ion Oklahoma Magazine March/April 2021

MARCH/APRIL 2021

ionOK.com

Ed Ruscha

Cowboy Hall of Fame Security Director becomes internet star

OKC Festival of the Arts moves to June 22-27 OKC’s Daddy-Daughter Dance set for April 24

Lifestyle … Culture … Entertainment

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Contents COVER STORY 12 Ed Ruscha

by Tim Farley

PEOPLE

22

Girl Scouts luncheon cancelled, but there is silver lining with mother-daughter entrepreneurial team

by Tamara Hermen

58

Cowboy Hall of Fame Security Director becomes internet star

by Katelyn Howard KGOU Radio

58 62

OSU regents select Kayse Shrum as school’s 19th president

64

OETA Movie Club host B.J. Wexler dead at 83: He recalled career highlights in 2016 interview

COMMUNITY

30

Pennington Creek flows with Chickasaw history

by K.C. Cole Chickasaw Nation

EVENTS

38

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20 52 56 60

OKC Festival of the Arts moves to June 22-27

74

Happening in the Myriad Botanical Gardens

Cinco de Mayo OKC’s Daddy-Daughter Dance set for April 24 Vintage Market Days to host charity event for Reckless Saints

64

EDUCATION 54 Thrive Grants celebrate innovation, exploration of visual arts FASHION

36

Spring fashion standouts

by Linda Miller

38

Nash fashion: one door closed, another opened

68

by Linda Miller

ART

32 68

Rare Italian art collection coming to OKC Museum of Art Former mayor is inspiration behind Edmond’s public art program

by Tim Farley

SPORTS 44 OKC Dodgers to open season May 6; First home game slated for May 13

48

OKC Dodgers 2021 schedule

50

OKC Energy 2021 schedule

56

IN EVERY ISSUE

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Publisher’s Note

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 9

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Subscribers,

Welcome to ion Oklahoma Magazine. 2021 is the beginning of our 11th anniversary in the publishing business of an online digital lifestyle magazine and news-entertainment website www.ionok.com.

Ion Oklahoma Magazine has grown to more than 46,400 subscribers located primarily in four counties and 79 zip codes of central Oklahoma.

Our six printed editions published annually and can be downloaded FREE from our website or printed copies can be ordered on demand and mailed to your home or office.

It is and has been our mission as storytellers to share the stories about people and the tremendous progress Oklahoma is making as a state.

Today the State of Oklahoma has been experiencing a certain noticeable growth among young people under the age of 20-30. The cost of living is one of the most affordable states in the nation. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma is one of the lowest in the nation. The job opportunities for young tech entrepreneurs are plentiful.

In 2021, the NextGen Under 30 Award Recognition Program celebrated its ninth year and a record response of 374 honorees from 247 different Oklahoma companies and organizations.

The inaugural NextGen Learns Virtual Live one day Leadership Conference event was created in 2020 and scheduled on August 7, 2020 at the Oklahoma History Center Chesapeake Energy media center and was attended by more than 481 people online. The one day Leadership conference included the State Chamber of Commerce and people from their 151 member affiliate chambers statewide, Leadership Oklahoma Leadership Oklahoma City, and Leadership Tulsa.

The Leadership Conference theme was “Our time is Now to be: Leaders, Ethical, Accountable, and Daring.“ Guest speakers included Mick Cornett, Bob Blackburn, Kristen Chenoweth, Kitt Letcher, Brigadier General Brent W. Wright, Francie Ekwerekwu, Mike Knop, Jill Castilla, and Elizabeth Frame Ellison.

Please visit www.nextgenlearns.com and click on View Videos to watch the highlight video from the conference.

Also please visit www.occc.nextgentalksok.com which was in 2019 and our premier event from the NextGen Leadership program. NextGen TALKS Oklahoma was created and inspired by the very successful TED Talks programs.

NextGen TALKS Oklahoma showcase the NOW, NEXT, and NEXTGEN Leaders in Oklahoma who want to share their experiences, successes and contributions in making Oklahoma a great state for everyone to live and follow their careers and dreams.

At ion Oklahoma Magazine we plan to publish many of the quality lifestyle stories from Oklahomans who are best representing the “Oklahoma Spirit.” We want to hear from you, our readers, and your stories, so please email your ideas, thoughts and success stories.

Sincerely, Donald B. Swift, Publisher, www.ionok.com

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oklahoma “Like” us on facebook facebook.com/pages/IonOklahoma-Online Follow us on twitter @IonOklahoma

COVER STORY

ED RUSCHA

12 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

BY TIM FARLEY

E

d Ruscha left Oklahoma City in 1956 as he pursued an art career few people even think about. Now, he’s arguably the greatest living American artist.

But it wasn’t until February 2021 that the former Oklahoma City resident allowed his work to appear in his home state in the form of a solo exhibition which is entitled Ed Ruscha: OKLA. The exhibition continues through July 5 at the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center, 11 NW 11th Street. The exhibition is located inside the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery.

“This is a very big deal,” said art center executive director Eddie Walker.

Although Ruscha lives in Los Angeles and is considered one of its

favorite sons, Oklahomans still consider the artist to be one of their own — an Okie or perhaps a Sooner. Regardless, Ruscha’s exhibition is receiving rave reviews, according to Walker.

“One couple flew from New York just to see the exhibition,” he recalled. “Another family driving from Minnesota to Arizona made a detour and came to Oklahoma City to see the exhibition. People are eating it up. It’s impactful. People are getting a sense of who he is.”

Bringing the Ed Ruscha: OKLA exhibition to the state is part of the art center’s way of

Ed Ruscha Exhibit at the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 13

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Viewing slots nearly full The 74-piece exhibition is drawing big numbers, albeit based on 70 viewing slots per day because of COVID-19 restrictions. The exhibition is also allowing guests to relate with Ruscha’s work in different, unique ways.

“Any visitor can connect with one or all of his pieces in this exhibition,” Walker said. “Art is so subjective and a piece can have a different meaning for everyone.”

But what makes Ruscha the greatest living American artist?

“For me, I think it’s his ability to see something that is ordinary, like a can of Spam, and to showcase it in a way that says something about the ordinary. He shines light on things in our life and says there’s more about this and allows you to think about that art in a different way,” Walker said.

Ruscha has been described as funny – in a selfdeprecating way – and he shows respect for his home and country while showing strengths and weaknesses of both. turning Oklahoma City into a “sophisticated art community,” Walker said.

“Many of his influences come from Oklahoma,” Walker said. “Much of how he sees the world was developed here in Oklahoma. He talks about his observations and credits that to happening in Oklahoma City. He has stated publicly in interviews that his development as an artist was complete by 18.”

Ruscha, 83, isn’t prone these days to conducting press interviews. He recently granted interviews about the current exhibition to The Oklahoman and The Wall Street Journal. No other news outlets, including The New York Times, were allowed to interview the artist.

