Norman Arts Council Announces RFQ for Public Art Work Set for Andrews Park

Norman Forward Percent for Art: J. A. Andrews Park
INFO SESSION: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 29, 2020 through Zoom
DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2020
VIEW GUIDELINES & SUBMIT

Norman Arts Council, on behalf of The City of Norman and Norman Forward Percent for Art, is seeking an Oklahoma artist — or team of Oklahoma artists — to create a permanent outdoor work of art for historic J. A. Andrews Park located in the heart of downtown Norman at 201 W. Daws, Norman.

For well over a century, Andrews Park has been a vital community gathering space in Norman. It is a physical link between the generations of Normanites that have lived or studied here to the present and those who will enjoy it in the future.

In 1926, the City hired a young man named J. A. Abe Andrews to maintain and supervise the city parks, which he did for 30 years. When he retired in 1956, the park was renamed J.A. Andrews Park to honor his leadership and dedication to creating the beloved community gathering space. 

The activities available at Andrews Park might have changed over the years, but it remains a central hub of recreation, entertainment, and community gathering. Today there is a wide variety of features and activities available in the park, including pavilions, a large playground, a splash pad, picnic shelters, jogging/walking courses, lighted basketball courts, an impressive newly constructed skate park, and a large grassy area for lounging or picnicking. There are practice fields with backstops in the northern half of Andrews Park.

The artwork for Andrews Park must be designed and placed to invite visitors to explore and play in the park as well as to stimulate their curiosity, imagination, and sense of discovery. The artwork can be one piece to mark the place of the community’s heart, a continuous work of art winding through the park, or a series of pieces leading visitors throughout the park.  A successful work of public art would tie the whole park and all of the different features and activities together, literally or figuratively, as well as enticing visitors to investigate less familiar areas. 

The total artist's fee for the project is $12,000.00. This amount must cover all associated costs, including design, materials, fabrication, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation. 

An information session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2020 through Zoom. At the meeting, we will review the timeline and process for submitting to the J.A. Andrews Park public art project. Attendance at this meeting is not required of artists who want to submit for the project, but it is strongly recommended. This will be an opportunity to learn more about applying for public art projects and to ask any questions you may have.

If you want to join the information session, email Public Art Manager Debby Williams at debby@normanarts.org and we will forward you the Zoom link. Debby is also available to answer any questions you might have over the project.

Timeline:

• Information Session:  Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 6:30 pm

• RFQ Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm (midnight, CST)

 The following dates are subject to change:

• Notify Artists: Tuesday, September 11, 2020

• Finalists’ Site Visit: Week of September 21, 2020

• Finalists’ Presentation of Proposals: Week of November 2, 2020    

• Notify Artists of Selection: By November 16, 2020

• Installation of Art: Spring, 2021

More about Norman Forward

The citizens of Norman initiated NORMAN FORWARD, a proposal to renovate, expand, construct and fund Quality of Life projects, such as multiple recreational facilities, libraries, parks, athletic venues, public art, trails, swim complexes and other quality of life projects throughout Norman.  The initiative went to the City Council from community groups, stakeholders, and Norman residents, who prepared an initial package using analysis and information from recreational planning professionals and research firms. In 2015, the City Council placed NORMAN FORWARD on a ballot that was overwhelmingly supported by Norman voters.

By the fall of 2020, four significant works of public art will have been created under the Norman Forward initiative.

AERIAL VIEW OF ANDREWS PARK

Mid-America Arts Alliance Announces Recipients of CARES Act Grants

With support from the National Endowment for the Arts made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress, Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the region’s CARES Act funding grants for nonprofit organizations that dedicate the majority of their programming budgets in support of artists and arts organization networks. For the purposes of this grant, art service organizations are organizations that do not deliver artworks or arts presentations directly to the general public; rather, they cultivate arts communities by providing policy development, advocacy, and/or professional services in support of artists or arts organizations. 

“We are grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for providing these important relief funds and for the collaborative partnership with the six state arts agencies within our region who were indispensable in the determination of prioritizing arts service organizations,” said Todd Stein, President and CEO of Mid-America Arts Alliance. “We recognize that arts service organizations are essential to the arts ecosystem, even as they have the potential to be overlooked in the recovery funding landscape.” 

