pathways to progress

The ArtsCulture

Recreation

Pathways to

ProgressHistoric Jazz in June and theNorman Music Festival had

humble beginnings with a locallocal bands. Their success has

drawn audiences in the thou-sands. Now musicians, someknown internationally, are put-

ting Norman on their calendars.Could Norman’s events rivalthose festivals in Austin and

Newport?

— Read all about it, Page 4-5

Coming June 7: Pathways to Progress / Health & Wellness

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The arts — whether it’s classes at the Firehouse or the firstpiece of public art on Main Street — aren’t free. The

Firehouse Art Center, held in a building that once was Nor-man’s second Fire Station, needs space for more children’s

art classes. They’ll mount a fundraising center in the fall.How will the new center look and what will they add to an

already busy schedule.

Read all about it, Page 6

Chad Vice, a life long Oklahoman and Funeral Director, began his career in funeral service at the age of 14. Chad was born and raised in Western Oklahoma, graduating from Cordell High School in 1987. He immediately enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas, obtaining an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1989. Chad continued his education, enrolling at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Accounting in 1993.

After graduating from college, Chad remained in Western Oklahoma, where he was employed with Lee Funeral Homes, a position he began at age 14. In April of 1995, Chad was randomly selected to report to duty to assist in the recovery efforts of the Alfred P. Murrah Building bombing in Oklahoma City. While serving in Oklahoma City, Chad's affi liation with other funeral service professionals led him to a career opportunity with a large funeral service company. Chad assumed responsibility of Oklahoma City's largest funeral home and cemetery operation in 1997 and continued to lead the business for the next 13 years, before purchasing Havenbrook Funeral Home in 2010. He has served on numerous board and leadership roles, both locally and nationally. Chad enjoys spending time with his family, reading and traveling. Chad is joined in the family business with his wife, Jennifer and their two daughters.

Jennifer Vice was born in Sioux City, Iowa, later moving to Oklahoma where she was accepted into the Nursing program at Oklahoma State University, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1998. Jennifer and Chad were married in 1997, and Jennifer continued her nursing career focusing on Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jennifer enjoyed her career, but with the birth of her fi rst daughter in 2003, she made the decision to become a stay-at-home Mom. In 2007, Jennifer and Chad were blessed with another daughter. Jennifer is very much enjoying life in Norman and is involved in her daughters’ school activities. She is also engaged in the family business, working in various positions. Jennifer enjoys scrapbooking, dancing, and spending time with her family.

Reverend Joe E. Hancock is the former Senior Pastor of South Oklahoma City’s Southpointe Church, a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 2009. During his 40 year career in the ministry, Reverend Hancock lead seven growing churches in four states with two of these churches sponsoring Christian Schools. He has also lead foreign missions, building churches and schools in Brazil and Central Africa. Reverend Hancock joined the Havenbrook family in 2010 as an Ambassador to Family Services, providing strength and support to the Norman and surrounding communities. He and his wife, Beverly. are enjoying

semi-retirement and spending time with family and friends.

3401 Havenbrook St., Norman, OK 73072405-329-0101

www.Havenbrookfuneralhome.com

Family Owned. Family Focused. Meet Our Staff

Donna Brewer joined the Havenbrook Family in 2010 as

Director of Facilities. She is a 1981 graduate of Del City High School and has been involved in funeral

home and cemetery operations since 1999.

She is the mother of two daughters and one awesome

granddaughter. In her spare time, Donna enjoys time with her family

and friends.

CHAD VICE

JENNIFER VICE

JOE HANCOCK

DONNA BREWER

Your local Pre-need Professionals & Cremation Specialists

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

athways to Progress — a relativelysimple phrase that likely draws a

mirage of thoughts. However, as you turn the next few

pages and the special sections titled withthe same theme The Transcript willpublish for three more consecutiveTuesdays, I believe those thoughts, orshould I say images, will come into clearfocus.

Pathways to Progress,which was rekindledfrom similar sectionspublished by thisnewspaper several yearsago, is The Transcript’sway to highlight Normanand nearby communitiesthat we call home.

As the newspapershowcases some of thespecial aspects of ourcommunity, we hope youwill get a glimpse to thePathways to Progressthat make today goodand give us plenty of promise and hopethat our tomorrows will be even better.And, from the perspective of this areanewcomer, the outlook is bright.

Whether, it’s a snapshot of the area’sarts, culture and recreation opportunitiesin today’s section or the topics of health,wellness, education, business, industryand the community’s quality of life in thenext three sections, there is a lot happen-ing all around us.

We believe as you read the stories, lookat the photos and find some interestingtidbits, you will once again understandthat Norman is really a special place tolive.

Thanks for spending a few minuteswith Pathways to Progress — enjoy.Transcript Publisher Terry Connor can bereached at [email protected] 366-3590.

Normancharts pathto success

TerryConnor:Publisher

• Top photo: Jazz in June by Doug Hill / For The TranscriptSinger/songwriter Suzanna Choffel and band perform during the 2010

Jazz in June Festival.

