Sunday, January 14, 2018

SALVATION OPENS
WARMING STATION



The Salvation Army Opens Its Warming Station
Local agencies to step in and offer support
 
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma opens its doors at its 1001 N. Pennsylvania Avenue location to those who need emergency overnight shelter during the dangerous cold with the help of its neighbors at The Homeless Alliance, City Care, the United Way of Central Oklahoma and Elite Protection Services.
 
The Salvation Army warming station will open its doors each evening when the temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below. "May the Lord bless all of those who find themselves out in the frigid conditions as well as those who are stepping in to help as we work together to provide a warm place to those struggling with the cold," said McWilliams.

In addition to its emergency shelter operations, The Salvation Army also provides a warm meal each evening in its Red Shield Diner and Kitchen where anyone in need of a meal can drop in. The evening meal is served at 5 p.m. The Red Shield Diner & Kitchen annually serves over 150,000 meals.
 
“Thanks to the wonderful support of this community, as well as collaborative partners like The Homeless Alliance, City Care and The United Way, we’re thrilled to be able to open our cold weather shelter," says Major Thomas McWilliams, area commander for The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command. "The bitterly cold temperatures are a significant danger to families lacking proper housing or a dependable source of hot meals.”

The Salvation Army, a United Way of Central Oklahoma partner agency, has a valuable resource in this partnership as opportunities to openly discuss the need has led to several agencies stepping up to help. One of those partner agencies is The Homeless Alliance.

"On any given night in Oklahoma City, there are 1,400 people who are homeless, 300 of whom are unsheltered and living on our streets, under bridges and in camps scattered across our community.  When temperatures drop below freezing those people, our neighbors, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, are at horrible risk," said Dan Straughan, executive director for The Homeless Alliance. "Oklahoma City has a long history of coming together to help our neighbors in need.  In this time of direst need for our city’s 300+ unsheltered homeless people, The Homeless Alliance is proud to stand in the gap with City Care, The Salvation Army and the United Way."

Thursday, January 4, 2018

OKC MUSEUM  OF ART
OFFERS CONVERSATIONS
AND DISCUSSIONS IN
JANUARY


Guests can enjoy time with artists and curators in the galleries this month 
Visitors to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art this January can enjoy additional tours, conversations and community discussions surrounding two current special exhibitions: "Master Strokes: Dutch and Flemish Drawings from the Golden Age" and "The Question of Beauty." 

"The response to 'Master Strokes' has been excellent, and we felt it was important to offer additional curator led tours before the exhibition leaves the U.S.," said Dr. Michael J. Anderson, director of curatorial affairs. "These works rarely travel, and this is the first time they have traveled internationally. I encourage everyone to visit the Museum before the exhibition closes on Jan. 21." 

"The inspiration for 'The Question of Beauty' came from a desire to showcase our permanent collection, while addressing questions such as 'Why are some artists interested in creating aesthetically displeasing work?' and 'How did artists approach the question of beauty from the early 1960s on?'" said Francesca Giani, curator of modern and contemporary art. "The tour I will host on Jan. 25 will focus on exploring some of the historical reasons behind the artists' rejection of beauty and on discussing how those choices effected art. Discussing such issues in the galleries will allow visitors to better appreciate the work on display, and contemporary art in general."

The full schedule is below.
  • Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m. - Conversation with Curator Dr. Roja Najafi about "Master Strokes"
  • Thursday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. - "One Work, Many Voices" in "The Question of Beauty"
  • Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m. - Conversation with Curator Dr. Michael Anderson about "Master Strokes"
  • Thursday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. - Curator's Tour of "The Question of Beauty"
"One Work, Many Voices" is an in-depth conversation inspired by a single work of art and was developed during the Museum's groundbreaking summer 2017 exhibition "Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic." Artists Marilyn Artus and Nicole Emmons-Willis will kick off the dialogue during this special session inspired by "The Question of Beauty." Topics will include feminism, equality and power.

Pre-registration for all events is recommended. Events are free for Museum members and ticket prices vary for non-members. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in person at the Museum, by calling (405) 236-3100 or online at okcmoa.com. 
Traveling outside Great Britain for the first time, "Master Strokes" presents some of the most important works from the Victoria and Albert's outstanding collection of Dutch and Flemish drawings, one of the principle holdings in Britain. Including approximately 90 works from the 16th to the 20th centuries, it includes masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Anthony van Dyck and Rembrandt van Rijn. 

