Support Norman Arts with Our Annual Fundraiser ONE: Avant-Garde

ONE: Avant-Garde
Experiment with a new reality

Like 2020, ONE: Avant-Garde brings Norman Arts’ annual arts party and fundraiser to life in a mixed format with in-person and digital elements. Experience beautiful works from local artists donated to support Norman Arts at MAINSITE Contemporary Art from Wednesday, April 7 through Saturday, April 17. On April 17, NAC will broadcast an arts party stream for free on Facebook and YouTube while an online auction runs concurrently from 7 to 11 p.m. The immersive stream will highlight the stellar art, entertainment from local artists and arts organizations and come alive with other spectacle and surprises.

But just because the party happens online doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the tastes and drinks of ONE at home. Pickup a Party In A Box! Designed to serve two guests, each box features five unique hors d’oeuvres each with a cocktail pairing, all from Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, along with dessert for two. They are available for $100 in limited quantities, so order yours now!

The timeline of ONE happenings through April can be found, along with relevant links, below:

ONE: AVANT-GARDE EXHIBITION:
APRIL 7 THRU 17, 2021

MAINSITE Contemporary Art | 122 E. Main, Norman
Open 10a-4p Wednesday through Saturday

ONE PARTY IN A BOX:
ORDERS DUE SATURDAY, APRIL 10
(OR UNTIL SOLD OUT)

$100 for five unique hors d’oeuvres with cocktail pairings for two from Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails + Dessert
Pickup from 1-3p on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art
Limited quantities available! | ORDER HERE

SPONSOR PREVIEW:
7-9 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

MAINSITE Contemporary Art | 122 E. Main, Norman

BROADCAST EVENT:
7 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

Facebook and YouTube

ONLINE LIVE AUCTION :
7-11 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021

Coming in April!

Norman Public Arts Board Seeks Proposals for New Round of Samo Duckys for Norman Parks

The Norman Public Arts Board (PAB), on behalf of the Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman, seeks artists (or teams of artists) to design and enhance/paint fabricated fiberglass sculptures of ducks. These sculptures will be placed in three City of Norman Parks intended for children. It is the future intent of the Public Arts Board to produce additional fiberglass sculptures in other Norman parks. This RFP is for three separate ducks, for which three submissions will be selected.

Submissions are due by 4 p.m. Monday, March 29, 2021.

Each duck stands 44” tall and is made from the original Samo Ducky sculpture by Douglas Shaw Elder, which resides in Lions Park on Flood Avenue. In addition to Samo Ducky, there are 20 ducky installations currently located in Norman. To view the ducks and their locations, please visit samoducky.com.

Although the surface design is open, applicants should keep in mind the sculptures’ interaction with children, weather, and other factors. The design should consider visibility by vehicles driving by the parks and the sculpture’s role as a functioning activity for children in the parks.

This project aims to create and install sculptures that encourage creativity from the viewers and users of the park. The theme, including an appropriate name, is entirely up to the artists.

The completed sculptures will be installed and dedicated by Summer 2021. Sculptures must be coated with multiple layers of clear topcoats, appropriate for the medium used, and three coats of paste wax before the artist delivers their completed painted/enhanced sculpture. This step is to improve the longevity of the finished design and ease the removal of potential surface markings.

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA SUBMITTABLE

Pictured: Ahoy, Ducky by Don Schooler

ARTIST HONORARIUM

The artist’s honorarium for each of the sculptures is $500, payable upon completion and delivery. The fiberglass form will be available for pick up from the Firehouse Art Center; upon completion, ducks will be delivered back to the Firehouse before installation.

ARTISTS ELIGIBILITY

Open to all artists living within the city limits of Norman, Oklahoma.

TIMELINE

Application Deadline: March 29, 2021, 4:00 PM
Notification to Artists: no later than April 16, 2021
Artist Pick Up of Fiberglass Forms: no later than April 23, 2021
Deadline for the Delivery of Completed Sculptures: June 1, 2021
*Artists will pick up and drop off duck sculptures at the Firehouse Art Center, 444 S Flood Avenue.
Installation of Sculptures in Parks: Summer 2021

THE PROCESS

1. Artists submit proposals using the provided sketch, with any additional sketches the artist may deem necessary.

2. Proposals are reviewed by the Public Arts Board and select community members.

3. All previous submissions will be considered, if resubmitted.

4. All artists who previously submitted may submit new proposals, if desired.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL 

A. One page, maximum, typed letter explaining the proposed enhancement. 

Please consider the following questions when developing your proposal: 
Why do you want to work on this project? 
How does your proposal fit the project - child friendly, safe, and creative? 
What materials will you work with to achieve your enhancement? 
Have you worked on similar projects? If not, what relevant experience do you have? 