Grants were made in all six M-AAA states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, and amounts totaled between $10,000 and $25,000. Fresh Arts in Houston, Texas, has programs that empower local artists and artist-led organizations by complementing their artistic practices with skill-building, resource sharing, and artist-centered community programs. Starting in March, they began livestreaming an ongoing series of free workshops for recovery and readiness, with videos of the workshops available on their website for on-demand access. Over 20,000 people have tuned in to watch these videos since the series began. "We are so grateful that M-AAA has chosen to support arts service organizations via their CARES grant,” says Fresh Arts Executive Director Marci Dallas. “Fresh Arts' work is frequently behind-the-scenes to develop resources that respond to the unique needs of artists and artist-led organizations in the Greater Houston area. We are committed to building a network of partners invested in the artistic and cultural enrichment of our community and we are grateful to call M-AAA one of our partners." 

Here are the Mid-America Arts Alliance CARES Act funding grant recipients. 

Allied Arts of Oklahoma, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK; $25,000 
Amplify Arts, Omaha, NE; $25,000 
Arkansans for the Arts, Little Rock, AR; $25,000 
Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa Inc, Tulsa, OK; $10,000 
ARTSConnect Inc, Topeka, KS; $25,000 
Arts Council of Johnson County, Overland Park, KS; $25,000 
Art Spark Texas, Austin, TX; $25,000 
Austin Film Society, Austin, TX; $20,000 
Black Liberated Arts Center, Oklahoma City, OK; $25,000 
Dance Council, Dallas, TX; $11,460 
Dance Source Houston, Houston, TX; $24,400 
Folk Alliance International, Kansas City, MO; $25,000 
Fresh Arts, Houston, TX; $25,000 
InterUrban ArtHouse, Overland Park, KS; $25,000 
Lawrence Arts Center Inc, Lawrence, KS; $25,000 
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, San Antonio, TX; $25,000 
Nebraska Folklife Network, Lincoln, NE; $15,610 
Nebraskans for the Arts, Omaha, NE; $16,910 
Norman Arts Council, Inc., Norman, OK; $25,000 
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Oklahoma City, OK; $25,000 
Oklahomans for the Arts Inc, Oklahoma City, OK; $25,000 
Tejas Storytelling Association, Denton, TX; $25,000
Texas Folklife Resources, Inc., Austin, TX; $25,000 
Texans for the Arts Foundation, Austin, TX; $23,520 
Tulsa Community Foundation, Tulsa, OK; $25,000 
Writers' League of Texas, Austin, TX; $20,000 

About Mid-America Arts Alliance 

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. We believe in more art for more people. Additional information about M-AAA is available at www.maaa.org. 

Order Your ONE Party In A Box Today!

The Norman Arts Council announces, ONE Party in a Box - Alice in ONEderland is virtual, but you can “eat me” and “drink me” from home while watching on Facebook Live and YouTube from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th!

Each box is $75 and serves 2 people. Includes:

Choice of speciality cocktail
(makes 4)
The Queen of Hearts: a berry-delicious version of a margarita with blueberry, sage, agave, lime, soda water and tequila
OR
The White Rabbit: a fun fizz with carrot, ginger, lemon, mint, soda water and gin

PLUS, beer provided by 
405 Brewery

PLUS, 5 appetizers provided by The Winston:
Cucumber Bruschetta
Beet Hummus
Lamb Meatballs
Curry Stuffed Mushrooms
Tuna Ceviche

PLUS, dessert for two

PLUS, festive surprises!

The ONE Party in a Box is the perfect addition to your ONEderland watch party!

Norman Arts is taking orders NOW, but numbers are limited - ORDER SOON to guarantee yours! 

The deadline to purchase is by end of day Saturday, July 18 or until sold out!  

Orders will be for PICK UP ONLY at MAINSITE, 122 East Main Street, Norman on Saturday, July 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.

*Instructions on preparing & heating all food will be included!

