Oklahoma Arts Council excursions Okemah
By Justin Scrimshire
Okemah Information Chief Reporter
The Okemah Chamber of Commerce initiated a progressive financial improvement program earlier than the pandemic. Due to the pandemic shutting down so many occasions and actions, progress was minimal. Following the pandemic, exercise has ramped again up and Okemah is starting to see some constructive outcomes.
Atlas Group Studios was employed as a advisor to current concepts for financial development and improvement. They’ve developed a full plan that may considered at www.placemakingokemah.com.
One of many steering committee members is Pamela Thompson, Proprietor of Pamela’s Flowers and Items and the Okemah Workplace Provide. A part of the suggestions of the Atlas Group Studios is to create connections via interactive artwork. They wrote: “A public artwork initiative can be a robust method to “stay the legacy” of Woody Guthrie and supply a fund and fascinating alternative for locals and guests alike to no solely rejoice however take part in and expertise the music of not solely in the course of the Woodiest by yr round. We suggest a public artwork technique that may invite each skilled artists in addition to neighborhood members to assist create seven anchor artwork installations, the primary might be a ‘Trying Glass’ idea on the Homestead.”
Thompson held a gathering in July with Amber Sharples, Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC) and mentioned concepts on learn how to promote Okemah via public artwork. Since July, Pamela has labored together with her workers in setting a gathering in Okemah with the Arts Council govt group to debate particular concepts and tasks for Okemah. Amber Sharples, Govt Director for the OAC and Molly O’Connor, Assistant Govt Director, have been joined by different members of the council in addition to Tonnie Dosser, who serves because the Govt Director for the Oklahomans for the Arts, a state arts advocacy group.
Thompson met the group on Thursday, October 27 for a day tour of Okemah. She began the strolling tour at Okemah Oil with the portray by George Alexander of Chief Okemah. Different murals on the tour included the Map by Libby Crimmings within the Farmer’s Market. This was an interactive artwork challenge throughout Woodyfest this yr. Within the Farmer’s Market can also be a mural of “Johnnie” by Deanna Mauldin. Two different murals on the town by Deanna Mauldin are positioned on the financial institution wall behind Okemah Nationwide and in addition on the Woody Park Downtown.
One of many highlights of the Artwork Council tour was the US Submit Workplace to see the portray by Richard West entitled “The Grand Council of 1842”. This portray brings to life the peace treaty between a number of Indian Tribes and Texas. West is without doubt one of the most treasured painters of his period. The portray that lots of take as a right on the put up workplace may be very precious, some even estimating its value round seven figures. Not solely does the council wish to promote artwork in Okemah nevertheless it additionally seeks to protect it as nicely. “The mural contained in the put up workplace is an absolute treasure and we wish to have a look at one of the best ways to protect that,” stated Sharples
Thompson additionally gave a tour of the Historical past Middle, the 1921 Crystal Theatre, Benson Media Middle, the London Home (childhood dwelling of Woody Guthrie), the Pecan Bowl and the Outdated Armory.
Whereas time didn’t permit, she advised them about Pastures of Lots, Okemah Lake that’s on the Oklahoma Fishing Path and in addition White Lighting Buffalo Ranch.
The Oklahoma Arts Council is a state company that not solely has the facility to award grants however serves because the state’s ambassador to advertise the humanities and educate Oklahomans in regards to the worth and influence that artwork has in Oklahoma, each broadly and particularly to the person communities. Created in 1965, the OAC helps fund 250 organizations and colleges all through the state with roughly 500 grants per yr.
Whereas it’s straightforward to examine huge cities reminiscent of Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis as the house of artists, artwork museums and galleries, rural communities have lengthy offered their very own contributions to the artwork world. The OAC appears to be like to create alternatives that may assist foster that creativity for years to come back.
“We wish to leverage the humanities in rural communities,” stated Sharples. “We noticed quite a few areas right here that could possibly be used for neighborhood engagement reminiscent of after faculty applications, songwriting courses and different types of artwork appreciation.”
Okemah has a wealthy historical past of contributors to the humanities, starting from the well-travelled legacy of Woody Guthrie to the works of world-renowned sculptor Dan Brooks. Throw in Grammy nominated John Fullbright, and singer/songwriters Shawna Russel, Melissa Hembree, Jamie Coon, in addition to others for good measure and it’s straightforward to see Okemah as a dependable supply of expertise and expression.
“I’m actually impressed with the historical past of this city,” stated Tonnie Dosser of her first go to to Okemah.
Whereas it could have been Dosser’s first go to, the OAC will not be unfamiliar with Okemah by any stretch of the creativeness. The OAC is an annual monetary contributor to the Woody Guthrie pageant held every summer time.
“We’re right here to construct a relationship with the neighborhood and empower Okemah to current artwork,” stated Sharples. After touring Okemah, the night culminated with a gathering of neighborhood leaders and enterprise house owners becoming a member of the OAC members inside the house of Senator Roger Thompson and Pamela Thompson for refreshments to debate additional cooperation in selling Okemah via the humanities.
