Spotlight on ONEAL: Sara Cowan, Co-Founder/Director of Oklahoma City Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar

Portrait of Sara Cowan by Sam Echols

 

An interview by Molly O’Connor

In 2008, three young women began sketching out plans for the very first Oklahoma City Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar.  Influenced by both the Rock n’ Roll Garage Sale and the Girlie Show, the founders planned and designed Deluxe to be a festive and family-friendly community arts happening.  This free event offers locales the opportunity to purchase unique handmade work by local artists during the holiday shopping season.  Taking place every December, Deluxe features up to 90 artist booths, performances by local musicians, creative activities for kids and partnerships with area social service and cause-driven organizations.

I recently interviewed emerging arts leader and Deluxe Co-founder Sara Cowan to learn more about how and why Deluxe began.

Who was instrumental in beginning steps of creating and launching Deluxe?

Sara: JD McCoy, Stephanie Evans and myself.  Stephanie had lots of experience running events and creative businesses.  Now she owns Dig It, a boutique in the Plaza District.  JD and I are now the two Deluxe directors.  JD was an art teacher and has quite a knack for logistics and planning.  I have a journalism/PR background, so I take care of most of the marketing aspects of the show.

After the first show, we built a relationship with Erin Cooper of Cooperhouse, our talented web designer, and David Woods of Group of One, our graphic designer who has been designing our posters and t-shirts.  They both have made a huge difference in the way we have been able to present ourselves to the world.

We also connected with Midtown Rotary, who have committed to being our volunteer base for our show every year.  These people are all very generous and supportive.

Deluxe provides Oklahoma artists with a unique opportunity to sell their work in an upbeat venue. Pictured above is event organizer and artist, Stephanie Evans.

How does Deluxe empower local artists and offer them opportunities to develop their art business?

Sara: We are committed to keeping the booth fees affordable for artists.  We know how it feels to be at an event, holding your breath and hoping to break even.  We try to feature artists on our blog and in our gift guides , and we pass along their names for media interviews and other promotional opportunities.  Sometimes we are able to do some matchmaking with local businesses that are looking for a certain kind of product.  It’s awesome to be able to make those connections so that money can stay in Oklahoma instead of buyers looking for factory-made products and imports.

More than just another arts event: Deluxe partners with area community organizations to build awareness about social service providers.

What does Deluxe offer the community?

Sara: It is a family-friendly event with a youthful atmosphere and free admission.  We think it’s a place where people can do all of their holiday shopping.  Great care is taken to ensure we have products at Deluxe for everyone on your gift list.

What advice would you give to other emerging arts leaders in Oklahoma who want to start something new?

Sara: Oklahoma is a great place to be for creative types.  Your work is needed and there is room for you to start something!  Because of the friendly, supportive nature of Oklahomans, it may be surprisingly easy for you to find support, advice and an enthusiastic audience.

A fun event for kids of all ages: the Sugar Free Allstars entertain the next generation of rock stars.

How does Deluxe impact the local economy?

Sara: Our shoppers spend thousands of dollars each year, which puts money in the pockets of our artists and also contributes to the city and state via sales tax.  Shopping at Deluxe is definitely a way to support local small business owners.  Most of our artists operate one-person ventures, whether they are moms staying up late at the sewing machine or art students operating on a tiny budget.

Why did you choose to pursue your endeavors here in Oklahoma?

Sara: JD and I have strong roots here with family and friends, and it’s a great place to be right now!  So much growth and excitement is happening, specifically in Oklahoma City.  Our economy is resilient and our citizens are enthusiastic about supporting all things local.

Plans for the 2012 Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar are already underway.  Sponsors, volunteers and exhibiting artists are are needed to make the event a success…more information is available at www.deluxeok.net 

An ONEAL Deal in Ada

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Vintage 22, 800 East Main Street
Oklahoma’s New and Emerging Arts Leaders are invited to the next ONEAL Deal in Ada, Tuesday, March 27th. This fun evening event will provide a forum for emerging arts leaders to network and hear more about how the next generation of arts leaders are contributing to Oklahoma’s creative and cultural identity. Participants can also team up to compete in the first ever ONEAL Trivia Night, starting at 8:00 at Vintage 22.
Who should attend: Oklahoma artists, performers, writers, arts administrators, college students, community and civic leaders, creative entrepreneurs, teaching artists, and anyone who is interested in learning more about how the arts can play an integral role in community development or education. The ONEAL Network is geared towards arts leaders age 35 and younger or those who are brand new to the Oklahoma arts industry. (Attendees must be 21 or older).
This ONEAL Deal event is presented in partnership with ECU, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and the Oklahoma Arts Council. For information about the ONEAL Deal, contact Molly O’Connor: molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2025