• Middle photo: The Firehouse Art Center by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

• Bottom photo: Community art installation, “Indian Grass Sculpture,” by KylePhillips / The Transcript

• Background photo: A path at Sutton Wilderness in northeast Norman by LeeAnnMcConnell / For The Transcript

On the coverAnimal Emergency Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Brockhaus Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Havenbrook Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2HeyDay Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Jazz in June. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Ladies Workout Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Le Visage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Marcum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Norman Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Norman Radiology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. . . . . . . . . . . . 7Sooner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8The Norman Transcript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Advertiser index

By Nanette Light


A group in Norman bent on spreading freeart to the masses anticipates a succession ofunderground plans to move beyond thedrawing board in the next fewmonths.

A collaboration between thePublic Arts Board of Norman andthe city’s Parks and RecreationDepartment would erect a series ofsculptures in some of Norman’s 42children’s parks, said LarryWalker, public art commissionerfor the city.

While the partnership isn’tfinalized, Walker said it wouldspread public art into city-ownedareas of Norman where art is almostnonexistent.

The plans — aimed to spur art beyondNorman’s historic arts district and LegacyTrails — follow the almost one-year render-ing of the Indian Grass Sculpture at the EastMain Street roundabout, the first majorproject to extend art east of Porter Avenueby the 4-year-old Norman Public Arts board.

“There’s this mentality that it’s the artsdistrict so therefore it should have morepublic art in it,” Walker said of the concentra-tion of art in downtown Norman contrasted

Sculptures to find display space

Jana Moring

Barbara Schindler

Jonathan Fowler

Ally Richardson

Douglas Shaw Elder

Larry Walker

Sara Kaplan

Public Art

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

The fledgling Norman Public Arts board hopesto introduce public art into city-owned areas ofNorman where art is almost nonexistent.

• Please see PUBLIC ART, Page 10

Possible future spaces

■ Medians on West MainStreet from Interstate-35coming into Norman

■ Bump-outs indowntown along sidewalkcurves

■ Entrance coming intoNorman from Highway 77from the south

■ Norman’s 42 children’sparks

■ Fire stations

■ Parking lots

Board

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■ Chocolate Festival,for nearly three decades theFirehouse Art Center hashosted a celebration of allthings chocolate inFebruary. It’s an Art Centerfundraiser that finds thecity’s restaurants competingto outdo each other withcreatively tasty chocolatetreats.

■ Dust Bowl ArtsFestival, one of Norman’snew festivals, in 2010 in washeld on Campus Corner ona September Saturdayafternoon and evening. Liverock music and an arts andcrafts market are the event’shighlights. This year’s dateis Aug. 28.

■ Groovefest, heldannually in the spring andfall, it’s a come-togetherafternoon in the park for thecity’s counterculture andtheir admirers. Live music,crafts, food and fun areenjoyed with messagesabout social responsibilityand human consciousness.

■ Jazz in June, one ofNorman’s premier festivals,it hosts internationallyknown stars of blues andjazz. A 3-day event, Jazz inJune’s finale is generally thelast Saturday evening inJune under the stars atBrookhaven Village and atAndrews Park.

■ Medieval Fair ofNorman was the firstmedieval or renaissance fairin the state and is one of afew free medieval fairs in thenation. Held annually inApril since 1977, this eventrelives the Middle Ages witharts and crafts, food, games,jousting tournaments,human chess games,costume contests and more.Once a single-day event,Medieval Fair continued togrow with participants andvisitors flocking in fromthroughout the nation. In2003, with cooperation fromthe city of Norman, the fairmoved to Reaves Park, oneof Norman's largest parks.

■ Norman MusicFestival, going into its 5thyear in 2012, the event hasgrown larger each time andis usually in late April. Livemusic of all genres alongwith a variety of familyfriendly activities downtownhas drawn nation-wideattention. All performancesare free to attend.

■ Summer Breeze, afree evening of live music invarious city parks held onseveral non-consecutiveSunday evenings from Mayto September. Theatmosphere is communityblock party-friendly andfeatures folk, pop rock andalternative country music.This year’s Summer Breezelineup includes May 22,Bob Livingston; June 5,Shane Henry and MaggieMcClure; June 26, TheDamn Quails; July 10,Susan Cowsill; July 24,Terry “Buffalo” Ware and theShambles; Aug. 7, TheJonBear Fourtet; Aug. 21,Patrice Pike and Sept. 11,Mike Hosty Duo

■ Winter Wind, anevening of live music thattends to be folk andAmericana-oriented insidedowntown’s Santa Fe Depot.Some concerts havemoderately pricedadmission and others arefree. The concerts arespaced every few weeksfrom Nov. to March.

— Doug Hill, For The Transcript

Norman:Year-RoundCity of Festivals

By Doug Hill

For The Transcript

Organizers say Jazz in June is a Normanevent that has helped define the city as

one valuing the arts, entertainment and civicinvolvement.

Cimarron Circuit Opera Company’s Dr.Thomas Carey is credited with creating Jazz inJune in 1984. Rachel Jacquemain, past directorof the Norman Arts and Humanities Councilrecalls that Carey came up with the idea of ajazz concert fundraiser for the Opera Companyover drinks at the Service Station Restaurant onSouth Webster Avenue.