B. Include your resume (not exceeding three pages). 

C. Include proposed design on the official PAB sketch of duck. 

All submissions may be used for promotional activities of the Public Arts Board. 

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4:00 PM, March 29, 2021 
SUBMIT HERE

For questions or more information contact the Norman Public Arts Board via email at nac@normanarts.org. For technical questions please contact Douglas Elder via elder@normanfirehouse.com. Please include PAB in the subject line. 

SELECTION PANEL & SELECTION CRITERIA 

Artists will be selected based on the materials submitted - please see Submission of Proposal guidelines. The Norman Public Arts Board will select this project with an advisory panel of experts in public art and community-at-large representatives. The panel will consider the merit of the proposal, audience appropriateness, and the proposed concept’s maintenance requirements. The panel will also consider artists who can demonstrate sensitivity to the sites, surroundings, and the theme, as described on page 1 of this document. Artists must commit and effectively work within the project timeline and collaborate with the Public Arts Board staff. 

Commissioning of artists by the Norman Public Arts Board is implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, disability, or age. 

The Norman Public Arts Board reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information or proposals from any or all participating artists. Norman Public Arts Board reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection waiver, or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project. In addition, Norman Public Arts Board may solicit proposals from artists not responding to this call and reserves the right to select an artist outside of the pool of artists responding to this call. 

OFFICIAL SAMO DUCKY WORKSHEET

Momentum Comes to Norman with Spotlight on Young Artists

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) will feature 3 Spotlight Artists and 53 Survey Artists in their annual Momentum Exhibition. In efforts to reach audiences safely at this time, Momentum 2021 will travel to two locations. Selected works for exhibition will be on display at MAINSITE in Norman from March 3-27, 2021, before traveling to Living Arts of Tulsa from April 2-23, 2021.

OVAC’s Momentum exhibition supports Oklahoma creatives aged 30 and under through financial backing, curatorial guidance, and professional development. With an environment created specifically for them, young artists gain experience, meet their audiences, and are exposed to the diverse artistic movements throughout the state. Learn more about this year’s artists, committee, and how you can support Momentum by visiting www.MomentumOklahoma.org.

Parker Schovanec - "Bleak"

“Momentum is a crucial program for Oklahoma’s young and emerging artists. For many of them, they are exhibiting and selling work for the first time. This equips them with the skills and experience to apply for more exhibition opportunities in the future,” says Krystle Brewer, OVAC’s executive director. “It is also a great platform to see who are Oklahoma’s next rising stars and to show our support early in their careers.”

The 2021 Guest Curator, Pablo Barrera, is Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center’s inaugural Curatorial Fellow, and the Emerging Curator is artist, writer, designer, and educator, Kristin Gentry. The curatorial team selected the Spotlight Artists from a highly competitive pool of submissions. Through Momentum Spotlight, the 3 selected artists receive an honorarium of $1000 each to create new artistic projects for Momentum. The Spotlight artists also receive three months of guidance from the guest and emerging curator, in efforts to refine their projects. The 2021 Spotlight Artists are Amber DuBoise-Shepherd (Shawnee), Andrea Duran-Cason (Norman), and Marium Rana (Tahlequah). In addition to the Momentum exhibitions, Spotlight Artists will have works on display at the 21c Museum Hotel in Oklahoma City from February 22nd-August 27th, 2021.

“Momentum is an opportunity to connect with creatives who have their own beautiful voices to share,” says Spotlight artist, Marium Rana. “It is a chance to connect to an audience and be grounded by our shared human experiences of solitude, togetherness, and longing."

Zane Wyatt - "Contrition III"

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is thrilled to present Momentum free of charge for all visitors this year. If you are able, please consider donating to help OVAC cover the loss of ticket revenue. Giving to Momentum is investing in the creative future of Oklahoma. Funding awards for young artists, curatorial honoraria, and statewide outreach would not be possible without the help of our supporters.