Spotlight on ONEAL: Building Momentum from the Ground Up

 by Molly O’Connor

Momentum attendees interact with artist Kory Twaddle’s, performance “Milk Bath.” Photo by R.C. Morrison

Festive. Adventurous. On the edge. These are just some ways to describe the experience of attending one of Oklahoma’s most unique annual art events: Momentum, an exhibition of new work by Oklahoma artists age 30 and younger. Presented by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC), this two-day multi-disciplinary arts event now attracts over 2000 attendees in Oklahoma City (March) and over 500 in Tulsa (October) every year. Annually, approximately 180 artists are selected to exhibit work at Momentum, an event that has been instrumental in the beginning stages of several artists’ careers.

Over the past eleven years, Momentum has grown exponentially and is now recognized as a successful and established exhibit that attracts art submissions from over 300 artists statewide. In fact, some college and university art departments now require that their art students submit work to this exhibit. But believe it or not, the concept for Momentum originated on a hot summer day in 2001 as a dozen twenty-something artists and art enthusiasts met at Stage Center Theatre for an informal brainstorming session. It was Julia Kirt, the Executive Director of OVAC, who had called us together in efforts to learn how OVAC could offer more support to young artists.

The first Momentum event took place January 12, 2002 at Stage Center Theatre in downtown Oklahoma City.

Recently, I met with Julia Kirt, Stephanie Ruggles Winter (Program Assistant at OVAC), and Alyson Moses (Curator of Education and the Capitol Galleries at the Oklahoma Arts Council) to talk about that first meeting and those early days of Momentum. Julia recalled how the idea for Momentum came from realizing there was a community need, and she knew OVAC’s Board of Directors were highly supportive in taking risks to meet that need.

Julia: “When I was hired at the age of twenty-five to serve as the executive director at OVAC, the board told me they were hoping I could get young people involved. After I had been there about two years, I saw what they meant. I saw a lot of people graduate from college and then they would just move away. Artists would graduate and maybe they would enter one of our exhibitions but then they would move or quit making art.”

At that first brainstorming meeting, Julia addressed the need to reach out to younger artists, and asked the group: “What do YOU want to do?” Several ideas were discussed, but all of them included a common desire to see cool things and new artistic endeavors taking place in Oklahoma City.

Alyson: “We talked about how it could be a series of events. I remember us throwing around the idea that it could be a like a Lalapalooza of young artists in Oklahoma City. It started out so undefined.”

Eventually the group determined that they would work together on a new arts event that would feature the work of young artists. Unlike many of the existing local exhibits, it would be open to students and geared towards emerging artists. It was to be multidisciplinary and exciting, something different than the established arts events.

Stephanie: “We were really worried that people would be bored. We didn’t just want another wine and cheese art gallery event. We wanted a happening.”

Julia: “And I would like to emphasize that we chose not just to have another fundraiser. I don’t think participating in the arts should always be about charity. To me it was important to keep the tickets cheap and the focus on featuring young artists.”

OVAC Executive Director, Julia Kirt (second from right) and Momentum supporters observe the work of young, emerging artists. Photo by R.C. Morrison

From the first meeting, the committee hit the ground running with their plan for a new event that would redefine the artistic scene of Oklahoma City. Stage Center would serve as the fun and funky setting for this first happening. The committee utilized personal networks and connections to pull off the first event, spending just a little over $800 to pay for event costs such as marketing and supplies. In addition to OVAC’s board of directors, the directors of the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and Stage Center were supportive.

Julia: “I think what’s key for ONEAL people. Leveraging every personal relationship that you can and learning to identify people that you wouldn’t even think of immediately. How do you get people involved that might have other networks? I was amazed how having some bartenders and restaurateurs who helped spread the word got us entirely new audiences. I know we were going to be happy if a hundred people showed up the first event, but then people kept pouring into the building…it was insane!”

Stephanie: “Alyson and I were sitting there before it started and we were both so nervous, wondering, ‘what if no one shows up?’ And then one of us looked at the door and there were people lined up in the lobby and waiting to get in!”

Alyson:…”And they weren’t just our parents!”

(Everyone laughs).

Spectators witness Chris Wollard's "Loki Ball," the art that destroys art. Photo by R.C. Morrison.

Curated by Debby Williams and Nikki Williams, the first Momentum featured the work of 30 emerging Oklahoma artists. Over 450 patrons attended the opening on January 12, 2002 which included interactive performance art. Musicians Donna Monarch, 18th and Olie, and Ambassador Bill helped create a lively “non-boring” scene. The committee members that worked so hard to piece together this new event were both surprised and pleased with its success. But for this committee, it was more than just an arts event. The experience of collaborating on a common goal created new friendships and played an important role in the careers of those involved.

