Digital and Physical Worlds Collide in Between the Spaces

Visitors will be able to experience MAINSITE Contemporary Art’s upcoming exhibition on and off the walls and everywhere between.

Between the Spaces — featuring the work of multimedia artist Jaiye Farrell and photographer Cody Giles — invites the viewer to explore connectivity and art as it pertains to digital versus tactile mediums.

The exhibition opens on Friday, August 12 and runs through Friday, September 9. An opening reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 12 as a part of the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, with a closing reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 9. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Mixing printed portraits with markings painted physically and digitally and then experienced through virtual reality, this project brings those two worlds together. It features 36 printed portraits, 18 of which will be physically embellished, and the other 18 will be virtually painted and viewed using the Artivive app.

The artists welcome viewers to move through the gallery interacting with the different elements of the project, including a polaroid corner for participants to have their picture taken and that Polaroid becomes part of the installation, 3D printed painted orbs on display, an augmented reality orb, a video space for participants to create selfie videos, a collaborative canvas to be raffled off as well as canvas pieces of art.

The virtually-painted portraits can be purchased and viewed again in their homes with the app, expanding the experience of the project beyond gallery walls. It is also the hope of the artists that the participants feel connected and included enough to be a part of the project.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Jaiye Farrell

Jaiye Farrell
Instagram: @dawnjaiye
Twitter: @dawnjaiye

Oklahoma-based artist Jaiye Farrell cultivated his style of painting from abstract patterns that transcend societal and cultural divides and remember the communal roots of humanity. From an infatuation with archeology emerged a creative and ambitious talent: to craft signature designs that inspire self-reflection.

“The pattern I am cultivating is a rhythm of line and shape. I use like a substance that morphs so I can transform surfaces objects and spaces around me.”

Photographer: Cody Giles | Model: Ariana Hall

Cody Giles
Instagram: @creativegiles
Twitter: @creativegiles

Driven by connection, community, and alliteration, Cody Giles is a photographer who always sets out to capture the personality of a subject. Not just another portrait, but rather one that conveys just who that person is without knowing them. He strives to do this in all types of photography, from live music to families, to fashion editorials. Capturing moments in thoughtful and artful ways is always the goal.

DOWNLOAD APP

Download Artvive App (Apple | Android)
Augmented Reality Orb (Click Here)

Norman Arts Seeking Qualifications from Artists for Senior Wellness Center Public Art Project

Norman Forward 1% for Art: Senior Wellness Center RFQ

BUDGET: $100,000
Submissions due: 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 7
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: Monday, June 6

Norman Arts Council, on behalf of The City of Norman and Norman Forward Percent for Art for the Senior Wellness Center, is seeking an artist (or team of artists) to create a significant work of art for the Senior Wellness Center to be located in Norman, Oklahoma.

Norman is a growing, progressive city located 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City and is the third-largest city in Oklahoma. 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. The Senior Center was not included in the budget at that time but it was later approved which is allowing Norman to build a state-of-the-art facility. For more information about Norman, please see http://www.normanok.gov/cm/norman-forward and www.visitnorman.com.

Norman Senior Wellness Center

There are six factors that embody the definition of a great wellness center. These six essential factors are emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and occupational. The goal of the new Norman Senior Wellness Center is to provide programs under one roof to improve the quality of life for all adults over 50 in the Norman community.

The mission of this facility is to achieve that goal by:

• Connecting adults and creating community through social wellness activities and initiatives,

• Supplying access to professional and recreational physical fitness activities,

• Providing education and support on current adult-related issues;

• Delivering services for anyone in the community with reasonable membership prices, a sliding scale, and scholarships.

A few of the planned programs are private training, group exercise classes, pickle ball, drawing and painting, hand-built pottery, glazing pre-fired pottery, mixed media, floral design, healthy cooking classes from beginner to advanced, and more. In additional to programs, there will be events, such a movie nights, festivals, and seminars.

The total approved project budget for the Senior Wellness Center is $12.4 million. The world-class facility will include amenities such as a walking track, warm saltwater pool, multi-purpose rooms for classes and exercise, multiple classrooms for art, a strength training area and teaching kitchen, all housed in an over 30,000 square foot facility.

Senior Wellness Center located in the planned Porter Health Village

In a special partnership between the Norman Regional Health System and the City of Norman, the Wellness Center will be located in a completely redesigned wellness campus in central Norman. NRHS has proudly served the Norman community for more than 74 years and has a rich legacy of providing high-quality, acute care services. The plans for the 29-acre Porter Health Village are centered on a transition in healthcare from a focus on sickness to one of wellness. The creation of the Porter Health Village will serve a diverse population by offering mixed-use of health and lifestyle services such as urgent and primary care clinics, social service agencies, behavioral health services, and the Senior Wellness Center.

A plan of the Senior Wellness building, an exterior view, and site plan of the full Porter Health Village are included at the end of this RFQ.

