November Must-Dos - 405 Magazine

November Must-Dos

Local artists pondering Utopia at Current Studio, Ben Vereen at OCCC, a big sale of small western works, outstanding Paseo artists and Reflections of Hope.

 


► Pictures of the Past

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

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

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

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

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

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.