Stephanie: “I do remember being so surprised at everyone that was involved in this. Not only coming together but being excited to meet each other…and they threw out their ideas and were so willing to give their time and energy.”

Alyson: ‘It kind of changed my perspective of everything, because when you’re first starting out you’re looking to get into a juried show, something to put on your resume. And we actually created something that goes on your resume. Now I see artists all the time with Momentum on their resume.”

Julia: “You really can create a venue for yourself. A lot of past Momentum committee members have gone on to become board members and committee members for other arts organizations. They are some of the best volunteers in town. A lot of them have gone on to be other staff members of other arts organizations.”

Author’s note:
On a personal note, I recall this volunteer experience as the beginning of something that would directly change my own opinion about the Oklahoma City arts scene. Newly graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I was tossing over questions such as: “What’s next?” and “Oklahoma: should I stay or should I go?” Being part of the first Momentum committee was instrumental in both my work as an artist and in my career as an arts leader/administrator.  It was the first time I remember feeling that I had a personal investment in the arts and my local community. All in all, I’m grateful I did stay in Oklahoma and get involved in something that would only continue to grow and gain Momentum.

You won’t want to miss the next Momentum event, which will take place Friday, March 9th and Saturday March 10th at the Farmer’s Public Market (311 South Klein in Oklahoma City). To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit: http://ovac-ok.org/Events/events_momentum.cfm

Spotlight on ONEAL: Anthony Foreman, Founder and Director of the Trail Dance Film Festival

An Interview with Anthony Foreman by Molly O’Connor

I first met Anthony Foreman last sumer when a mutual friend asked me to join the Trail Boss Team for the 48 Hour Film Project in Oklahoma City.  Having no idea what this project was, but being the diva-actress-wannabe that I am, I of course signed on to help.  Along with ten other teams, we worked fast and furiously to create, edit, and submit a short film, all in less than forty-eight hours. After the debut of our quirky yet clever superhero film “Briskman,” our team was out for an evening of celebration when I began to quiz Anthony about his interest in the art of filmmaking. It was then that I learned that he was the Founder and Director of the Trail Dance Film Festival, which is now in its 6th year and is set to place January 27-28 at the Simmons Center in Duncan, Oklahoma.

“How old are you?” I demanded.

When he told me that he was 26, had started the festival at the age of 20, and  successfully started his first online website business at the ripe age of 14, I realized that my recent high score in Angry Birds was no longer that brag-worthy.

Having grown up with a love for movies and a strong interest in independent film,  Anthony began talking about starting a film festival when he was a  Communications student at Cameron University. He had been assisting with graphic design and advertising at the Duncan Convention and Visitors Bureau when he and the director at the time, Jessika Davis, began talking about how there were no events in the month of January to pull people into the community. Influenced by one of his professors, Dr. Matt Jenkins, who had successfully created and submitted several independent films to festivals all across the country, Anthony began putting the initial plans together to start a film festival in Duncan.

“I asked him (Dr. Jenkins), ‘If I started a film festival, would you submit films for it?’ And he said ‘yes’, so I thought…okay, I have at least one person who will submit films.  It was then that I talked to Jessika and that’s when things really began.”

Anthony hit the ground running with the idea, spending the entire year of 2006 raising money and seeking support for the concept.  He brought together people who were dedicated to the cause, including one major supporter: his dad.

“The first year, I was doing everything.  I went and begged for money.  Called executives from large rental chains to get support.  I told my dad, ‘I’m gonna put on a film festival.’  He said, ‘You’re crazy.’  And that was the end of the conversation.  Then the first box of films arrived and I got him wrangled in to help out.”

 

The Oklahoma Film and Music Office's Jill Simpson, Lt. Governor Jari Askins, and Festival Director Anthony Foreman pose for a photo at the 2009 Trail Dance Film Festival.

The hard work paid off, and in January 2007, the first Trail Dance Film Festival took place.  Much to the excitement of Anthony and the festival planning committee, the Governor’s Conference on Tourism granted them the Redbud Award, which recognizes outstanding new events.  The festival succeeded in attracting new tourism to the town of Duncan, including several filmmakers and film enthusiasts from across the country.

“Our first year we had a dude fly in from Paris, France to promote his film at the festival.  Every year we have a lot of people from Canada, LA, Chicago, Texas, Oklahoma and Washington State.”

Anthony speculates that the Trail Dance Film Festival has about a $100,000 impact on the local economy.  Those attending the two day event spend a significant amount of money on hotel rooms, restaurants, and retail.