The groundbreaking ceremony video can be seen at:

The Artwork

The Selection Panel has determined that the most effective artwork will be either:

• a monumental, exterior piece on the lawn just south of the main entrance in front of the multi-purpose room windows OR

• inside the building in the area from the front entrance through the lounge. This area has a ceiling height of 26’ in the entry and 12’ 6” in the lobby.

See the attached images of the front of the building and the floor plan.

The chosen artwork, regardless of where it is located, should have a presence that draws people to it and reflects the six essential factors and goal of the Senior Wellness Center as described above. This inviting and approachable work of art should express qualities of well-being, vitality, and communal support. Since the activities that will be offered at the Senior Wellness Center are designed to rejuvenate, energize, and motivate physical, mental, and emotional activity, a work of art that has motion (kinetic or static with the appearance of movement), changing lights, and/or plays off reflections and shadows would be embraced.

The artwork should be very visible to all the people who use the space, including members who will be active adults aged 50+, staff, service providers, and caregivers. If the artwork is on the exterior of the building, it should distinguish the Senior Wellness Center from other buildings in the Porter Health Village and make a statement about the activities that take place there.

The Senior Wellness Center artwork should also relate to the Norman community and its unique identity. The City of Norman makes exercise, health, and well-being a priority for all its citizens by providing numerous accessible parks, walking and biking trails, and sports fields across the City. The Senior Wellness Center will be an important addition to Norman that will contribute greatly to the City maintaining its high standard of quality of life.

Artwork that would be located outside should complement the natural beauty of the site and the architecture of the building and should draw visitors to the entrance of the facility.

The Selection Panel is open to any media or material that is appropriate to the site as long as it is durable, safe, low maintenance and vandalism resistant.

Budget 

The total artist's fee for the project is $100,000.00. This amount must cover all associated costs including design, materials, fabrication, lighting, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation.

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

Timeline:

• RFQ Deadline: July 7, 2022 11:59pm MST

The following dates are subject to change:

• Notify Artists: August 1, 2022

• Finalists’ Site Visit: Approximately August 22, 2022

• Finalists’ Presentation of Proposals: Approximately September 26, 2022

• Selection of Artist: Approximately October 25, 2022

• Opening of Norman Senior Wellness Center: Estimated summer of 2023

Committee and Selection Criteria

Selection for this project will be made by a panel including stakeholders, design professionals, a City representative, a member of the Norman Public Art board, a member of the Norman Arts Council Board, and members of the arts community.

Three finalists will be selected based on the materials submitted---please see the Application Guidelines above.

After a formal presentation, the selection panel will choose the best project for the site based on the merit of the artist’s work, past experience including completing projects on time and within budget, and appropriateness of the proposed concept. The Panel will also consider artists who can demonstrate sensitivity to the site and surroundings. Artists must be able to commit and effectively work within the project timeline and collaborate with the administration of City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department and Norman Arts Council.

Selection Process

1. The Selection Panel will review all applicants who respond to this RFQ.

2. Three finalists will be invited to move on in the process.

3. Finalists will come to Norman for a mandatory site visit to meet with the Project Team and others. Finalists will be paid a $650.00 allowance to cover transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the site visit.

4. After the site visit, finalists will be asked to create a site-specific design proposal that will include:

   • a scale model, maquette, or computer-generated design

   • an itemized budget

   • a project timeline

   • project narrative

   • maintenance plan

5. Finalists will each be awarded an honorarium of $1,000.00 for their proposal.

6. Finalists will be required to present their proposals in-person to the Selection Panel and will receive a $650.00 allowance for transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the proposal presentations.

7. The Selection Panel will make the final decision on the artist awarded the project pending approval of the Norman Arts Council and Norman City Council.

Commissioning of artists is implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or age, and all are encouraged to apply.

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Submissions for this project must contain the following materials:

• A one-page maximum typed letter of interest outlining your qualifications for and interest in the project, as well as the general idea for your approach. Please consider the following questions when developing your letter of interest:

  • Why do you want to work on this project

  • How would you approach this project?

  • What materials do you work with that would be appropriate for outdoor use?

  • Have you worked on similar projects? If not, what relevant experiences do you have?

  • How does the project relate to your current work?

• Resume (not to exceed three pages)

• A list of three references with whom you have worked on a public art project, including current telephone number and email address.

• 10 to 15 digital high-resolution images of previous work you feel would support your ability to carry out this project

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

2022 Arts Travel Grant Awards Available to Norman Artists

2022 Arts Travel Grant Award

Administered by the Norman Arts Council, the arts travel grant fund was designed to benefit artists of demonstrated merit and ability, providing the opportunity and freedom of travel. 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. 

The 2022 Travel Grant window is live now and up through Friday, June 24, 2022.