"The Question of Beauty" presents modern and contemporary art from the Museum's permanent collection that employs beauty as a mode of expression, together with work that either rejects or ignores beauty. This exhibition includes work by Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist and many others and offers visitors an invitation to be moved, repelled - or feel ambivalent. 
For a full list of January events, visit www.okcmoa.com/events/
PERPETUAL MOTION
DANCE CLASSES 
RESUME JANUARY 6

Editor's note: Take a look at Perpetual Motion's
website. They are raising funds for a dance floor.
Nancy Condit
Perpetual Motion Dance
Happy New Year!
We’ve got some news.
We’ve made a resolution to continue to give you outstanding classes and performances.
Please be our guest in 2018, we look forward to seeing you.
COMMUNITY CLASSES RESUME JANUARY 6TH!REGISTER HERE

Everyone must fill out a waiver to attend a Perpetual Motion community class.
Click the link below and make sure all fields are completed and click finalize to finish.REQUIRED WAIVER - SIGN HERE
JANUARY
Class Schedule

Perpetual Motion Dance weekly classes across the metro area!
Ages: 12 & up

Attire: Comfortable clothing you can move in - NO SHORTS

Cost: $15

When/Where:

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
Monday 6:00-7:30
Open Level Hammock (Sling)

Studio 7 OKC (no class cards)
Wednesday 6:00-7:30
Open Level Trapeze/Mixed Metal

Climb Up - Norman
Saturday 9-10:00am
Open Level Silks

Studio 7 OKC (no class cards)
Saturday 10:30-11:30am
Open Level Silks

Saturday, December 30, 2017

SUPPORT FOR
OKC AREA
DANCE COMPANIES

The Oklahoma City area is lucky to have FIVE active
dance companies, all of which rely on support from
donors. Your favorite company -- or companies -- 
would appreciate your support of any size.

The companies are:

Hartel Dance Group https://www.harteldancegroup.org/ 

Oklahoma City Ballet https://www.okcballet.org/

Perpetual Motion Dance Company http://www.perpetualmotiondance.org/ 

Race Dance Company http://www.racedance.com/

Theater Upon A StarDanceSwan  https://www.facebook.com/Theater-Upon-A-StarDanceSwan-148550928574455/

Thursday, December 28, 2017

OPENING NIGHT 2018


Ring in the new year in style! Since 1987, Opening Night has been the place for families and friends to enjoy the performing arts and “open” the New Year in the spirit of community. Downtown Oklahoma City is the setting for a variety bands, fireworks, and an unforgettable children’s craft and performance area. The day begins with the festive Finale 5k at 3 p.m., and rest of the excitement begins at 7 p.m. and concludes with a fireworks extravaganza at midnight.

Things to know

Wristbands

Wristbands are available for purchase on December 1.  Find at  MidFirst Bank locations, 7-Eleven stores, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and Plenty Mercantile. On the night of the event, you may purchase wristbands at sales locations across the event.
Wristbands are $8 in advance, $10 the night of the event.
BUY WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Children’s Area

The Children’s Area in the Hall of Mirrors in Civic Center Music Hall means family-friendly fun! Enjoy face painting, an interactive art project, and lively musical performances – perfect to ring in the New Year

Food Trucks in Finale Alley

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best food trucks. Find hot drinks, snacks, and other delicious options in Finale Alley any time before midnight!
Bacon N Cakin: Pancake sandwiches and bacon infused angus beef sliders made fresh to order
Eddie’s Wings on Wheels: Crispy, juicy and oh-so wonderful wings
Hijo’s Taqueria: Authentic street tacos, quesadillas, and other tasty Mexican fare
Junction Coffee: Fresh coffee, espresso drinks, and other hot beverages
Let’s Do Greek: Greek and Mediterranean food including gyros, rice bowls, and more
MacTastic: Creamy mac & cheese bowls with delicious add-ins
Pitchfork: Homemade farmhouse favorites including sandwiches, baked goods and coffee
Sizzle N Spice: Tandoori style, Pakistani and Indian food
Snow S’more: Hand crafted s’mores and coffee beverages
Tasty Beats: Delightful selection of concession favorites.
Wicked Hangry: Gourmet burgers, sliders and grown-up grilled cheese

2018 Performers

The Wise Guys , OKC Improv, Adam and Kizzie, Edgar Cruz, Steelwind Duo, Brisa Sur, The House Session, Bricktown Clowns, and Michael King’s One Man Circus.

Fireworks Finale!

The Wise Guys take the Opening Night Finale Stage in Bicentennial Park at 9:00 and play until midnight. Playing coverts from vintage rock n’roll to contemporary pop, The Wise Guys will delight audience members of all ages.  Dance in the New Year to everything from The Beach Boys to The Cars to Maroon 5, and more.  The Wise Guys count us down to midnight, when a fireworks extravaganza rings in 2018!

For the performance schedule and event map, go to  artscouncilokc.com.  

For performance on the 5K rum, go to artscouncilokc.com. 

Opening Night is produced by Arts Council Oklahoma City.