“Our budget for the event is about $50,000, and I would estimate that we spend about $45,000 of that in state.  That includes things like renting the facility, printing costs and trophies.”

In addition to generating new revenue in Duncan, the festival has been instrumental in providing Oklahoma filmmakers a forum to exhibit their work and the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, filmmakers, and actors from outside of the state.  Included in the event is an educational outreach program that serves approximately 700 3rd through 8th graders.  In this program, professional filmmakers talk with youth about the art form and show examples of their work.  A scholarship program has also allowed several young filmmakers to attend the festival.

While the Trail Dance Film Festival has had a successful six-year run, it has endured several obstacles along the way.  With a population of less than 25,000, Duncan presents a real challenge when it comes to raising funds for the festival.  Building awareness about the event and the overall value it plays for the community has also been a big hurdle.

“It has been hard to get people involved and invested.  We also are competing for funds in a community where several basic needs are often unmet.  When the schools already have to raise money for graduation or essential things like school buses, it’s hard to compete with that.”

Still, Anthony’s leadership, dedication and vision for the festival have endured and have only continued to help it reach new heights.  Among other honors, the Trail Dance Film Festival has been named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals by Movie Maker Magazine.  And most recently, the festival was listed on the PBS View Blog article: “12 Small Town Documentary Film Festivals for 2012.” 

Featuring over eighty independent films, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s festival.  For full details about the 2012 Trail Dance Film Festival and to purchase tickets, visit: www.traildancefilmfestival.com.

In closing, when asked about his advice for other new and emerging arts leaders, Anthony replied, “I know this sounds really cliche, but reach for the stars, don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and keep your eye on the prize.  That’s exactly what I did.”

An ONEAL Deal — Tulsa!

Join members of ONEAL (Oklahoma’s New and Emerging Arts Leaders) to hear how young leaders have worked hard to transform their creative visions into successful arts programs in Tulsa.  This “ONEAL Deal event” is a great opportunity to learn more about the ONEAL network and to meet other arts leaders from across Oklahoma.

Panelists include:

Jen Alden (Portico Dance)
John Cruncleton (Nightingale Theater)
Matt Moffett (Tulsa Girl’s Art School)
Vanessa Somerville (Lot 6 Art Bar)
Mary Beth Babcock (Dwelling Spaces).

The event will take place Tuesday, October 25th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Nightingale Theater in Tulsa. (1416 E. 4th Street) There is no cost to attend the ONEAL Deal. For questions, please contact Molly OConnor: molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2025

The ONEAL Deal is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and takes place in conjunction with the Oklahoma Arts Conference. To learn more about the conference, please visit: www.art.ok.gov

 

Participants are invited to Lot No. 6 Art Gallery & Bar (1323 E. 6th ) after the ONEAL Deal.

Time: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST
Host: Molly O’Connor
Contact Phone: 405-521-2025
Location: Nightingale Theater (Tulsa, OK)
1416 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

ARTISTIC MOVEMENT: Momentum Tulsa Highlights Oklahoma’s Young Artists

This October, Tulsa’s Brady Arts District will come alive with the artworks of Oklahoma’s up-and-coming artists. The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Momentum Tulsa: Art Doesn’t Stand Still launches Saturday, October 8, from 8 pm – Midnight at Living Arts, 307 E. Brady. Highlighting Oklahoma artists ages 30 and under, the exhibition will feature painting, photography, sculpture, film, performance, and large-scale installations. Following the opening event, the exhibition will remain on display through October 27. The call for artwork entries is now available, with a deadline of September 12. Artists are invited to submit up to 3 pieces through an online application at www.MomentumOklahoma.org. As a part of Momentum Tulsa, three artists received $1,500 Momentum Spotlight commissions to create new artwork. The Momentum Spotlight artists receive cash commissions and three months of interaction with the guest curators. Selected Momentum Spotlight artists are Brian Letzig of Stillwater, Jacquelyn Sparks of Oklahoma City, and Jessica Tankersley of Norman. Letzig’s project The World We Live In includes sound and video projected onto ceramic house forms, with the video imagery illustrating juxtapositions experienced in everyday Oklahoma life. This multimedia installation incorporates both sides of his studies as an OSU student studying ceramics after receiving an architecture degree. Sparks is incorporating research on her family history to tell an unbelievable story. Reconstructing Charles Proctor is a photographic project which illustrates the story of her mysterious grandfather whose work took him around the globe, leaving behind clues and artifacts that are helping the artist piece together his life. Sparks is a student at OU seeking a master of fine arts in photography. For Tankersley’s Twitter Heart project, she is creating an electronic sculpture that will appear to have a life of its own, with a rhythmic beat similar to a heart. The sculpture’s “heart beat” however, actually depends on the word “heart” appearing on the social networking site Twitter. If no “heart” tweets are found, the sculpture will cease to move. Tankersley is also a student at OU, studying Media Arts. Guest curators select the art and awards for Momentum Tulsa from an open call to artists. This year, curators are Brian Hearn, Film Curator at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Waylon Summers, Gallery Director at Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa as Emerging Curator. Tickets to the October 8 event are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets and more information call 405-879-2400 or visit www.MomentumOklahoma.org.