That was a long time ago. Carey is deceased now along with many

memorable jazz greats who played Jazz in Juneover the years including Jay McShann, JackMcDuff, David “Fathead” Newman andWayman Tisdale.

Still, the festival lives on and the thousandswho have come to anticipate it every year arethrilled about that.

It begs the question of why Jazz in June hasremained so popular over time as other festivalsand similar events have fizzled out.

Norman jazz singer and vocal instructorCharlene Bradley shared her opinions why thismight be.

“Jazz is one of music’s timeless genres and Ithink that helps keep Jazz in June alive,” shesaid. “It’s complicated unlike so much popmusic today that may have 8 chords in a song.‘My Funny Valentine’ (a jazz standard) has 30different chord changes.”

Of course Bradley may be on to something. Jazz is an intricate and often refined art form.

It is undeniably all-American. Jazz is one of ourmost respected and beloved exports that hasbeen imitated and hybridized around the globe.It is not easy to play well and comprises only a

small percentage of annual record sales.Musicians have a difficult time making a livingplaying jazz full time.

Bradley performed at the 2001 Jazz in June. “The energy was great,” she said. “It was a

beautiful night which is the first thing you hopefor at an outdoor venue.”

Bradley’s not just whistling Dixie on thiscount. Crowds have run for cover from violentOklahoma storms during more than onefestival performance.

“It was a really special show for me and Iwanted it to be that way for the audience too,”she said. “I even had a dress made just for theoccasion and as it turned out everythingincluding our music went perfectly. It justflowed beautifully like we were floating.”

Bradley hit another key to Jazz in June’slongevity: It has been a festival with an inordi-nate number of magic moments over the years.

People remember those shows wheremusical brilliance makes time seem to standstill and shimmer. Paquito d’Rivera’s riveting2004 performance with the United NationsOrchestra comes to mind along with TonyGuerrero’s silky set in 1992. Artists such asHouston’s Norma Zenteno and Brazilian pianistEliane Elias may not be household names butthey provided memorable performances.

It’s the people

Naturally nothing as complex as a multidayjazz festival happens without the dedication,organizational skills and persistence of a groupof people. Jazz in June’s board of directors andits committee members always have come fromthe community. Barbara Henderson served onthe board for over 15 years and shared herthoughts about the festival’s success.

“The thing what impresses me most is thatNorman is reaping the rewards of a fine jazz

festival because of all the hard work of thevolunteers,” she said. “It was such an incredibleeffort that ended on the last day of Jazz in Juneeach year and began all over again the follow-ing Monday withplans for the nextone.”

Hendersondescribed boardmembers who aregifted, selfless andshare a specialcamaraderie. “Firstand foremost we areall music lovers,” she said. “Both as a board andas individuals we saw the opportunity toprovide great music here and take advantage ofall our wonderful venues. It came from a love ofcommunity and the desire to make Normanshine.”

Henderson said that in addition to the musicthere’s also a festival atmosphere that isattractive to many different kinds of people.

“My son volunteered his time for Jazz inJune and my grandchildren absolutely loveworking there,” she said. “Entire families havevolunteered.”

Former Norman resident Champian Fultonis a vocalist who performed at Jazz in June withher dad in the Stephen Fulton Quartet whileshe was still a student at Longfellow MiddleSchool.

Today she makes her home in New YorkCity as a professional jazz singer and pianist.Champian is scheduled to be part of the line-upat the 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Dayweekend.

“I think Jazz in June has succeeded becausethe people of Norman truly love live music,”she said. “Norman is the cultural center ofOklahoma and the festival shows their dedica-tion to supporting live music and the artists.”

Festivals

Photos by Doug Hill / For The Transcript

Music fans fill Andrews Park for the 2010 Jazz in June Fesitval.

Jazz in June getting jazzier with age

2011 marks jazz fest’s 28th year of playing to the masses

Above: Norman North High School jazz choir performing their customary set at the2010 Jazz in June Festival.

At right: Music fans bring their chairs and pets to Andrews Park for the 2010 Jazz inJune.

If you go ...

■ Jazz in June will beJune 23-24 atBrookhaven Village andJune 25 in Andrews Park.

■ The future is bright for The Firehouse Arts Center

■ Stroll through the Downtown Arts District on second Fridays

■ Norman, part of Oklahoma’s wine country

■ Little River State Park and Lake Thunderbird

Still ahead



Doug Hill / For The Transcript

A Norman youth group trombone line perform an impromptu concert in the street during the 2010 Norman Music Festival

Tourism

By Michael KinneyTranscript Staff Writer

W hen Stephen Koranda took overas executive director of the

Norman Convention and Visitors Bureauin 2009, he had many goals.

“When I arrived I noticed we wereutilizing four different looks and mes-sages in our materials,” Koranda said. “Inthe spring of 2009 we conducted a fewtests of the most used message anddiscovered it wasn’t generating themessage we needed communicated. Aswe went through that process we quicklyrealized we needed to go through thebrand realignment.”

It took a couple of years, but Korandagot his wish. The CVB completed itsbranding of Norman and has begun toshowcase the city to tourists and visitors.

“The Norman Convention and Visitorswent through a brand re-alignment,”Koranda said. “Norman’s brand wasalready in place. The CVB just needed torealign our identification with Norman’sbrand or the personality that relates to ourcustomers – leisure travelers, meetingand sport event planners.”

The branding process began when theCVB collected proposals from numerousfirms before a task force interviewed fivefinalists.

Based on the task forces’ recommenda-tion, the CVB Board of Directors madethe decision to hire Third DegreeAdvertising out of Oklahoma City.

Third Degree conducted a planningsession with representatives of thecommunity. They then toured the city toview what it had to offer. They surveyedleisure travelers, meeting planners, sportevent planners, the local business

community, hoteliers and sports facilityrepresentatives, according to Koranda.

“As with most branding processes, acertain message is starting to be heardover and over,” Koranda said. “The firmthen matched the logo, colors, fonts andother communication materials to thatmessage.”

The total cost of the brand re-alignmentwas $35,000. Koranda believes it wasworth the money due to the economicimpact the branding will have on Norman.

“More people shopping, more peopleeating in restaurants, additional attendeesat shows and sporting events,” Korandasaid. “More visitors to attractions. Morepeople staying in hotels. In general, morespending in Norman. Other people payingour taxes.”

According to the CVB, the affects of thebranding can already be detected.

“We have already seen increased trafficto our website,” Koranda said. “Increasedinquiries for visitor information. Occupan-cy at Norman hotels is up 5 percent overlast year.”

Koranda said the CVB is not trying torebrand Norman as a tourism destination.He believes it was already that. Theirbranding efforts will just highlight whatthe city has to offer visitors.

“Norman was already a destination,”Koranda said. “Research we conducted in2009 and 2010 confirmed that peoplevisited Norman, yes, outside footballseason. They came two or three times ayear and stayed three or four days at atime. We were simply looking to alignour communication pieces to attract evenmore visitors. We believe we will seegreater results as more of Normanembraces the brand. It’s not a brand forthe office of the CVB. It’s Norman.”

Word is getting out thatthis is the place to visit

Jerry Laizure / The Transcript

The ’89er Day Wagon Train arrives in Noble for a lunch break before rolling into Norman for the night. Thewagon train is a feature each year in the ’89er Days Parade along Norman’s Main Street.

Jerry Laizure / The Transcript

Rhyley Ross takes a pony ride on Christmas during the 2011 May Fair in AndrewsPark.

MariahMenzie

walks the2011

MedievalFair in her

home-made tree

outfit.Menzie, a

former OUstudent,

dedicatedher owntime and

money tothe outfit,

which shecalls herMotherNature

costume.

Kyle Phillips /The Transcript

By Carol Cole-FroweFor The Transcript

F our decades ago, themodest fire station at

the southeast corner ofLions Park became whatNorman now knows as theFirehouse Art Center,bringing visual artsexperiences, exhibits andevents to adults andchildren.

It became a non-profitcommunity visual artsproject of the city ofNorman and its Parks andRecreation Departmentthat is paralleled in fewcities around the country.The structure is stillowned by the city ofNorman, with supportcoming from donations,the Norman Arts Counciland various grants.

Supporters of theFirehouse are looking attaking the center the nextstep, with a capitalcampaign to repair,refurbish, enlarge andremodel the structure’sspace to be more function-al for the thousands ofadult and children visualart students’ and visitors’experiences, exhibits andevents.

It would be the firstremodel since the Fire-house was enlarged in1983.

A capital campaign of$225,000 is being launchedin the fall to revamp andmake more functional theinterior of the center, andenlarge the current 6,631-square-foot structure by

about 1,100-square-feet.The footprint of the centerwould not change a lot, butthe functionality wouldchange substantially.

Firehouse executivedirector Douglas ShawElder, a sculptor bytraining, took the helm ofthe Firehouse in January2007, and began workingto increase the outreach ofthe center to NormanPublic Schools’ elemen-tary schools, which haveno art classes for kinder-garten through fifth gradelevels.

As funding has dried upfor public school elemen-tary art education, theFirehouse refocused andstepped up its outreach tobring art classes to severalNorman public schools.For the 2009-2010 schoolyear, it brought 1,614students art education innine of Norman’s 16elementary schools withits current grants andfunding. A five-year plan isbeing formulated thatwould bring arts educationback to all 16 elementaryschools.

“Children need artevery day, not just for art’ssake, but for problemsolving,” Elder said. “Iwant kids to understandthat you can tie art intoeverything.”

Elder does much of hiswork in the postage stampof a 164-square-foot officein the northwest corner ofthe center, with fourpeople sharing desks inthe space and almost

literally sitting on top ofeach other. There is noarea to meet with artistsor program donors. Thespace crunch has becom-ing increasingly challeng-ing as the children’s arteducation projectsexpand.

The Firehouse wasorganized in 1971 bythree potters, and ceram-ics are at its heart.

Small and large kilnsstand toward the back ofthe center and ceramicsstudents learn to createglazes, load kilns and helpwith the firing process.

Recently the ceramicsstudio was overhauled:new electricity installedthroughout, floorsresurfaced, new shelvingunits built, environmentalissues addressed.

Other studios includethe jewelry, painting anddrawing studios. Allwould be expandedand/or revamped in theremodel.

The gift shop, featuringlocal artists and formerFirehouse artists whonow live elsewhere, would

be expanded as well.Construction to

improve the Firehousewould be in two phases,as designed by Design308, an Oklahoma Cityfirm.

The first phase wouldaddress the most pressingneeds, with long-termplanning for Phase IIfuture construction.Design for a new façadeto face its Flood entranceechoes hanging firehoses, giving a nod to thecenter’s history.

Some of the otherneeds that would beaddressed include:

■ Classroom conflictsthat have several of theclassrooms at 100 percentcapacity on Tuesdays andThursdays.

■ Improved circulationwith the entrance easilyaccessible on the front ofthe building, vs. the back.

■ Improvement of thebathrooms. Two, one-toilet unisex bathroomsare inadequate to servethe hundreds that comethrough the Firehousedaily.

■ Major storage needsfor gallery artwork, not-yet-displayed gift shopinventory, student worksand art supplies.

Elder also has plans toincrease the sculpture inLions Park, along with hisfriend Richard McKownwho helped recruit himfor the position.

“We’d like to activateLions Park and make it asculpture destination,” hesaid.

The Firehouse ArtCenter’s primary fundrais-er, the Chocolate Festival,is a top 10 nationallyranked food festival. Andwhile a perenniallysuccessful events, funds

from the ChocolateFestival do not go as far asis needed without otherfunds.

“It is dedicated back tochildren’s programs,”Elder said. “It keeps thelights on.”

Even 40 years later,sometimes people stilldon’t understand that theFirehouse Art Center isnot a fire station.

And sometimes thestructure is not recog-nized as an art center.

Elder is hoping some ofthat will be addressed inthe remodel.

But in the meantime,Elder eyes the old fire polethat he was concerned tofind unlocked in a chil-dren’s classroom, andremedied immediately.

“I hope before I leaveNorman, I get to slidedown that pole,” Eldersaid, grinning.


Pathways to ProgressArt Exhibitions & Galleries

Firehouse Art Center growing for decades$225,000 capital campaign to refurbish,expand city’s visual artscapabilities, outreach

Provided Illustration

This is an architect’s rendering of the planned facelit at Firehouse Arts Center.

Photos by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Firehouse executive director Douglas Shaw Elder, above, has plans to increase thesculpture in Lions Park. Below one of the sculptures already in place.

Sarkeys Foundation recentlyawarded a grant of $26,150 to theFirehouse Art Center for a newphone system, copier, computerand printer, and tables and chairsfor their children’s classroom.

As the principal source ofeducation in the visual arts forNorman children, the Foundationwanted to support the organiza-tion by providing funding for newequipment resulting in greaterefficiency.

“With cuts statewide in publicschool arts program, Sarkeys isproud to help the Norman artscommunity by awarding thisgrant,” Executive Director KimHenry said. “The programs offeredby Firehouse align with theOklahoma P.A.S.S. standards forschool art programs so this is agrant that benefits our schoolsystem and our community inmultiple ways.”

— Transcript Staff

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Pathways to ProgressArt Exhibitions & Galleries

By Peggy LaizureTranscript Staff

Moore began the Third Friday ArtWalk in Old Town Moore in February,2011. It was a success from the first and isgrowing not only in the number ofparticipating artists but walkers.

The event is from 6:30 to 9 p.m.through the Old Town section of Moore,along the 200 block south to the 300 northblock of Broadway Avenue.

Art work of every form is on displayalong the walk, painters, sculptures,crafters of all types, musicians andmagicians.

The Moore Reel International FilmFestival will be July 21 through 23,viewing movies made by students toindependent film makers.

“The Moore Reel International FilmFestival is designed to put Moore on themap as the go to place for all forms of art,”

Moore Alliance for the Arts memberDana Helms said.

Regular participating merchants areTwo Olives Cafe and Upside Down Artistin Old School, which features art workand a mad science show that performsevery 15 minutes.

Other merchants include and BearMakes Three, Handmade with heART,Peek-A-BooTique & Event Center,Master's House Custom Framing,Colorful Studio in Old School, ArtistColony in Old School, Broadway Florist,Fluffy Puppy, Wood Creations by Rod,Bows Etc. by Donna, Healthy Solutions,Cynthia's Designs and Absolutely HeavenMassage.

For more information about MooreAlliance for the Arts, Third Friday ArtWalk through Old Town or the MooreReel International Film Festival, go towww.danahelmstheupside-downartist.com.

Stroll Old Town Moore on Third Friday Art Walk

By Kendall BrownTranscript Staff

W hen Rebecca Beanand business partner

Bella Patterson first openedtheir store, STASH, in June of2010, they were nervous.

They knew they weretaking a risk with the upcycledand vintage goods boutique.