Artist Travel Grant Guidelines

DEADLINE: June 17, 2022 at midnight CST
DEADLINE EXTENDED: June 24, 2022 at midnight CST

The Norman Arts Council announces its 2022 Artist Travel Grant Application.  This fund was designed to benefit artists of demonstrated merit and ability, providing the opportunity and freedom of travel for artistic pursuits.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

Artists must live in Norman, OK.

Two AWARDS at $1,500 each

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 consistent body of work as evidenced by representation of past work in images and other supporting materials.
2. Thoughtful proposed use of funds.
3. Ability to be a good representative of the Norman community during travels.

ELIGIBILITY

All artists must:

1. Have resided in Norman, OK for at least the past 12 months.
2. Submit a completed application by June 24, 2022 via this website
3. 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
3.  CV - Emphasize your past exhibition and project experience
4.  Travel Narrative– Including:
a.  The purpose of your travel
b.  How it will support your work as an artist
c.  Desired outcomes of the travel experience

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

6.  Work Samples - Include a minimum of FIVE (5) and a maximum of TEN (10) recent (nothing more than 5 years old) samples of your work, that represent your work Samples maybe be images, audio files, video files, or presentation files

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

8.  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 cher@normanarts 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.

Join Norman Arts for the Premiere of Continuum, a Documentary Short on Herb Greene and His Return to Oklahoma

Continuum premiere screening
7 p.m. Thursday, May 19
MAINSITE Contemporary Art | 122 E. Main

Join Norman Arts for the premiere of Continuum, a documentary short on architect and artist Herb Greene.

Filmed during Greene's return to Oklahoma — where his work as an artist and architect began to take off — during the opening of his solo exhibition at MAINSITE Contemporary Art in fall 2021, the documentary brings Greene back to some his most iconic structures in Oklahoma, exploring Greene's work, ongoing legacy of creativity and impact on the state and beyond.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the documentary beginning at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow. The premiere is free and open to all to attend.

More about Herb Greene

Herb Greene studied architecture under the direction of Bruce Goff (1904–1982), one of the nation’s most original architects and influential architectural educators. Following the retirement of Goff in 1957, Greene taught architecture at the University of Oklahoma for six years, furthering Goff’s legacy and developing his own unique pedagogy.

In 1961, Greene designed and built the Prairie House in Norman, Oklahoma. The idiosyncratic and innovative architecture of Greene’s Prairie House caused an international sensation and was published in Life and Look magazines, Progressive Architecture (St. Martin’s Press), and numerous journals throughout Europe and Japan. 

After his retirement from teaching in 1982, Greene moved to Berkeley, California where he continued to write, paint, and promote his concept for building with artists. In 1981, Greene published the book Building to Last: Architecture as Ongoing Art (Architectural Book Publishing, 1981), which incorporates the work of artists and crafts people into built environments and advocates for regional and cultural identity in architectural forms. 

Greene’s architectural drawings are in The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection alongside works by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, and other works in the “Prairie Tradition.” Greene’s collage paintings are also in The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, as well as numerous private collections across the United States. 

Artist Liz Roth Explores American and International Landscapes, Historical Context in MAINSITE Exhibition

MAINSITE Contemporary Art welcomes a new exhibition from multi-disciplinary artist Liz Roth to the Norman gallery with a run beginning on Friday, May 13 and closing on Saturday, July 9.

The exhibition will be celebrated with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 13 as a part of the monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, with a midway and closing reception set for 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 10 and Friday, July 8, respectively.

Rushing Waters (2013), Oil on canvas, 30"x48"

Understanding Place: Perspectives presents artist Liz Roth’s longtime exploration of landscape in many media, including sketches, watercolor, oil painting and prints. The exhibition is organized as a journey around the world beginning with America 101, an exploration of every state in America, and ending with Roth’s ongoing project to render the rich and varied landscapes of the 40th parallel north. 

For Roth truly “Understanding Place” involves extensive research as well as sustained looking. The sketchbooks and process material included in the exhibition give a glimpse into both of these practices and the ways in which they contribute to her finished pieces. Perspectives not only includes landscapes seen from different angles and sightlines, but also, more subtly, from different historical and disciplinary contexts. She notes:

“Driving across country for America 101 on small roads, and stopping constantly to look at and consider which landscapes to represent forever changed how I view land,” Roth said in an artist statement. “I realized I had so much to learn about the many lenses through which I might comprehend a landscape: geomorphology, cultural geography, natural resources, histories of ownership, agriculture, immigration … the list of ways of understanding place was innumerable.”

Liz Roth is Professor of Drawing and Painting at Oklahoma State University. Her paintings, prints, installations, and drawings have been shown in over 100 exhibitions, including a dozen solo exhibitions. She has received numerous prestigious grants, among which was a Fulbright fellowship to teach in China, and many national and international residencies. Her work is in several public and private collections, notably the Walker Art Center (Minnesota), Museu del Joguet (Spain), and Hall of Awa Japanese Paper Museum (Japan).

The exhibition is curated by Jennifer Scanlan.

Dunhuang (2021), Oil on canvas, 30"x48"