Entire Summer Breeze Concert Series Lineup Announced

The Depot is partnering with KGOU=Your NPR Source to bring the 20th Anniversary of the Summer Breeze Concert Series to you wherever you are.  The concerts are broadcast live on Sunday nights at 7pm and listeners can find them at 106.3 FM Norman ~ 105.7 FM Oklahoma City ~ 88.1 FM Woodward ~ 91.9 FM Ada 89.1 FM Clinton ~ 103.1 FM Seminole ~ 97.9 FM Ada ~ 106.9 FM Chickasha 105.1 FM Shawnee, at KGOU.org, or by saying “play KGOU“ to your smart speaker.

When it became clear that hosting this beloved community concert series in the park wasn’t feasible due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the team at The Depot reached out to KGOU and a partnership was born.  Both organizations have an enthusiastic commitment to community and the collaboration just seemed right and natural.  After the successful kickoff on May 24 with Carter Sampson and the Jackelopes, the final schedule was finalized and is now available.  

June 7 - Chris Jones and the Flycatchers based in Norman, OK, bring a little bit Rock N’ Roll, a little bit Americana, and a whole lot of cleverly crafted songs.  “Songs for Red”, their powerful debut album, is comprised of ten tracks that will connect to a wide audience of music lovers. Chris is a story teller, his lyrics are relatable, and his delivery feels like a conversation through music.

June 21 - Beau Jennings and the Tigers – Beau Jennings spent years fronting Americana rock band Cheyenne before returning to his Oklahoma home and joining forces with The Tigers, a wrecking crew of some of the best musicians in the state.  Beau prides himself on writing songs personal enough that only he could write at this point in his musical career. His most recent album, “The Thunderbird”, channels some Elvis energy into an album of pure heartland rock recorded live.  

July 5 – Husbands, a delightful indie duo originated in Oklahoma City, makes surf pop and garage pop music that makes you want to dance in your seat.  In 2020 alone, they have released a full album “After the Gold Rush Party,” a music video to the song “Manhorse", and another album called “Wayne John.”  They are creative and influenced by everything from the Beach Boys to punk, and bring a unique a creative style of their own to each and every bop that they write.

July 19 – Mike Hosty is a man that needs no introduction, he is a Norman legend and an Oklahoma icon.   He is a wonderful weirdo, champion of our quirky culture, and the quintessential one-man band, most well-known for playing drums with his feet while playing guitar, singing, and playing kazoo.  He does all this to original numbers and sometimes even improvises songs on the fly.  Beyond the technical feat of how he plays, his music is captivating.  His original blues songs like “Oklahoma Breakdown” and “Disco Truck” will have you dancing wherever you are.

August 2 - Chanda Graham, a jazz and blues singer from OKC, has performed all over the metro, and been a guest vocalist on countless records.  Chanda’s soulful voice is reminiscent of Ella and the golden age of jazz, and her sound brings some of the best days of music alive again. “Rona Blues,” a single she released May 2020, takes the pandemic scare we are all feeling and turns it into an old school blues piece that is impossible not to feel in your very core. 

August 16 - Homegrown Volume II is a beautiful gathering of many of Norman’s best musicians playing together in song swaps, instrument swaps, and collaborating on each others’ material.  It is organized by Terry “Buffalo” Ware and Kyle Reid, and features many of the musicians that make this town a vibrant musical community. 

For additional information on this, and other programs at The Depot, visit www.normandepot.org, or phone 405 307-9320, leave a message and we will call you back.

The Depot is a community supported nonprofit organization and can’t do this amazing work for our community alone. A free series requires the support of a lot of  organizations and individuals in our community.  For this series, those include:  the Norman Arts Council and the Oklahoma Arts Council, Norman Smile Center, Skye Diers & Gingerbread Nursery School, Tom McAuliffee & Don Cies Real Estate, Peggy Doviak & DM Wealth Management, Bruce & Trisha Bunce, Keri & Hugh Young, and Bob Schelegel.   The Depot would never have made it this far without those folks and others including Cindy Merrick & Therapy in Motion, The Mont Restaurant, The Bluebonnet Bar, Edward Jones, Hitachi Computer Products, Native Spirits Winery, Lazy Circles Brewing, The Montford Inn, and fans like you who could join as a member of the Depot for as little as $5 a month.  Learn how at www.pasnorman.org/join

NAMRON Presents Premier of New, Original Play: Lunch Box

NAMRON Players Theatre announces the premiere of its new Oklahoma StoryWorks production, Lunch Box, on Depot TV on Facebook at 5pm on June 4th.