If you require special accommodations to attend or participate in Momentum, contact Audrey Kominski at (405) 879-2400 Ex. 2.

Listed Below are the selected Survey Artists for Momentum 2021:

Rachel Adler, Oklahoma City

Dylan Albertson, Oklahoma City

Foster Atkinson, Oklahoma City

Emily Baker, Oklahoma City

Dimana Bazrbashi, Oklahoma City

Shannon Bell, Oklahoma City

Chelsea Boen, Midwest City

Liz Boudreaux, Oklahoma City

Emma Bunch, Edmond

Marissa Childers, Norman

Dayton Clark, Norman

Claire Dabney, Stillwater

Shyanne Dickey, Stillwater

Liz Dueck, Tulsa

Caleb Elliot, Norman

Jaiye Ferrell, Oklahoma City

Taylor Graham, Stillwater

Janae Grass, Tulsa

Kristina Haden, Oklahoma City

Henry Hadzeriga, Yukon

Erin Harris, Oklahoma City

Alex Hazel, Ada

Alyssa Howery, Norman

Theresa Hultberg, Oklahoma City

Lauren Hutson, Tulsa

Cable Jacobsen, Burns Flat

Lauren Kerr, Owasso

Tania Khouri, Norman

Katelynn Knick, Oklahoma City

Wesley Kramer, Norman

Ariana Leatherock, Oklahoma City

Shelby Mae, Oklahoma City

Gianna Martucci-Fink, Edmond

Isabella Messman-Kramer, Norman

Madison Moody, Midwest City

Dianna Morgan, Alva

David Morrison, Norman

Kayla Ohlmer, Tulsa

Duncan Payne, Oklahoma City

Lauren Rosenfelt, Norman

Parker Schovanec, Enid

Ashley Showalter, Norman

Virginia Sitzes, Oklahoma City

Kitra Smith, Midwest City

Isabel Stogner, Edmond

Jordan Tacker, Oklahoma City

Michael Takahata, Oklahoma City

Spenser Tracy, Oklahoma City

Sean Tyler, Tulsa

August vonHartizsch, Norman

Katrina Ward, Oklahoma City

Ariana Weir, Oklahoma City

Zane Wyatt, Stillwater

For 32 years as a nonprofit, OVAC has helped Oklahoma artists enrich the state. OVAC presents Momentum 2021 in partnership with MAINSITE in Norman and Living Arts of Tulsa. This program is supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, and the Oklahoma Arts Council. OVAC is an Allied Arts member agency.

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) grows and develops Oklahoma’s visual arts community through education, promotion, connection, and funding. For more information regarding Momentum 2021 please visit: www.MomentumOklahoma.org.

Ariana Weir - "Ama and Grampa's House"

Artist Call for ONE: Avant-Garde

Artist Call for ONE: Avant-Garde

Norman Arts Council is seeking artists to submit works to its ONE: Avant-Garde exhibition, fundraiser and art auction. Selected artists will exhibit works at MAINSITE from April 7 through 17 with the live, digital art auction held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.

There will be an in-person exhibit opening celebration for the Artists of ONE on Friday, April 9 and preview event for sponsors on Thursday, April 15.

TIMELINE:

Call for Artists Open: February 15, 2021

Artist Deadline to Participate (with image of work): Friday, March 19

Work Delivered to MAINSITE: March 24-27 from 10am-4pm

Work installed April 1-3

Exhibit Opens to public Wednesday, April 7

Artwork Pick-Up for unsold pieces: April 21-24

DETAILS:

Artists my submit up to two (2) works for the auction. 

We would love for artists to consider “Avant-Garde” as a theme in their donated work, but it is not required 

The Norman Arts Council reserves the right to decline any work submitted for the auction for reasons including, but not limited to: work that is not exhibition-ready, work this is deemed inappropriate by the ONE Committee, or submissions that do not meet all the requirements.

