. The position also manages 3-4 staff members, coordinates various contractors, and oversees the activities of key volunteers and interns.

Key Functions

1). Leadership and Advocacy:

• With the Board of Directors, provide visionary leadership for the Norman Arts Council, setting strategic goals and priorities that advance the arts in the community.

• Act as a passionate and articulate advocate for the arts, both within the organization and in the broader community, including the Arts Roundtable.

• Work with the board to create and implement strategies that support the Council's mission, and serve as a link between the board and its committees for goal-setting.

2). Staff Management and Development:

• Manage and mentor a dedicated team of 3-4 staff members, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and professional growth.

• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to ensure a high-performing team.

• Lead by example, promoting self-control, continuous learning, and creating an atmosphere where employees feel respected and free to share their thoughts without worry about criticism.

3). Community Engagement and Partnerships:

• Foster strong relationships with artists, arts organizations, and community leaders, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration and synergy within the arts community.

• Develop and nurture partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, city council, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to enhance the arts ecosystem in Norman.

4). Financial Management:

• Work with the board and staff to develop and manage the organization's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donations, to support the Council's programs and initiatives.

• Oversee the various funding sources and contracts with the City of Norman.

5). Arts Space Management:

• Oversee the maintenance and operations of the community art space, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming hub for artists and the public.

• Plan, curate, and coordinate exhibitions, events, and programs that showcase local and regional artistic talent.

6). Strategic Planning and Innovation:

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans that position the Norman Arts Council as a forward-thinking and innovative arts leader.

• Continuously seek opportunities for growth, adaptability, and program expansion while maintaining the organization's core values and mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

• 3-5 years proven leadership experience in the arts or nonprofit sector, and supervisor experience preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, both written and verbal.

• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and fundraising.

• Innovative and forward-thinking mindset.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering the arts and building community relationships.

• Preference given to candidates willing to relocate to Norman.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000

Benefits Package

• Health Insurance

• Retirement Plan

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Cell Phone Reimbursement

• Flexible Work Scheduling

• Supportive Work Environment

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Resume

• Cover Letter addressing your qualifications and how they align with the Norman Arts Council's mission and goals.

• Three professional references

Application Deadline

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and three professional references by November 30, 2023 to jcravens@cospireconsulting.com. In your cover letter, please address your qualifications and how they align with the Norman Arts Council's mission and goals.

The Norman Arts Council is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to join our team and help us further our mission of supporting and promoting the arts in our community.

Please direct any questions to: jcravens@cospireconsulting.com