Imagine, if you had spent nine months conducting workshops, seminars and over 50 interviews with individuals, families and groups to collect their stories of school lunch. Then you spend weeks distilling those stories down into a 90 minute script for public premiere in June by a company of Oklahoma professional actors.

The culmination of 11 months of work was on the horizon.

And then someone cancelled June.

This is what happened in mid-March to NAMRON Players Theatre’s Playwright-in-Residence and Artistic Director Sheryl Martin.

Almost immediately, Sheryl announced on Facebook, “We are going to do it online.”

She set about doing a complete rewrite of the script, a script that was then rehearsed online and recorded independently from the homes and studios of the acting company, and, finally, is being edited into a video production for air on June 4 at 5pm.

Thanks to a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma professional actors Jane Gibbons, Terry Veal, Richard Lockett, Kathy Kelley Christos and Sue Ellen Reiman are featured in the production, with “cameo” appearances by local favorites Kym Bracken and Nicholas Bartell, and the debut of recent Norman North High graduate, Moira Mosely. A Norman Arts Council Arts Projects Grant, and private donors, covered the research and writing of the script for production.

Central to the creation of this new video is the work of Dennis Spielman of The Show Starts Now Studios, who volunteered his services to Norman arts organizations through the efforts of the Norman Arts Council and its Norman Arts & Humanities Roundtable. Dennis introduced the idea of producing the play as a series of vlogs, or video logs, recorded by the individual characters / actors. Local painter, sculptor, and scenic artist, Laura Sullivan, will provide some very special artwork for the production as well.

“I could not have wished for more talented, competent, and inspiring people to work with,” Sheryl says. “They took the script and brought it to life—everyone has made brilliant suggestions that have found their way into the show that you’ll see.”

Lunch Box, while a documentary play much like her first community-based script ,Potluck, differs from the earlier work in a fundamental way, Martin says.

“Changing the medium by which we delivered the play changed the way the play had to work.

“It went from being very presentational, with actors telling what are plainly other peoples’ stories, to being a show in which characters tell their own stories. But those stories are still the stories of folks in our community.”

The Depot has been a collaborative partner with Ms. Martin since the inception of the Oklahoma StoryWorks program in 2018. The Depot was scheduled to be the venue for Lunch Box, but that live premiere was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. For this reason, and many more, The Depot then offered to host the premiere of Lunch Box on its new enterprise, Depot TV, which airs on Facebook.

Lunch Box will remain on Depot TV for up to a week after the June 4 premiere. NAMRON Players Theatre also plans to stream the broadcast on its YouTube channel as well as other platforms.

“We had planned to offer a video element to our original theatrical productions,” Norman Hammon, Managing Director, “but, we had originally planned that to be a few seasons away. COVID-19 changed all of that.”

“It’s been too exciting a process to regret not doing it live,” Martin adds. “That said, I think we’ve created a show that will stand on its own, and that we can perform live, even after this crisis is past.”

NAMRON Players Theatre and the Oklahoma StoryWorks Project: Lunch Box are made possible through the generous support of the Norman Arts Council / Arts Projects Grant Program, the Oklahoma Arts Council Project Assistance Small Grant Program / National Endowment for the

Arts, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, Armstrong Bank, 2x4 Productions, The Depot, The Show Starts Now Studios, David Slemmons and the Friends of NAMRON.

Further information on the Lunch Box Premiere and NAMRON Players Theatre may be obtained at the NAMRON Players Theatre Facebook Page or at (405) 928-4161.

***

Background:

NAMRON Players Theatre is a Norman nonprofit theatre company dedicated to presenting the original works of Oklahoma literary and performing artists. It is modeled on the successful, independent theatre production Potluck, which presented the food stories of Norman residents at The Depot in June 2018.

Potluck was the result of a Mid-America Arts Alliance Artistic Innovations Award to Norman theatre artist, Sheryl Martin. Ms. Martin, currently the Artistic and Executive Director of NAMRON Players Theatre, plans to create a new documentary play each season as the Oklahoma StoryWorks Project continues. "Themes may change," Ms. Martin said,"but the process will always be the same. We want to listen to Norman's stories, to Oklahoma's stories, and put those stories onstage."