►A Story of Us
November 16, Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Happy birthday, Oklahoma! The Sooner State is turning the big one-one-oh this month, and the OKC Museum of Art is celebrating with an exhibition that displays the creativity of our state and its citizens so far: The Art of Oklahoma opens Nov. 16. Including Otto Duecker’s “Robinson,” as well as pieces by Oscar Jacobson, Richard Goetz and more, it focuses on work by or about Oklahomans – if, as Shakespeare said, art’s purpose is “to hold, as t’were, the mirror up to nature,” this is a good chance to take a look at ourselves.
► Power Play
November 9 and 28, Armstrong Auditorium
Edmond’s Armstrong Auditorium delights in bringing culture from around the world to its stage – including a double dose this month. Christopher O’Riley of NPR’s “From the Top” joins forces with Grammy-winning pianist Pablo Ziegler for a rhythmically rewarding evening titled “Two to Tango” Nov. 9, followed by violinist extraordinaire Ray Chen whisking listeners away on a “Journey Across Europe” Nov. 28. The performer’s itinerary is an impressive one, spanning music from Spain, France, Germany, Hungary and Belgium.
► Israel and Oz
November 3-18, OKC Civic Center
The OKC Philharmonic invites you to head off to see the wizard this month: the incredible Yossi Arnheim, principal flautist for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, who will be appearing in the next Classics concert Nov. 18 alongside conductor Michelle Merrill. Oh, and before that, don’t miss the season’s first Pops show Nov. 3-4, a soaring setlist inspired by the land over the rainbow that’s called “The Wonderful Music of Oz.” And while you’re thinking of the Phil, don’t forget tickets to their annual Christmas Show coming up Dec. 1-2.
► Petite Perfection
November 10, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
As you can tell from the title, size is definitely a factor in the annual art sale called Small Works, Great Wonders – but the prices are diminutive, too, and as the name also implies, the quality of these often Western-themed decorative pieces is exceptional. With cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and door prizes, the opening night event is a pleasure all around, giving guests the opportunity to take their newly purchased little treasures home afterward.
► See Change
November 9-February 25, Current Studio
Looking at art is excellent, and highly recommended under practically all circumstances. But this is something a trifle different and new for OKC; a chance to explore art from the inside in a group installation that examines the concept of human consciousness. Shift is a joint effort by more than a dozen local artists in a nascent collective called Factory Obscura, and while this is a temporary undertaking, it’s intended to lead to the development of a permanent installation-based venue. Come change your perspective.