Artists who donate 100% of auction proceed to the NAC will receive: 

·      Invite to Exhibit Opening Celebration for the Artists of ONE

·      Work will be featured in a virtual gallery tour of the exhibit as part of the April Virtual 2nd Friday Artwalk

·      Work will be listed as Featured Work in the online Auction and include a link to your artist website (if applicable)

Artists who donate 50% of auction proceeds to the NAC will receive:

·      Invite to Exhibit Opening Celebration for the Artists of ONE

·      50% of final sale price of work

Now Accepting Applications for 2021 O. Gail Poole Award

O. Gail Poole Award

DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2021
**DEADLINE EXTENDED**
APPLY HERE

Nicole Poole, in remembrance of her father, Oklahoma artist O. Gail Poole, established the O. Gail Poole Artist Travel fund in 2014. Administered by the Norman Arts Council, this fund was designed to benefit artists of demonstrated merit and ability, providing the opportunity and freedom of travel, which Poole so adored. Since 2014, Oklahoma artists Marwin Begaye, Douglas Shaw Elder, Sarah Engel-Barnett, Skip Hill, Debby Kaspari, Mayumi Kiefer, Solomon Mahlatini, Beatriz Mayorca, Eric Piper, Liz Roth, Craig Swan and Holly Wilson have been able to travel to conferences, retreats and journeys of inspiration across the world because of awards from the fund, spreading Oklahoma’s creativity to others in the process. 

COVID Update

This is the final year for awards from this fund and, as the future of travel remains uncertain, the NAC and Nicole Poole have altered the awards for:

·      Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority

AND TO:

·      create projects in any artistic discipline in Oklahoma’s underserved or marginalized communities

AWARDS: Four Projects at $1,000 each

2 Norman Artist Awards - $1,000 each awarded to two artists living in Norman, OK

2 Oklahoma Artist Awards - $1,000 each awarded to two artists living anywhere in Oklahoma 

Selected projects will be featured by the Norman Arts Council as part of 2nd Friday programming at a date TBD.

Recipient will be required to sign an agreement that the award will be used strictly for the purposes outlined in the Project Narrative.

Selection Criteria

Applications for the award will be reviewed by a selection committee of the Norman Arts Council according to the policies of the NAC and considering the following criteria:

1. Artistic excellence, originality and ability to produce a project as evidenced by representation of past work in images and other supporting materials.
2. Thoughtful proposed use of funds. 
3. Ability to meet deadlines, budgets and other professional expectations to timely deliver a thoughtful project

ELIGIBILITY

All artists must:

1. Have resided in Norman, OK for at least the past 12 months.
OR
2. Have resided in Oklahoma for at least the past 12 months.
3. Identify as an artist of a minority population
4. Submit a completed application by May 31, 2021 via this website
5. Be over the age of 18.

SUBMISSION:

Submissions must be submitted electronically via this form. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Application must include:

1.     Electronic Application
2.     Artist Bio – This should include a statement of your minority identity/or cultural heritage and how this has influenced your artistic practice
3.     CV - Emphasize your past exhibition and project experience
4.     Project Narrative– Including:
a.     a description of the community the project serves (a community may be a geographic area or demographic of people)

b.     why you selected this community

c.     how the community will benefit from the project and how you will involve the community in the project’s implementation

5.     Project Budget – Please be as detailed as possible noting the use of the Poole Award funds along with any other funds the project will require. The budget must include:
a.     Expenses - itemized and with notes if necessary

b.     Income – include the Poole award along with details of any other funds and their sources.

c.     Matching funds are not required

d.     “In kind” donations should also be noted as off-setting income

e.     List of materials needed for the project – please indicate if you need assistance in sourcing any materials – we may be able to help!

6.     Project rendering – this can take the form of a sketch, rendering, audio or visual clip, or any other support that helps to illustrate the project description

7.     Work Samples - Include a minimum of FIVE (5) and a maximum of TEN (10) recent (between 1-5 years) samples of your work, that represent your past work and your ability to be successful in the project you are proposing. Samples maybe be images, audio files, video files, or presentation files

8.     Work Sample ID Sheet - Include Title, year, medium, and brief description of the project for each image.

9.     Additional Support Materials - You may include additional materials that you feel will help support your application, including letters of recommendation.

For questions, please reach out to the Norman Arts Council at erinn@normanarts.org at least 24 hours prior to the application deadline.

The Norman Arts Council reserves the right to withhold any awards based on the lack of qualified proposals.