Oklahoma City artist Jacquelyn Sparks was selected for Momentum Spotlight, which offers an honorarium and curatorial guidance on a new project for Momentum Tulsa.

Oklahoma City artist Jacquelyn Sparks was selected for Momentum Spotlight, which offers an honorarium and curatorial guidance on a new project for Momentum Tulsa.

A prototype for the electronic sculpture Twitter Heart, the Momentum Spotlight project from Jessica Tankersley.

Norman artist Jessica Tankersley was selected for Momentum Spotlight, which offers an honorarium and curatorial guidance on a new project for Momentum Tulsa.

Momentum Tulsa 2010 at Living Arts.

 

An ONEAL Deal in Oklahoma City: Thursday, June 30th

Join members of the ONEAL Network to hear how young leaders have worked hard to transform their creative visions into successful arts programs in Oklahoma City. Jennifer James, Director of the new organization, Oklahomans for the Arts, will present information on how ONEAL members can get involved with arts advocacy locally and nationally. Participants will learn more about how the arts significantly impact the local economy. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the ONEAL network and to meet other arts leaders in Oklahoma.

 

The event will take place Thursday June 30th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Broadway Theatre in Oklahoma City.  (1613 N. Broadway Ave.)There is no cost to attend the ONEAL Deal. For questions, please contact Molly O’Connor: molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2025

Join ONEAL on Facebook!

Keep up with the latest news from ONEAL by joining our page on Facebook.  Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=36060012262

By joining our Facebook site, you can stay up to date with ONEAL events and news. 

Also, once you join the site, please use it to share that can help arts leaders across Oklahoma.  This can include:

• Call for artists for exhibits, performances, etc.
• Art-job and internship opportunities
• Arts events, conferences, exhibits, performances, classes, workshops, etc.
• Arts-related news stories
• Oklahoma news or resources that may effect the arts in our state
• Links for local and national arts resources

For more information about ONEAL, contact Molly O’Connor: 405-521-2025 or  molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov

An ONEAL Deal in Stillwater

Want to learn more about the ONEAL Network? Join ONEAL members for the next ONEAL Deal event, March 19th in Stillwater.

Saturday, March 19th 4:30 to 7:00 pm
Stillwater Multi Arts Center
1001 S. Duck

In partnership with Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and hosted by Stillwater Multi Arts Center, the next ONEAL Deal will allow Oklahoma’s new and emerging art leaders to network and learn more about local organizations and resources that support the arts.

Who should attend: Oklahoma artists, performers, writers, arts administrators, college students, community and civic leaders, creative entrepreneurs, teaching artists, and anyone who is interested in learning more about how the arts can play an integral role in community development or education. ONEAL programs are geared towards arts leaders age 35 and younger or those who are brand new to the Oklahoma arts industry.

What to expect: This event will include a panel of ONEAL members who are actively engaged in their communities. Special focus will be placed on the cultural arts scene of Stillwater as well as other statewide arts resources. Time will be allotted for networking and group discussion. There is no cost to attend this program. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, brochures and marketing information. Participants have the option to move on to a local restaurant for dinner after the program.
This event is taking place in conjunction with OVAC’s Workshop: Paint by Numbers: Tax Tips for Artists.
For questions about the ONEAL Deal or to RSVP, please contact Jessica Novak: 405-747-8084.

2nd Tuesdays Coffee Talk with ONEAL

ONEAL members and those would like to learn more about the ONEAL Network are invited to attend 2nd Tuesdays Coffee Talk with ONEAL.  This is an informal morning meeting where you can exchange information and meet other ONEAL members.  It’s a great way to hear about what is going on in the arts, all while enjoying your necessary delicious caffeine fix!  Bring your business cards and any marketing or promotional information you care to share.

We meet 8:00 am until about 9:30 every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Beatnix Cafe, 136 NW 13th Street in Oklahoma City

The next Coffee meeting is scheduled for March 8th, 2011.

If you are interested in hosting an ONEAL event in your community, please contact Molly O’Connor: 405-521-2025 or molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov