► Pictures of the Past
Through December 30th, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
Before Oklahoma became a state, its Native population was a source of curiosity and fascination for much of the rest of the country. In a groundbreaking exhibition, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art looks back at how pre-statehood Oklahoma was portrayed, and how that viewpoint was affected by the outsider status of its chroniclers. Picturing Indian Territory includes guest speakers, family events, a walking tour of territorial capital Guthrie and more.
►Little Big Sale
Nov. 11, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
If you tend to believe that a bigger painting is a better painting, take a closer look at this event: the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum fills its annual Small Works, Great Wonders sale with engrossing, evocative, masterfully executed pieces by more than 100 exemplary artists (many of whom show in the Prix de West). Live music, cocktails and beauty to peruse and purchase – it’s a big deal.
►Pondering Perfection
Nov. 5-Dec. 23, Current Studio
When you contemplate a perfect place, your mind might stray a little farther than South Penn – but for the next couple of months that’s where you’ll find Utopia. The exhibition combines works by more than 20 artists, inspired by the centuries-old concept of an ideal society free of poverty and suffering, and how it might appear to different people.
► Lifting up Light
Nov. 14, Skirvin Hilton
The OKC National Memorial’s Reflections of Hope supports the Memorial and Museum, and is also a chance to honor those working to replace violence with peace and better lives. Congratulations to global youth basketball initiative PeacePlayers International, and to 16-year-old Katie Prior for winning the inaugural Oklahoma Standard Award.
► Best in Showcases
Nov. 16, Skirvin Hilton
The Paseo doesn’t just happen to contain a few painters, sculptors and shapers; the historic arts district exists to celebrate creativity all the livelong year. So when it honors outstanding locals in its annual Paseo Arts Awards, you know they’re legitimately great. Adam Lanman, Christina Pickard, Jack Fowler and Amy Young are in the spotlight for their, oeuvres and efforts to share creativity With the entire community.
► Passion Project
Nov. 18, OCCC Theater
Age hath not withered him, nor custom staled his enthusiasm and love for his repertoire – At the age of 70 and after more than 50 years of performing on and off Broadway, Ben Vereen is still a stellar showman. His one-man act, Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen, should be a singing, dancing, dazzling blast.