Arts Council Oklahoma City is a non-profit 501 ©(3) organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together through free or low-cost cultural events and a variety of arts outreach activities that impact underserved populations. Each year, Arts Council events, programs and services reach nearly one million Oklahoma City residents and visitors. Arts Council Oklahoma City is sponsored by Devon Energy Corporation, MidFirst Bank, Inasmuch Foundation, OGE Energy Corporation, Ozarka Water & Coffee Service, Sonic - America's Drive-in, ICG, The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com, OKC Thunder, Toucan Production and Tyler Media. Arts Council Oklahoma City receives funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, and is an Allied Arts member agency. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com.
 

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Commentary
OKC BALLET'S
THE NUTCRACKER
A CLASSIC SUCCESS 

By Nancy P. Condit

Oklahoma City Ballet's two week production of the season favorite The Nutcracker, under the
direction of artistic director  Robert Mills, with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic under the baton of  guest conductor Douglas Droste, finished its two week run on December 19th at the Civic Center with an enthusiastic full house. 

The standout scene "The Land of Snow," with corps dancers as snowflakes, dancing singly, in small groups, a softly formed triangle, and leaping across the stage in white short tutus against a backdrop of light blue. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, danced by DaYoung Jung and Walker Martin in a last minute substitution, performed a lovely pas de deux. 

"The Kingdom of Sweets" variations were enjoyable. It was especially nice to see principal dancer Ronnie Underwood, who is now one of two ballet masters, partnering Amy Potter. They made the "Arabian Coffee" variation look effortless. Miki Kawamura and Alvin Tovstogray danced the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in the "Grand Pas De Deux," in which they had a chance to display their virtuosity and nice partnering ability.

The children in both the party act and as little angels opening "The Kingdom of Sweets" performed well, and were charming.

Upcoming performances are The Little Mermaid, February 16 - 18, and petite mort: a triple bill on April 13 - 15.
     

Friday, December 15, 2017

GROWN-UP HOLIDAY FILMS AT
OKC MUSEUM OF ART


What started with an announcement as a one time showing on Christmas Eve of "Die Hard," with Bruce Willis yelling the famous "Yippe ki yo...", at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, has turned into a series of non-Christmasy films to give even ardent holiday enthusiasts a respite from holiday themed films. And drinks are allowed in the auditorium. These films are meant for adults.

This holiday season, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) presents "Christmas for Grown-Ups," a series of Christmas cult classics and holiday hidden gems, screening Dec. 21-31.    


"On the heels of our successful Studio Ghibli and Wes Anderson holiday retrospectives, we were excited at the prospect of putting together a more traditional Christmas series this year," said Michael J. Anderson, Ph.D., director of curatorial affairs. "In keeping with the Museum Films philosophy, we sought to offer a fun and festive mix of eclectic holiday fare grounded in artistically accomplished and adventurous work by acclaimed filmmakers."   

"Some films are witty and romantic; others are subversive and satirical," he continued. "From the unrated cut of 'Bad Santa' to a pristine restoration of French New Wave classic 'My Night at Maud's,' there's something for just about everyone.  With our 'Christmas for Grown-Ups' series, we wanted to challenge conventional notions of what holiday films should look and feel like, while also offering Oklahoma City film lovers the opportunity to decompress, have a drink and watch a great movie on the big screen."  

Dr. Anderson added, "We're pleased to screen a number of these titles on 35mm prints, including the urbane 1930s detective caper, 'The Thin Man'; Wong Kar-Wai's sublimely beautiful sci-fi romance, '2046'; and John Huston's masterful final film, a faultless adaptation of James Joyce's 'The Dead.'"  

Tickets are now on sale and are $5 for OKCMOA Members; $9 for adults; $7 for seniors (62+) and college students with IDs. The Samuel Roberts Noble Theater bar offers a variety of beer, wine and spirits for purchase.     

"Christmas for Grown-Ups" opens Thursday, Dec. 21 with a 35mm screening of Arnaud Desplechin's "A Christmas Tale," a captivating and wildly inventive family drama starring iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve.  

For the romantically inclined, there is Whit Stillman's sparkling ensemble comedy, "Metropolitan"; Eric Rohmer's soulful love-triangle drama, "My Night at Maud's"; and Todd Haynes' lush period romance, "Carol." All are perfect options for a low-key date night, especially when paired with the Museum Cafe's specially priced Dinner and a Movie package at $29 per person.  

Other series highlights include a Christmas Eve matinee of the ultimate holiday cult classic: "Die Hard"; Stanley Kubrick's darkly brilliant "Eyes Wide Shut," starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman; and Terry Gilliam's visually dazzling dystopian satire, "Brazil." "Christmas for Grown-Ups" concludes with a New Year's Eve screening of Billy Wilder's Oscar-winning tragicomic masterpiece, "The Apartment."  

For more information on the "Christmas for Grown-Ups" series and more upcoming Museum Films events, visit: www.okcmoa.com/visit/events/christmas-grown-ups