Thanks to their participationin Norman’s monthly 2ndFriday Circuit of Art, however,the business has been asuccess. 2nd Friday Circuit ofArt is a program of theNorman Arts Council thatbrings together artists,businesses, arts organizations,and the community. For onenight each month, galleriesand businesses stay open,often past normal operatinghours, to allow the communityto come in and see the artworkon display free-of-charge.

“Second Friday is by far themost important day of themonth,” Bean said. “Not onlyfor exposure to people thathave never been to our storeor heard of us but alsoeconomically. It’s such animportant night.”

STASH has been participat-ing in the monthly event sincethey opened. In fact, they heldtheir grand opening on a 2ndFriday Circuit of Art. Beansaid that participation in theevent is integral to theircontinued success as abusiness.

“We make our rent everymonth on an art walk,” Beansaid. “Sometimes it’s as muchas 10 percent of our profits forthe entire month.”

It’s not just STASH that’spositively affected by the

community draw of 2nd FridayCircuit of Art. According toJen Tregarthen with theNorman Convention andVisitor’s Bureau, part of whatmakes the art walk so success-ful is its ability to pull inbusinesses, restaurants andart galleries alike.

“It doesn’t have to be an artvenue to participate,” Tre-garthen said. “That’s part ofwhat’s so great about it. Anyevent that includes a widerange of businesses is greatfor Norman.”

2nd Friday Circuit of Arthas become so popular at thispoint that it has begun to pullvisitors not only from Normanbut from out of town as well.This increased exposure isgreat for Norman business.

“It’s great for our communi-ty, for surrounding communi-ties and especially for visitors,”Tregarthen said. “Anythingthat is recurring and wellpublicized is going to have apositive impact on Norman.”

Bean agrees.“I don’t even think we’d be

open without art walk,” shesaid. “Maybe we would, butit’d be much more difficult.Even on a slow artwalk, it’s atleast 175 to 200 people comingin the store. 2nd Friday has amuch longer reach that justone night each month.”

The best thing about 2ndFriday Circuit of Art, theyagree, is it’s availability toeveryone. With 15 participat-ing locations the 2nd Friday ofMay, everyone is sure to findsomething to enjoy in down-town Norman.

“There’s something foreveryone at 2nd Friday inNorman,” Tregarthen said.

2nd Friday a boon to downtown business


William Solow twirls a fire stick Friday outside Stash on Main Steet. The store stays open late everysecond Friday of the month to put on these performances during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.


Pathways to ProgressCleveland County’s Wine Country

By Shana AdkissonTranscript Features Editor

The laws in Oklahomaregarding the sale of alcohol

might seem archaic to some,especially compared with theneighbors that surround theSooner State.

Grabbing headlines lately isthe push to sell strong beer andwine in grocery stores. Support-ers of the law say that it wouldcreate more jobs and would be aconvenience to shoppers.

Tom Knotts, owner of RedbudRidge Vineyard and Winery, 7301E State Highway 9, has been abig advocate of changing statelaws that would allow owners ofsmall wineries to sell theirproducts in grocery and liquorstores. As it is right now, Knottsonly sells his wine at his winery,which is currently a one-manoperation.

“If I buy the permit I can sell toliquor stores and restaurants.There are two problems withthat. One is it’s a $750 annualpermit. I characterize that as a$750 permit to sell wine at halfprice. It is just not feasible. Thebiggest problem is we can’t ship.If we could ship, I could get anorder from a winery in Guymon.As it is now, I would have todeliver that order in my ownvehicle,” Knotts said. “I’m notadvocating liquor, just like all ofour neighbors. Strong beer andwine in grocery stores is aconvenience for customers.”

Another thing Knotts wouldlike to see in Oklahoma is theability to have multiple tastingrooms in rural Oklahoma,allowing more traffic for winesales that would boost attentionto small wineries like his.

"And we can set one up inbigger cities and bring in wine

from other areas without goingthrough the expense and hijinx ofthe ABLE Commission,” Knottssaid.

The current legislative session,Knotts said, included severalitems that were beneficial to thesmall winery operator. One wasthe backing of the Oklahoma CityChamber of Commerce to sellstrong beer and wine in grocerystores.

“We at least have a task forceto study it,” Knotts said. “Wewould like to of

had legislation in this year’ssession get the permit cost downfrom $750 to $250. We thinkthere needs to be a parity studyon how much a winery sellsannually, and that should

determine the cost of theirpermit.”

Gene Clifton at Canadian RiverVineyards and Winery, 7050Slaughterville Road, Lexington,does business a little differentthan Knotts does. Canadian RiverVineyards and Winery wines aresold in 150 liquor stores in thestate.

However, Clifton does agreewith Knotts on the laws forselling wine in grocery storesneed to change.

“I don’t think it’s a public safetyproblem. We backed the sale ofwine in grocery stores threeyears ago, and, as a result, liquorstores took our wine out,” Cliftonsaid. “We would like to see it, butwe’re just kind of riding the fence

on that. We want to keep ourgood customers as happy as wecan. A lot of new stores, likeWhole Foods, like to have wine intheir stores because you servewine with food. They like toaccent that,” Clifton said.

Clifton added that somealcohol consumers don’t like tobe seen in liquor stores, whichwould also add to the appeal ofselling it in grocery stores. That’ssomething Clifton is confidentwill happen.

“It will change. If it went on theballot, it would pass. That’s one ofour conundrums. Our representa-tives are supposed to representthe people. Every law that’s beenput on the ballot has passed inour favor,” Clifton said.

The Vineyards

■ Canadian River Vineyardsand Winery

Lexington 405-872-5565

http://canadianriverwinery.com

■Native Spirits Winery Norman 405-329-9942

http://nativespiritswinery.com

■Redbud Ridge Vineyard& Winery

Norman 405-321-WINE (9463)

http://redbudridgewinery.com

■Redland Juice CompanyLexington 405-527-9181

http://redlandjuice.com

■ Legends Vineyard and Winery

Lindsay 405-329-2275

http://legendswinery.com

■Rosebrook VineyardsOklahoma City405-361-9821

www. rosebrookvineyards.com

Vintner hopes for change in law on spirits

Andy Rieger/The Transcript

Friends of Norman’s Redbud Ridge Vineyard and Winery, 7301 E. State Highway 9, help bring in arecent harvest.

By Peggy LaizureTranscript Staff

Half a mile east from Interstate 44 onSW 134th Street sits 10 acres of vineyardsnestled in the middle of a commercial treefarm. Close to the vineyards stands a 3-story 5,000 square foot cedar barn built in1916 that was once a dairy.

Paul B. Odom III and his family boughtthe farm from the Rosebrook family 20years ago and started the tree farm. Twoyears ago, he planted grapes and by nextyear, will begin to produce and bottlewine. What land is not trees or vineyardsis farmed.

The seven varieties of grapes plantedby the Odoms are Norton, Gewürztramin-er, Albariño, Tempranillo, Merlot,Viognier and Roussanne.

Working the farm and vineyards withOdom are his daughter, Rachel Odom,son, David Odom, four guineas and twodogs.

“We had our first small crop this yearand by the third year we are expecting alarge good sized crop,” Rachel Odomsaid.

Rosebrook vineyard also opens itsgrounds for weddings. The barn can hold275 guests and events can be held in thehistoric home next to the vineyards.Bridal and engagement photos also canbe taken even if the wedding will not beon the grounds.

The Odoms are excited about theNorton grape.

Norton grapes were first cultivated inRichmond, Va., is the official grape of theState of Missouri and is considered thecornerstone of the Missouri wine indus-try. The Norton became available com-

mercially in 1830. Prohibition ended thewine industry in the United States for aperiod of time. Vineyards were pulled upand Concord grapes were planted in theirplace, for juice and jam, Rachel Odomsaid.

David Odom was taking a class atRedlands Community College, El Reno,with C. Andrew Snyder, a Center ofExcellence professor. Snyder helpedDavid Odom come up with a businessplan and by next year, Rosebrook willbottle its wine.

Appointments can be made by callingRachel Odom at 361-9821.

Moore also has a Learn to Brew storeto help others brew their own beer andmake their own wine. They sell theequipment and video instruction andhands-on-class instruction that is informa-tive and easy to follow.

The store also carries beer and wineingredient kits, malts, hops, yeast,brewing additives, DIY parts, a free beerrecipe computer program, kegerator partsand kegerator equipment.

Learn to Brew is at 2307 Interstate 35Frontage Road, 793-2337 or [email protected].

Royal Bavaria German Restaurant inMoore also is a licensed brewhouse at3401 S. Sooner Road.

Its beers are brewed with naturalingredients, mostly imported fromGermany and uses water from its ownwell. Kegs also are available for pur-chase.

Typical German food is freshly pre-pared and served with its German beer.

Reservations may be made at 799-7666or www.royal-bavaria.com.

Rustic country vineyardsmature just off interstate

Redbud Ridgeowner TomKnotts, right,is assisted byfriends in theannual grapeharvest at thevineyard andwinery.

Andy Rieger / The Transcript

By Meghan McCormickTranscript Staff

When the Burea ofReclamation developedLake Thunderbird in theearly 1960s its purpose wasto provide a water resourcefor the Norman area.

The land surroundingthe lake eventually wasturned into a recreationarea giving the public aplace to swim, fish, campand hike.

Lake Thunderbird StatePark Manager Keith Owentook over operations July19, 2010. This is Owen’sfirst full season in charge ofthe park.

“We operate the parkand the lake in conjunctionwith the Bureau of Recla-mation,” he said.

Little River State Park

and Lake ThunderbirdState Park once wereseparate areas but werecombined in May 1989.

On May 10, 2010,separate tornadoes causedsignificant damage to thestate park. Some areasremain closed.

Projects are under way toimprove park facilities.

“As camping haschanged and RVs havechanged, we had to developmore services to accommo-date those camping,” Owensaid. “We just refurbishedthe South Dam area.”

Crews went in to each siteand installed tables, lanternholders and grills, he said.

Owen said Lake Thun-derbird and the state parkhave multiple uses. Thelake covers about 6,000

acres of surface area. Thepark takes up 8,000 landacres inside the parkboundaries.

“Thunderbird is a greatfishing lake,” he said.

Lake Thunderbird offersbike and hike trails fortourists. Owen said thepark has designatedhunting areas for deerarchery season. Water fowlhunting also is allowed.

Slips are available to rentat either the Calypso CoveMarina and Little RiverMarina.

Tornadoes that sweptthrough the park last yearnearly demolished the LittleRiver Marina. The businessre-opened in April afterundergoing extensiverepairs.

The Clear Bay Cafe, a

restaurant inside the park,opened earlier this monthfor the season.

Owen said the state parklies in the Norman citylimits. Multiple lawenforcement agencies holdjurisdiction over areas ofthe park.

The Department ofPublic Safety patrols thelake itself, he said. Parkrangers, Cleveland CountySheriff’s Departmentdeputies and Normanpolice officers monitorroads and streets leadingup to and around the park.

“It makes people feel safewhen uniforms go by,”Owen said. “That’s impor-tant for us.”

Owen said his agencyplans to increase parkpatrols.

“I would like to see everycamp site with people thereenjoying it,” he said.

Owen said naturalresources bring people tostate parks.

“Our agency as a wholehas realized that protectingthese assets is what willkeep state parks in busi-ness,” he said.

Owen wants the park tobe a family-orientedrecreation area. Newplaygrounds are plannedfor the camping areas.

He has ideas for expand-ing park services. An idea isto develop an overnighthiking trail.

Hikers already have trailsfor daytime jaunts throughthe park.

Local Scouts support theexpansion, Owen said.

www.brockhausjewelry.com



Outdoor Recreation

Activities atLake ThunderbirdState Park ■ Bike trails■Hiking trails■Camp sites■ Fishing■ Archery ■ Swimming■ Boating■Water fowl hunting■ Thunderbird Riding Stables■Calypso Cove Marina■ Little River Marina■ Thunderbird Sailing Club■Clear Bay Cafe

Like Phoenix, Thunderbird rises from ruin


Sailing is just one of the many water sports enjoyed on Lake Thunderbird.

Photos by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Lake Thunderbird State Park Manager Keith Owentook over operations July 19, 2010. This is Owen’sfirst full season in charge of the park. He is seen herewith staff members Donna Holt, right, and CarolCollett.

■Norman’s premier cycling event, the Norman Conquest, is expected to draw 700riders, some tuning up for Wichita Falls’ annual Hotter than Hell 100.

■ Also features on J.D. McCarty Center and Norman Regional Hospital system

to the rest of the city. “The board views itsmission is to expand its collection through-out the city of Norman.”

Walker said other plans in the earlystages include improving the signage andaesthetics of the downtown arts district andhistoric arts district of the James GarnerCorridor through the DowntownersAssociation; a map of public art, galleries,studios and performing art venues through-out Norman; and a database of Oklahomasculptors for those interested in underwrit-ing the purchase of smaller sculptures.

But it’s the lagging green bills that theboard needs to bridge the plans from blueprints to final conception.

More than 300 community membersdonated money for the Indian GrassSculpture, which was funded entirelythrough donations.

Beyond donations and fundraising drivesfor specific projects like the Indian GrassSculpture, Walker said residents can opt totack on a monthly donation to their utilitybills at an amount to their discretion.

He was unsure of the exact count ofpeople who give supplemental funds thatflow into the Art in Public Places fund, butsaid it generates about $1,000 each monthand has been steadily increasing eachmonth through word of mouth.

“Of course we want to see that expand.When it comes to public art, it is free andaccessible to the people who view it, but it’svery pricey to purchase and to commissionthe pieces,” Walker said, adding that thepieces range upward from $80,000.

The Norman Arts Council also hasdeveloped an online giving presence. ErinnGavaghan, executive director of the council,

said it is adding donate buttons on itswebsite.

While giving through utility bills hasbeen increasing because of its newness,Walker said the lagging economy hasattributed to fewer grants and admitted ithas been more difficult in the last five yearsto raise funds for art.

Walker said a state law suspended inFebruary for three years requiring 1.5percent of a state building project bereserved for public art has not affected anyNorman projects.

He said about 300 cities in states outsideof Oklahoma have ordinances requiringcities and school districts to set aside apercentage of their budgets for public art.While he said there has been talk of oneday enacting a similar ordinance inNorman, it’s not the appropriate economicclimate to bring such a discussion forward.

Walker advocated residents’ personalinvestment in public art. He said it’s aboutmore than aesthetics, noting the cause-and-effect relationship between art, tourism andeconomic development.

“People then begin to take pride in theircommunity, and they just will enjoy livinghere,” Gavaghan said. “And really, that’swhat it comes down to.”

Walker also said pieces such as thosealong Legacy Trail chronicle the city’shistorical background and its diversity.

He noted pieces that have becomesynonymous with places in the city such asthe bison outside the Sam Noble Museum ofNatural History and sculptures of HeismanTrophy winners along Jenkins Avenue.

“As the number increases, people willliterally come to Norman to see public art,”Walker said.

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