In a previous interview, Ruscha said his upbringing in Oklahoma City “means pretty much everything to me.”

“It’s where I used to deliver newspapers. I delivered The Daily Oklahoman and The Oklahoma City Times for three or four years, and it meant a lot to me. So, this is an exhibit of a lifetime, especially since I’m from Oklahoma City. It’s a sweet dream and it’s also a reality.”

He’s Michael Jordan of the art world Jeremiah Davis, artistic director at the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center, views Ruscha as one of the greatest pop culture artists of all time because of his

ongoing and sustained exploration of concepts connected to words and his sense of humor. Ruscha also has the ability to capture the public’s attention with his work in a way few other artists can do.

“He’s in a world all his own,” Davis said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to have this exhibition.”

The Ed Ruscha: OKLA exhibition is the first with a thesis that identifies with the artist’s Oklahoma roots.

“The art you’ll see deals with his upbringing, his roots and it’s a reference point from the 1950s to today,” Davis said.

In describing Ruscha and his importance, Davis said the former Oklahoman is the Michael Jordan of the art world.

Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, is recognized as the greatest basketball player of all time.

“He (Ruscha) was one of the first artists connected to the pop art movement like Andy Warhol,” Davis said. “But Ed is much more humble and shies away from the limelight.”

Still, Ruscha’s foray into the pop art world was an 16 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

experiment that proved highly successful with work that connected people to a can of Spam, words, letters and contrasting colors.

“He has that ability to connect on a conceptual level,” Davis said.

Despite all of Ruscha’s success and fame, the artist has exercised the Oklahoma Standard before it became the state slogan.

“He’s genuinely a nice person and has kept that understanding of who he is,” Davis said. “And, he still has that Oklahoma dialect.”

Featuring objects spanning the artist’s 60+ year career that explore his relationship to Oklahoma, Ed Ruscha: OKLA will present iconic pieces such as Twentysix Gasoline Stations and Chocolate Room alongside newer, lesser-known bodies of work, including two recent Drum Skins paintings.

The exhibition will include 70+ works across media, ranging from paintings and a large-scale installation to drawings, prints, books, photos and film.

Ed

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Ruscha: OKLA is both the first solo exhibition of the artist’s work presented in the city of his childhood, and the first ever to explore the influence Oklahoma has had in forming the artist’s aesthetic sensibility.

Exhibition themes The exhibition will be structured around five themes that are central to Ruscha’s life and work, and signify his connection to Oklahoma.

• The first theme, Oklahoma OK, showcases his many direct references to Oklahoma itself, both textual and otherwise, and includes a number of works including the letters “OK,” which takes a double meaning as both “okay” and as a reference to his childhood home.

• Made in U.S.A. looks at Ruscha’s perspective as an American more broadly, from his depictions of the decline of American manufacturing to more direct engagements with politics.

• Exploring an important facet of the artist’s childhood, 51% Angel, 49% Devil demonstrates the continuing influence of growing up Catholic.

• Pop Origins traces Ruscha’s frequent references to the popular culture of his 1940’s childhood, including movies, comics and advertising.

• Looking at his fascination with cars and life on the road, US 66 examines the vistas and mythology of the route west, driven by Ruscha many times as he returned, over and over, from his home in LA to his roots in Oklahoma City.

Ed Ruscha: OKLA is co-curated by Alexandra Schwartz, a New York-based independent curator who has written extensively about Ruscha's work, and Oklahoma Contemporary in close coordination with the artist and his studio. n

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EVENTS

OKC Festival of the Arts moves to June 22-27 New dates provides for more vaccinations, protection

A

fter weeks of deliberation and planning with the city and community members, Arts Council Oklahoma City (ACOKC) has decided to move Festival of the Arts from its usual time in April to June 22nd - 27th.

“Moving Festival of the Arts to June this year is the right decision for the event and the community,” says Peter Dolese, ACOKC Executive Director. “It gives more time for vaccine distribution and protection allowing us to design an 20 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

outdoor event that implements CDC guidelines and creates an enjoyable, safe experience.”

Traditionally, Festival of the Arts takes place outdoors the last full week of April each year at Bicentennial Park.

However, the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID19 outbreak.

“Knowing what we are up against this year and with the advancement of vaccine distribution, we are confident in providing an in-person outdoor event, with some changes, to make a safe experience for all,” says Gilbert Magdaleno, Festival of the Arts Director.

Council hires new Festival of the Arts director

Changes include expansion of festival grounds to the east lawn of City Hall and Patience Latting Drive. “Festival of the Arts is a major cultural event in our city and its return will, certainly I think, bring with it a return to normalcy in our community that is very welcome and very much missed," Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said.

The decision was made in a joint effort by city officials, ACOKC board, staff, and Festival of the Arts volunteer Co-Chairs Kaycee Nolting and Randy Cassimus.

“We are so thankful for the hard work put in by the City of Oklahoma City and Arts Council OKC, which has resulted in a safe, workable plan for us to host Festival of the Arts in 2021,” Cassimus said. “We missed the event in so many ways last year. To say we’re excited to hold an in-person Festival this summer – with our artists, performers, wonderful volunteers and festival-goers - is an understatement.”

All accepted visual artists from the canceled 2020 festival have been invited to participate in Festival of the Arts 2021. Additional event changes will be announced through-out the spring and will be posted on artscouncilokc.com n

Arts Council Oklahoma City has hired Seth Lewis as the new Festival of the Arts Director.

“We are excited to promote someone of Seth’s caliber into the Festival of the Arts Director position. His work with so many committees and events over the last three years, here at t ACOKC, has definitely earned him the right to Seth Lewis, Festival of the Arts Director move into this coveted position,” said Peter Dolese, Executive Director.

Lewis has been Projects Director for Arts Council OKC since September 2017, a position that oversees events such as Opening Night and Sunday Twilight Concert Series.

“I am honored to take on the role as Director of Festival of the Arts, an event that is known and loved by the Oklahoma City community and beyond,” Lewis said.

Lewis’s new leadership role will include navigating through the changes made to this year’s event. Festival of the Arts has moved from the last full week of April to June 22nd – 27th.

“I’m up for the challenge with the new June dates and other improvements to ensure a safe, fun, and exciting Festival of the Arts,” says Lewis.

“It has been such a tumultuous year for us and the community,” said Dolese. “The pandemic resulted in the cancellation of last year’s Festival of the Arts. We are excited that someone with Seth’s leadership capabilities will be directing festival during this transition year.”

Festival of the Arts will take place June 20-27th at Bicentennial Park, Oklahoma City.

For event updates, visit artscouncilokc.com MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 21

PEOPLE

Girl Scouts luncheon cancelled, but there is silver lining with mother-daughter entrepreneurial team

BY TAMARA HERMEN

D

reaming big, building skills and facing greatest fears are some of the best foods for thought that came out of the Girls Scouts Western Oklahoma’s luncheon that never happened.

From top: Patty Brumbaugh, Kay Goebe and Kim Mosburg

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The Juliette Lowe Leadership Society (JLLS) luncheon for the past 16 years had been the Girl Scouts biggest fundraising and awareness event. Another annual celebration was set for February 18, 2021. It never came to be because the pandemic hit hard and upset every plan in the works.

With the luncheon doors closed for 2021, it was time to regroup and regain momentum in another direction. Luncheon co-chairmen Patty Brumbaugh and Kim Mosburg, Honorary Chairman, Kay Goebel and the Girl Scouts organization were given a great challenge.

“The pandemic presented us with the challenge of redirecting the very popular and successful annual luncheon to a non-in person event,” said Brumbaugh. “It was hard to get past the fact that the tradition was to be different. But we felt the best way to overcome this test was to gather ideas from lots of people who had been involved in building the program over the years.”

Especially disappointing was the fact that Margo and Irene Gianos of the successful bath and beauty brand, Honestly Margo, were tapped to be the luncheon keynote speakers. Their mother-daughter message was perfect for this audience and the Girl Scouts focus of entrepreneurship. Margo and Irene are local

entrepreneurs whose products are sold online and in more than 1,500 stores throughout the United States and Canada.

Margo was just 11 when her idea took flight.

An exciting idea was emerging from the group. “Armed with many different suggestions, we set out to deliver the message that with vision and dedication dreams are achievable.”

Dream to Survive It’s the spark that saved the day.

“We started brainstorming on how to move forward and get the message out that these girls still needed our financial and inspirational help more than ever,” said Mosburg. “We were so fortunate to have secured Irene and Margo Gianos of the beauty brand Honestly Margo to be our ambassadors for Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. It was just a natural fit for them to lead the discussions in a video series on entrepreneurship and leadership.”

So the annual luncheon keynote presentation-to-be was

completely revamped. It turned into a longer-lasting, threepart video series featuring the Honestly Margo motherdaughter team.

Each five-minute video consists of a Question and Answer time with two local Girls Scouts. Ambition, entrepreneurship and leadership are the natural featured topics.

“The Girl Scouts are able to see and hear how this motherdaughter team of Honestly Margo have become successful using some of the core principles that Girl Scouts promotes…becoming courageous and confident leaders,” Mosburg added.

The three videos were publicly released on various social media platforms on three consecutive weeks in February 2021. Ally Rodriguez, Donor Relations Manager, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma explained how one mother and Girl Scout daughter watched a video together. Then they were able to talk about it. She also said groups of girls and troops could watch. The possibilities of outreach and interaction associated with the productions are many.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 23

Entrepreneurship Focus “Entrepreneurship is at the core of Girl Scouts,” Rodriguez said. “It is one of the four pillars of the Girl Scout leadership experience.”

For reference, consider the magnitude of the Girl Scouts cookie sales. The Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma reported they have a goal for their girls to sell one million boxes of cookies for the 2021 season.

The Honestly Margo storyline is a relevant example of how a young girl’s idea can blossom into a business. As a college sophomore, Margo is chief executive officer of the Honestly Margo company. She was 11 when she began concocting lip balm in the family kitchen.

Chosen to visit with Margo and Irene in the Entrepreneurship video were Girl Scouts, Bailey R., Senior, Troop #3095, and Carsyn R., Cadette, Troop #577. The girls asked Margo and Irene about how they took a little idea and grew it into a thriving business with 10 employees.

To answer the girls, Margo and Irene discussed three high priority items: dreaming big, building skills and facing greatest fears. Margo and Irene also asked the Girl Scouts some key questions.

Dreaming Big Bailey: What made you want to start your own company?

Margo: I didn’t even realize I wanted to until Mom made me realize I had the potential to. When I was eleven, making these lip balms in my kitchen, I had no idea that I could 24 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

have this big company now.

When Mom and I were looking for labels for my lip balms one day at the store, she said, ‘Hey Margo, would you actually want to turn this in to something?’

And my initial response was yea, but I am eleven and we live in Oklahoma City. We don’t come from a big, huge town. Is this even possible? Can we do something like that?

She said, ‘Of course we can. Why wouldn’t we be able to?’

I think from there I was so excited. I just wanted to keep growing and growing. I really thrived off the growth.

Carsyn: What was your mission?

Margo: When we started, we wanted to create products together that would inspire other girls to also realize they can dream big and do things as well. Also, help other girls and women feel confident with the products that we create.

So products that are going to make you feel good and feel beautiful and feel taken care of. Things that are going to make you feel more confident and happier.

Building Skills Carsyn: What skills do you think are important to becoming an entrepreneur?

Irene: I think being an entrepreneur takes courage because it’s tough. It’s tough. There are so many businesses out there. You want to start something. It takes courage. Belief in yourself. Belief in what you are doing. It takes confidence.

I think you have to be fearless. You’ve got to be unafraid to take risks.

Margo: You can believe in yourself and want this goal all you want, but if you don’t actually do anything about it, don’t have the drive to get up every day, wake up earlier, do what you need to do to make your goals happen, then you won’t be successful.

Irene: Tell us what skills you have learned through the Girl Scouts that have helped you become an entrepreneur.

Bailey: Girl Scouts taught me goal setting, decision making, money skills, people skills and also money management and to just really set goals and to shoot for the stars and to achieve them no matter what.

Carsyn: Girls Scouts has taught me goal setting, people skills like how to sell stuff and I think that can really help you to become an entrepreneur.

Facing Greatest Fear Carsyn: What is your greatest fear and how do you manage it?

Margo: I think my greatest fear is failing. But I think that is

I think being an entrepreneur takes courage because it’s tough.

It’s tough. There are so many businesses out there. You want to start something. It takes courage.

Belief in yourself. Belief in what you are doing. It takes confidence. I think you have to be fearless. You’ve got to be unafraid to take risks.”

Irene Gianos, Co-CEO, Honestly Margo everyone’s biggest fear. But failing to me means waking up and not being enough every day. Not doing what I could have done. Not living up to my full potential. I think that’s really scary.

You only have so much time here to spend and accomplish what you want to accomplish. I think my biggest fear is MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 25

failing in the sense of not doing everything I want to do and being everything I want to be every day. Not living up to my full potential.

Irene: But I think no matter what we just have to try our best. To push through all the fears we have. Everybody’s fears are different.

It is Possible

I think my greatest fear is failing. But I think that is everyone’s biggest fear. But failing to me means waking up and not being enough every day. Not doing what I could have done. Not living up to my full potential.”

— Margo Gianos, CEO, Honestly Margo

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How vulnerable and determined the Honestly Margo duo is shows in this video. They may have been afraid and uncertain, but they did not let that stop them.

“The values of Margo and Irene are similar to Girl Scouts. They strive to do their best,” Rodriguez said. “We really liked the fact Margo started the company in her kitchen when she was 11 or 12-years-old because Mom said anything is possible.”

The video series with Margo and Irene is filled with conversation about kindness, strength, determination, fears, skills, problem solving and big dreams.

“The videos turned out to be a great way to highlight the speakers who didn’t get the chance to do so publicly and even more so, give them an opportunity to engage our girls in an interview process and deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Melissa Pepper, chief development officer, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “We have a saying in Girl Scouts, ‘See it to be it.’ So allowing the girls the opportunity to meet bright and ambitious entrepreneurs first hand shows them how possible that could be for them.”

“These videos were seen by hundreds of members, leaders, donors and supporters, as well as giving troop leaders the opportunity to share these videos with their girls,” Mosburg said. “I personally felt that the change up was good this year. I think it made us all much more

focused on our true purpose of supporting and encouraging young girls.

“Kim and I are very excited about the positive message delivered by Irene and Margo Gianos of Honestly Margo,” Brumbaugh concluded. “We hope their contagious enthusiasm for entrepreneurship will inspire many girls over years to come.”

The three-part video series can be found at www.gswestok.org.

This experience, and the scholarships provided to Girl Scouts, would not be possible without generous sponsors including the Chickasaw Nation, Corner Energy, LLC, Devon Energy, the Inasmuch Foundation, Nedra Funk, Kay Goebel, Jean McLaughlin, Jeaneen Naifeh, Polly Nichols, OG&E, Lil Ross, Sandler Training, SONIC Drive-In, and so many more.

For more information visit www.honestlymargo.com and www.gswestok.org.

If you would like more information about this topic, sponsorship, or membership availability, please contact info@gswestok.org. n 28 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

LOCATED IN 39 OKLAHOMA COUNTIES in the central, southwest and northwest region of the state, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Through leadershipbuilding programs, GSWEST offers girls pathways to explore their interests - including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), healthy lifestyles and activities like our High Adventure Team and summer camps, and community service projects through our Bronze, Silver and Gold.

“In addition to these videos, we also aired an ‘Over the past 16 years’ video where we highlighted the impact of the Juliette Lowe Leadership Society luncheon on our community and Girl Scouts. This was aired at the time the luncheon would have taken place. It was nice to know we were all getting together at one time even though it couldn’t be done in person. We are incredibly grateful for the sponsors, donors and volunteers that have supported our mission over the years and wanted to be sure they felt that. We couldn’t do what we do without them!”

Melissa Pepper, Chief Development Officer, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. n

COMMUNITY

Pennington Creek flows with Chickasaw history

BY K.C. COLE CHICKASAW NATION

F

ew places are as historically valuable as Pennington Creek for the Chickasaw Nation.

Meandering through the center of Tishomingo, Pennington Creek serves as a reminder of perseverance of the Chickasaw people.

Now named Tishomingo, the area on the banks of Pennington Creek that would become the capital of the Chickasaw Nation was previously named Good Spring.

The site played a significant role in the future settlement of the Chickasaw Nation. With an abundance of fresh, clean drinking water, many Chickasaws would come to live on the banks of Pennington Creek after removal from the Chickasaw homeland east of the Mississippi River.

In 1856, the Chickasaw Council House was built near the banks of Pennington Creek. It is where Chickasaw leaders and citizens would meet to create their own laws for their land.

A committee drafted the formal constitution for the Chickasaw Nation within the Chickasaw Council House.

It would be ratified the next year. The constitution would be the guide of how the Chickasaw Nation would govern 30 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Pennington Creek flows for more than 25 miles through Johnston County. Photo by Jacqueline Sparks, Chickasaw Nation

itself. The small council house would continue to be used by Chickasaw leadership until a larger, more permanent brick structure was built on the original location.

The Chickasaw Constitution provided for a three-department system of government – executive, legislative and judicial. The basic government structure established by that document continues to serve the Chickasaw Nation well to this day.

Tishomingo began as a trade center and served as the capital city of the Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, from 1856 until Oklahoma statehood in 1907. Named for Tishominko, a

The first Chickasaw Nation Constitution was drafted in 1856 on the banks of Pennington Creek in Oklahoma. The creek holds historic and cultural significance to the Chickasaw people. Photo by Marcy Gary, Chickasaw Nation

Chickasaw leader who died during removal.

Pennington Creek flows for more than 25 miles through Johnston County. The creek is the sole source of drinking water for the city of Tishomingo and today serves as a regional recreational resource. Pennington Creek’s waters flow directly out of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer.

Pennington Creek provides habitat to many game animals and fish and provides water to the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, located north of the city of Tishomingo. According to the fish hatchery’s website, it conserves imperiled aquatic species found in the Arkansas and Red River Basins. The hatchery was established in 1929 on lands purchased from Chickasaw citizens.

Along with is natural beauty, Pennington Creek provides

miles of habitation for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Before flowing into Lake Texoma, Pennington Creek provides water to Cumberland Pool. Cumberland Pool makes up a quarter of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge.

Pennington Creek continues to be a centerpiece for the city of Tishomingo. Flowing just south of downtown, the creek draws the community together. In the early 20th century, the town came together to build a walking bridge across it.

Today, Pennington Creek Park in Tishomingo serves as a gathering place for families and friends from Tishomingo and across the country who visit this park for fishing, camping and community events. n

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 31

ART

Rare Italian art collection coming to OKC Museum of Art Ticket sales begin April 21

T

icket sales for “The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples” will begin Wednesday, April 21 at 11 a.m.

The exhibition, which will travel exclusively to Oklahoma City from Italy and be on view from June 26 to Oct. 17, 2021, has limited capacity, and demand is expected to be high.

32 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Museum members will receive early access to ticket reservations on April 14 at 11 a.m.

“We are honored to be the exclusive venue for this extraordinary exhibition,” said OKCMOA President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Anderson. “These works are extremely delicate and rarely leave Italy. With travel still difficult to plan, we are incredibly grateful to be able to bring these paintings to Oklahoma City. We will continue to

limit capacity throughout the summer in order to follow health and safety guidelines and allow for social distancing. Due to the rarity of the exhibition as well as the limited availability, I encourage everyone to book tickets early to secure their preferred day and time.”

Tickets can be purchased online at okcmoa.com/pompeii, in person at OKCMOA or by calling the Museum at (405) 236-3100. Tickets for this exhibition allow visitors a 15-minute window for arrival time with slots available throughout regular Museum hours. The last ticket sold for the day will be 30 minutes prior to closing. The hours for this exhibition will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $16 and include admission to the entire Museum, including OKCMOA’s permanent collection and “Dale Chihuly: Magic & Light.” The exhibition is free for children 17 and under, Museum members and active military members (as part of Blue Star Museums). Discounts are available for students, seniors and retired military. Museum memberships begin at $50 per year. To learn more about membership, visit okcmoa.com/membership.

Additionally, the Museum has released new virtual programming in advance of the exhibition. Opportunities to “house hunt” in ancient Italian coastal towns, experience the food and wine of Pompeii and MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 33

Naples, Italy

Virtual Classes:

more – all from the comfort of home – are now available.

Armchair travelers can register for this special programming at okcmoa.com.

“We had an incredible response to our first slate of virtual classes inspired by ‘The Painters of Pompeii,’” said Rosie May, OKCMOA director of curatorial affairs and audience engagement. “Many of the classes sold out, and the feedback we heard from participants was wonderful. We are thrilled to offer new virtual classes beginning later this month and new ways to immerse visitors in the culture of southern Italy.”

34 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

The Rediscovery of Pompeii, Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. CDT Food & Wine in Pompeii: Then and Now, Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m. CDT Roman House Hunters International, Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m. CDT Pompeii and Roman Painting, Wednesday, April 28, 7 p.m. CDT Livia Drusilla and Powerful Elite Women in Imperial Rome, Sunday, May 16, 1 p.m. CDT Classes are $30 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. Registration is limited and expected to fill quickly. The Museum encourages those interested to register soon at okcmoa.com/pompeii. All class registrations include one complimentary ticket to “The Painters of Pompeii.”

“The Painters of Pompeii” highlights a seldom seen medium – the Roman wall painting – which was pervasive in ancient Rome, through over 80 artifacts and artworks. As one of only two large bodies of ancient painting in existence today, this exhibition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The exhibition is organized by the National Archaeological Museum, Naples and MondoMostre. n

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 35

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FASHION

Spring fashion

standouts PHOTOS PROVIDED

Spring and warm weather can’t come fast enough. How nice it will be to embrace some of the season’s most tempting looks and trends.

Get ready for bubblegum pink, yellow, green and lilac; eyelet, relaxed trousers, and vintage and modern florals; and dresses and tops with side cut-outs and exposed backs.

Accessories guaranteed to get second looks include necklaces

Gunmetal/gold triple layer necklace by Virtue from Eden in the Paseo Arts District, above.

Cecelia “Georgie” laser-cut wedge bootie from Betsy King A Shoe Boutique in the Paseo Arts District, right.

36 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

BC yellow woven tote from Eden.

that stretch almost to the waist, pearls used in all shapes and forms, earrings that sweep past the shoulders and heavy metal pieces that adorn the neck, wrist and ears. And let’s not forget dressed-up flip-flops, mules and platform and wedge sandals, along with rattan and straw bags and mega size totes and duffels. n

Trina Turk “Theodora” floral print caftan dress from Dillard’s.

Huma Blanco metallic sandal with sculpted wooden heel and Kelsi Dagger snakeskin mule from Betsy King A Shoe Boutique.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 37

FASHION

When one door closed, another opened for local fashion designers

BY LINDA MILLER Photos provided

A

year ago, Tamra Gould and her husband Juan Aguilar couldn’t have imagined their life today.

When COVID slammed the door on an opportunity for her to design for a large firm in New York, the two decided to expand on an award-winning fashion collection she created while studying fashion design in college in Georgia.

They left Savannah, moved in with her family in Oklahoma and about a week before 2020 ended, they launched the first Nash Engineered Fashion collection. It wasn’t easy, especially during a pandemic. There was plenty to learn and lots of ideas and details they wanted to incorporate. That’s a big part of their story.

Following is a question and answer with ionOklahoma.

Ion: Share a little of your background.

TG: I am 23 years old from Edmond. I have always had a passion for art and fashion. One of my first memories is creating paper dresses for my siblings and pets. I graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which is where I met my husband, Juan Aguilar. He is also a founder of Nash, is 22 years old and from Bogota Colombia. He is just finishing up his senior year at

Tamra Gould, left, with her husband Juan Aguilar, her brother Trafford Gould, center, and sister Tressa Gould, right.

38 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Tamra Gould and husband Juan Aguilar, owners of Nash Engineered Fashion in Oklahoma City.

Taryn Gould models a paper dress made by big sister Tamra, who even as a child was interested in fashion design.

SCAD studying motion graphics. He is in charge of all of our social media, graphic design and screen printing.

My sister Tressa Gould who is 25 has recently joined the Nash team as well. She graduated from OSU with a degree in Architectural Engineering. She is in charge of logistics and pattern cutting for Nash.

Ion: How did Nash Engineered Fashion come about?

TG: Nash Engineered Fashion began during my senior year of studying fashion design. Each student was tasked with creating a six-look collection with a concept behind it. I chose to base the collection off of my family history in engineering. Coming from a family of generations of engineers and inventors, this often left me feeling inferior growing up as an artist. I chose to use the name Nash as the title of my collection and now brand, because it was the last name of one of the most famous inventors in my family, Lewis H. Nash.

My goal was to take this engineering history and combine it with my artistic ability in order to create engineered garments that are not only functional but also fashionable. I was able to incorporate technology directly into the garments with wearable turn signals and built-in thermometers. I was also able to create my own fully waterproof garments by coating them in Flex Seal liquid rubber. This resulted in Flex Seal sponsoring all the materials for the collection.

My senior collection was received very well and ended up winning several awards and recognitions, along with a job offer to design for a brand in New York City.

Months after receiving the offer, it was unfortunately rescinded due to COVID, and I was left without a job right before graduation. This was when I decided to start the brand, based off my senior collection, with my husband Juan. We then spent the entire summer working on perfecting designs, along with purchasing 40 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

industrial equipment to begin our business.

Ion: Describe your brand, clothing and vision.

TG: Nash is an active streetwear brand. Our goal is to create clothing that is not only on trend, but functional as well.

We like to think of our garments as wearable art pieces that will last a lifetime. Being inspired by our engineering family history, we try to include functional engineering elements into our designs. Some examples of this would be scannable QR code screen prints, electrical shrink tubing as a cord stopper for drawstrings and reflective detailing. We also focus on environmental sustainability by creating as little waste

Trafford Gould in a gray sweatsuit.

as possible.

All garments are made when you order, so we’re able to avoid overstock. Along with this, we recycle our fabric scraps to create our hangtags, along with bucket hats.

Ion: What sets your clothing apart from other styles?

TG: We 100% design, sew and screen print all of our garments in-house. Manufacturing all garments inhouse is rare for a clothing brand to do. This allows us to fully realize a concept in a very efficient way, giving us complete creative control. This also gives us the ability to do customizations. If a customer chooses, they can collaborate with us to create unique one-of-a-kind designs.

As a brand we find collaboration very inspiring to our

Trafford Gould wearing clothing that feature screen prints of some of his original illustrations.

creative process. One of latest collaborations was with our younger brother Trafford Gould. Trafford is a 17year-old artist who has Down Syndrome. We collaborated with him to create a collection which includes screen prints of some of his original illustrations. Although some other brands create garments for individuals with disabilities, rarely are they included in the design and creative process. With this collection, we hope to show people all the possibilities of inclusivity in fashion.

Typically, each collection is available for only one to two months, but after receiving so many positive responses from this collaboration, we have chosen to make it a permanent collection. Trafford is officially a part-time paid employee at Nash. As he designs and creates, we will add to his collection.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 41

Studio showroom in Midtown.

Ion: What has been the most difficult part of starting a new company so far?

TG: Starting a fashion company from the bottom up during a pandemic was not easy, especially from my parents’ upstairs. Although we had guidance from friends and family, most everything was self-taught and made up as we went. An example of this would be when our industrial machinery was delivered without any instructions or manuals. I had no experience with this type of machinery, so it was months of YouTube searches and trial and error.

It was also difficult to create a brand that we 100% design, sew and screen print all of the garments. Where most brands would outsource the manufacturing, and even the design, we had to figure it out all ourselves. Our decision to do this was party due to COVID shaking up the supply chain, but we also knew that if we wanted to make a difference with issues in the fashion industry, we would have to do it ourselves.

Ion: What’s ahead for Nash?

TG: Recently we have moved out of our parents’ upstairs, and into our very own studio showroom in Midtown. This new space will allow us to not only better share our process but sell garments in store.

Check out more at nashengineeredfashion.com. n

42 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

SPORTS

OKC Dodgers to open season May 6 First home game slated for May 13

M

ajor League Baseball has informed all 30 Triple-A teams their 2021 championship season will be delayed by four weeks due to health and safety reasons.

As a result, the Oklahoma City Dodgers will now begin their season Thursday, May 6 with a home opener set for Thursday, May 13.

MLB has shared with Triple-A clubs that the reasoning for the move is to allow more time for players to become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine prior to joining thetir TripleA clubs. It will also ensure players who are eligible to join a Major League Club during April can be more closely monitored at an official alternate training site.

44 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

The Triple-A schedule has been trimmed to 120 games from its original 142, with 60 dates for both home and road games. Games previously scheduled in April will not be made up, although two games have been added July 12-13.

The remainder of the schedule will remain intact, and as of now, the season will still conclude Sept. 21 “It’s disappointing to share this news, but we know this decision was made for the right reasons,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We are looking forward to using the extra time before Opening Day to make the return to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark all the more special for our fans, while also being hopeful it will allow for more fans to be able to attend games.”

After the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dodgers will return to play in the newly aligned Triple-A West. The team opens its schedule May 6 on the road against the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers) and will play its first home game May 13 against the Sacramento River Cats (San Francisco Giants). In an effort to reduce travel and benefit player wellness, all series between the Dodgers and their opponents will be six games in length and the team will be idle each Wednesday.

Fans can currently purchase season ticket packages and/or group outings by calling (405) 218-1000 or by visiting okcdodgers.com/tickets. Single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.

The Dodgers will announce their full slate of gameday promotions and season-long promotions in the future.

Fireworks Fridays are scheduled to return in 2021, with all Friday home dates featuring postgame fireworks. Á

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 45

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will operate with a reduced capacity to begin the 2021 season, and the Dodgers are closely working with the OKC-County Health Department on making the fan experience as safe as possible.

Even with the delayed start, the Dodgers will still host nearly a full week around Independence Day with games against the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels) July 1-6.

The team will also play at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark surrounding Labor Day Sept. 2-7 versus the Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado Rockies).

The bulk of games will be against fellow teams in the East Division, including Albuquerque, El Paso (San Diego Padres),

46 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Round Rock and Triple-A newcomer Sugar Land (Houston Astros). In addition to Sacramento and Salt Lake, the Dodgers will also receive visits from two other members of the West Division: Las Vegas (Oakland A’s) and Reno (Arizona Diamondbacks).

For general inquiries regarding the 2021 season schedule, please call (405) 218-2182 or email info@okcdodgers.com.

Outside of baseball, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is always available to host socially distanced events yearround. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2115 for more information. n

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 47

2021 SChedule SUN MON TUE WED THU 2

3

4

5

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11

12

SAC

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6

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7:05

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6:05

7:05

7:05

2:05

7:05

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7:05 30

ELP

7:35 31

26

7

SAC

14

1

RR

8

SAC

15

7:05

7:05

ELP

7:35

27

ELP

7:35

28

8:05

ELP

29

8:05

SUG 6 SUG 2:05

7

7:05

ELP

13

RR

20

2:05

SUG

8

ELP

15

16

RR

22

23

ELP

14

RR

21

ELP

10

RR

17

SUG

24

ELP

11

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18

SUG

25

ELP

12

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19

FIREWORKS

7:05

7:05

7:05

7:05

7:05

SUG 27 SUG 28 SUG 29

7:05

7:05

7:05

6:05

7:05

7:05

7:05

7:05

7:05

6:05

9

7:05

7:05

6:05

7:05

AWAY OFF

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 2 ELP 1 SUG 3 SUG 4 SUG 5 7:35

HOME

ABQ 20 ABQ 21 ABQ 22 8:05

1:05

RR

7:05

7:35

ABQ 25

SAT

7:05

7:05

19

FRI

SUG 26 6:05

30

7:05

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 7:05

SL

4

7:05

ELP

SL

5

7:05

11

ELP

SL

6

7

7:05

ELP

8:05

13

14

RNO RNO RNO

20

21

SUG SUG

27

28

7:35

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6:05

48 ion Oklahoma

7:35 19

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29

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7:05

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7:05

7:05

SUG 24 RR

31

6:05

OKLAHOMA CITY DODGERS | CHICKASAW BRICKTOWN BALLPARK 2 S. MICKEY2021 MANTLE DR. | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104 | 405.218.1000 MARCH/APRIL

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 4 RR 1 RR 2 RR 3 ABQ 5 ABQ 6 ABQ 7 6:05

7:05

6:05

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29

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7:05

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25

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28

TRIPLE A WEST (WEST DIV.)

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SL

7:35

7:35

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26

8

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ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES EL PASO CHIHUAHUAS OKLAHOMA CITY DODGERS ROUND ROCK EXPRESS SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

(COL) (SD) (LAD) (TEX) (HOU)

LV RNO SAC SL TAC

LAS VEGAS AVIATORS RENO ACES SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS SALT LAKE BEES TACOMA RAINIERS

(OAK) (ARI) (SF) (LAA) (SEA)

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 49

DATE

AWAY

OPPONENT

TIME

Apr 6

Houston Dynamo

Apr 10

North Texas

1:00 PM

Apr 15

Austin Bold

10:00 AM

Apr 24

FC Tulsa

May 1

Atlanta United 2

May 7

@

May 16 May 26

Atlanta United 2

@

May 29 Jun 2

Birmingham Legion Memphis 901

@

Jun 12 Jun 19

Swope Park Rangers

Indy Eleven Birmingham Legion

@

50 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Memphis

DATE

AWAY

Jun 23 Jun 27

@

Atlanta United 2

@

Louisville City Memphis 901

Aug 11

@

Atlanta United 2

Aug 14

@

Indy Eleven

Aug 22

Louisville City

Aug 29

RGV Toros

Sep 1

@

Memphis 901

Sep 4

@

Swope Park Rangers

Sep 12

Louisville City

@

Birmingham Legion

Sep 26

Indy Eleven

Oct 3

San Antonio

Oct 10

TBD

FC Tulsa

Aug 7

Sep 18

TIME

Swope Park Rangers

Jul 2 Jul 31

OPPONENT

@

Oct 17

Austin Bold Birmingham Legion

Oct 24

@

El Paso Locomotive

Oct 30

@

FC Tulsa

All times are Central Time.

Unlisted times are TBD

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 51

EVENTS

Cinco de Mayo event set for May 2

O

klahoma City’s Cinco de Mayo festival is poised to be one of the most exciting outdoor festivals held in 2021.

The event, which has been growing in size over the last several years, has now moved to Scissortail Park to allow for an even broader audience in the centrally located downtown area.

The festival, taking place on May 2, is free to attend and

includes live music, folkloric dancing, activities for children, a parade of horses, and the crowning of Miss Cinco de Mayo.

The Oklahoma City Cinco de Mayo Festival is being organized by Scissortail Development Corporation (CDC).

Scissortail President Robert Ruiz said it is one of the most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States, owing in large part to Oklahoma City’s “sister city” relationship to the city of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the

Dancers perform on stage at the 2019 Cinco de Mayo OKC celebration.

52 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

OKC Cinco de Mayo Festival 2021

Sun, May 2, 1 PM

Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St Oklahoma City, OK

Battle of Puebla in 1862.

To help honor that connection and heritage, Scissortail CDC worked with the Oklahoma City design firm Robot House to develop new branding materials that captures Cinco de Mayo’s unique cultural importance to the Mexican and Hispanic communities.

“Robot House helped us to pursue a new look that evokes authentic Mexican heritage and history,” said Ruiz. “Of course, we also want people to remember this is a party where all are welcome to celebrate and honor that culture.”

Cinco de Mayo is a COVID-aware event that will include hand-washing stations, hand-sanitizing stations, and social distancing signage.

More on the OKC Cinco de Mayo Festival: The OKC Cinco de Mayo Festival is one of the largest Hispanic events of the year! OKCCDM is a FREE outdoor festival for the whole family celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, OKC’s sisterhood with the City of Puebla, MX, and the unity of all communities in Oklahoma. The festivities include live music from local and International touring artists, parade of horses, folkloric dancing, the crowning of Miss Cinco de Mayo, and activities for children. Festival goers receive great gifts from sponsors and vendors, delicious food and much more! Sponsorship levels are available ranging from $1,500 to $12,000. Booths costs $350 for nonprofits, $450 for services, and $550 for food or product sales. Please contact

Luis Hidalgo for more information: 405-360-1200 or l.hidalgo@scissortailcdc.org.

About Scissortail Park: The new Scissortail Park is in the heart of a revitalized downtown Oklahoma City. This public space is part of the MAPS 3 program that envisions a healthy and vibrant quality of life for our city while serving as an investment in the future. Every detail is designed for connection – with nature, neighbors and ourselves. It is a place for play, culture, celebration and inspiration.

Scissortail Park features a variety of engaging experiences within 70 urban acres ranging from ornamental gardens and woodlands, to a lake and boathouse, children’s playground, grand promenade, water features, outdoor roller rink, an enclosed dog park, interactive fountain and much more.

Designed by one of the foremost landscape architecture planning firms in the world, Hargreaves Associates, the Park is also a horticultural tapestry of native prairie grasses, lush flower gardens and tree-lined walkways. Together we have created something spectacular. For everyone. n

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 53

EDUCATION

Thrive Grants celebrate innovation, exploration of visual arts Grant applications should be made April 1-July 1

T

he Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) is developing a partnership with Thrive Grants, a new grant for artists program that celebrates innovation and exploration in the visual arts in Oklahoma.

Thrive Grants is funded by and in partnership with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts through their Regional Regranting Program.

Thrive Grants funds 12 artist-led, collaborative projects from across the state of through grants of $5,000 each. The funded projects must culminate in a public-facing program such as an exhibition, performance, screening, or other publicly accessible outcome. As COVID-19 is limiting inperson events, these programs may also be accessed digitally such as a live stream, digital meeting, website, or other virtually accessible platform. Thrive Grants aim to fund artists’ visions and provide creative projects for community engagement.

“It truly is an honor for OVAC to be asked to join the highly esteemed Regional Regranting program,” said Executive Director Krystle Kaye. “We are thrilled to be a part of this network of 14 organizations across the country and to be able to direct these funds to Oklahoma artists to help them realize new creative projects.”

The grant applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of a local artist, arts administrator, and a representative 54 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

from the Regional Regranting family. The selection committee will score applications in categories including: Career Altering Potential, Artistic Merit, Community Impact, and Ability to Complete. Artist projects that create new collaborations, feature BIPOC artists, or serve non-urban communities will be prioritized.

The grant application opens on April 1 and closes on June 1. Applicants will be notified by July 15. Awarded artists then have one year to implement their proposals. At the end of the award period, all of the funded artists will come together to share their projects in a fun, lively presentation.

At the end of the presentation event, the awardees for the following year will be announced. For a full timeline and dates, visit thrivegrants.org.

OVAC is offering a free information session through Zoom on May 6, 2021, from 6-7 p.m. During this session applicants will learn more details about the program, what projects qualify, and how to write a winning application. On May 21, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., OVAC is offering time slots where applicants can sign up for one-on-one Zoom meetings to get feedback from their Grants and Outreach Manager on their application before applying. Visit thrivegrants.org to register today.

For more information about the Thrive Grant application, call Kaye at (405) 879-2400 or email at krystle@ovac-ok.org.

For more information about the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition visit ovac-ok.org. n

EVENTS

OKC’s Daddy-Daughter Dance set for April 24 Beach Bash theme of this year’s event

O

KC Parks is revamping its seventh annual Daddy Daughter Dance as a safe and fun outdoor event with a new summer theme: Beach Bash.

Oklahoma City dads can treat their daughters to a fun day or evening in the sun during one of three socially distanced dance options on Saturday, April 24: 2:30-4 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per couple and $10 per additional sibling. The event is at Sky Rink at Scissortail Park, 801 S Robinson Ave. Activities will include a dunk tank, DJ, photo-booth, lei-making craft 56 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

and horse-drawn carriage rides for an additional $20 per dad. Raffle prizes from local businesses, OKC Parks and others will be given throughout each dance session.

“We hope to make this year all the more special for families who are in desperate need of a good time out,” said OKC Parks Special Event Program Coordinator Lyndsie Beesley.

“The change of date and space will create a more carefree feel, and allow dads to let loose

Scenes from the last Daddy-Daughter Dance in 2019.

and have some memorable fun with their daughters.”

Visit okc.gov/parksignup and search Daddy Daughter Dance to choose which session you will attend, request your favorite song from the DJ and get other details.

individually wrapped food and drinks, hand sanitizing stations and socially distanced seating.

This year’s dance is sponsored by 84

Hospitality Group, the Law Office of Lindsey W. Andrews, Bob Moore Subaru, Oklahoma Shirt Company, DJ Connection and Insomnia Cookies. n

More on the event The seventh annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be catered by 84 Hospitality Group, serving up dishes from either Burger Punk, Empire Slice House or TORI TORI! Fried Chicken. Kona Ice will be serving up snow cones, and Insomnia Cookies will be provided for dessert.

COVID-19 safety measures include temperature checks, a 200-guest limit per session, required masks for staff, recommended masks for participants, MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 57

PEOPLE

Cowboy Hall of Fame Security Director becomes internet star

BY KATELYN HOWARD KGOU Radio

T

he head of security at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City took the internet by storm when he was tasked with running the museum’s social media accounts at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the security director turned internet star has an exhibition of his own at the museum.

The exhibition opened March 17 and features the viral social media posts of Tim Tiller, the museum’s director of security. In his endearing posts, Tiller shows off artifacts in the museum’s collection as he learns the ropes of social media.

Tiller’s security guard uniform and bolo tie are also included in the exhibition as well as letters and gifts he’s received from fans around the world.

Nathan Jones, associate curator of history at the museum, said the exhibition is a physical representation of what has brought people joy online during the pandemic.

“There's a tendency to look back on 2020 and just see the bad things,” Jones said. “And while there were plenty of 58 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Tim Tiller, head of security at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

catastrophes going on around us, there were also moments of genuine human connection when we were all feeling very isolated. So this was one of the big highlights for this museum's community and for our online followers.”

#hashtag thecowboyexhibit

#thecowboy-exhibit

Tiller took on the additional role of assisting with social media since he was one of the few employees allowed in the museum while it was temporarily shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Even after the museum reopened, Tiller has remained involved in posting on social media.

Seth Spillman, the museum’s chief marketing and communications officer, said Tiller’s social media posts have attracted new visitors to the museum.

The exhibition runs through Aug. 8.

This story is reprinted with permission by KGOU Radio. n Tim Tiller posting from the selfie station.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 59

EVENTS

Vintage Market Days to host charity event for Reckless Saints Scheduled April 23-25 at The Pointe of Chisholm Creek

A

ddiction numbers have increased since COVID-19 entered the scene. Mental health experts are seeing the fallout of the pandemic in alarming ways, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has observed “an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic.”

To confront the growing issue and offer hope to Oklahomans seeking addiction recovery resources, a Vintage Market Days’, www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/oklahoma-city, event on April 23-25 includes a partnership benefitting Oklahoma-based The Reckless Saints of Nowhere, www.RecklessSaintsOfNowhere.com.

Jordan Blake Parker, The Reckless Saints of Nowhere Founder and chief executive officer, said, “We place anyone struggling with addiction into long term treatment centers at no cost to them or their families.”

Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market event that will take place on the lawn of The Pointe of Chisholm Creek in Oklahoma City. Reckless Saints is the charity beneficiary for the event.

“We were honored to be chosen as the nonprofit supported by Vintage Market Days,” Parker continued. “Reckless Saints will be on-hand at the event to help with the set up and tear down. It’s a great chance for those in recovery to see firsthand that there are companies and people rooting for them. Vintage Market Days 60 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

is providing us bottled water to sell and we’ll also be selling our merchandise at the event. Vintage Market Days is charging us nothing and letting all the profits from our sales go to helping the addicted.

Vintage Market Days also orchestrated a partnership with Kendra Scott Jewelry where Reckless Saints will get a portion of their sales at the event.”

Erica Parker, Vintage Market Days Owner and Event Coordinator, said,

“Our state and nation has a drug epidemic and one of the the hardest things for families is to get their loved ones the help they need and that’s where Reckless Saints steps in.”

Jordan Blake Parker explained how his story is what inspired the need for Reckless Saints.

“I was an addict for almost 16 years. After many arrests and countless run-ins with the law I was court ordered to treatment. It was there that I learned to live life without pain medicine. I’ve been sober for over seven years now.”

Jordan Blake Parker has seen how the pandemic has affected those who are addicted.

“More people are looking for help now, than ever before.

COVID came with a depression factor and that has made a lot of addicted men and women seek help, we’ve received a huge influx of calls and requests for help.”

Vintage Market Days’ theme for the event is "Bring Happy Home". Erica Parker said that the goal is to create an experience to help escape the past year and to buy good things that’ll bring happiness home. Vintage Market Days provides a charming family atmosphere for shoppers to find unique items. Featured items include original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, architectural items and more. More than 85 high-quality vendors will be on-site, and more than half of those vendors are local to Oklahoma. There will also be live music and food trucks.

Tickets for Vintage Market Days on April 23-24 are $11, and on April 25 tickets are $6. Children 12 and under are always free. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door. n MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 61

PEOPLE

OSU regents select Kayse Shrum as school’s 19th president

T

he Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents has selected Kayse Shrum as the 19th president of Oklahoma State University. The announcement follows an extensive national search involving an inclusive process composed of representatives from across the OSU system, including faculty, students, staff and alumni.

The current president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Shrum will be recommended for approval as the next president of OSU at the regularly scheduled Board of Regents meeting in Stillwater on April 23.

"The OSU/A&M Board of Regents recognized from the start of this process the importance of conducting a thorough search to make sure we selected the most qualified candidate to lead OSU and the system into the future following the successful Burns Hargis presidency," commented Rick Davis, chair of the Regents. "I appreciate the deliberative approach taken by our Regents, and we are grateful to Regent Joe Hall, who impressively led the process over the past five months."

Davis continued, "Dr. Shrum is well known and respected by the Regents and our university community. Her leadership has transformed our medical school in Tulsa, and her efforts 62 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

have taken us to new heights we could only imagine a few years ago. The establishment of the National Center for Wellness and Recovery is one of several milestone achievements. The center, which has brought national acclaim to OSU, has become the national focal point for breakthrough research to address the opioid crisis.

What is most impressive to me for all the notable achievements is her commitment to students and their success. Students matter to her. Dr. Shrum is an effective leader, innovative thinker and her collaborative style, in addition to her great love for OSU, means the momentum we have achieved with President Hargis will continue unabated.

I am excited about the future of OSU, the system and the state of Oklahoma."

As the first woman to lead Oklahoma State University, Shrum has overcome barriers throughout her professional career. She has served as president of OSU's Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) since 2013, and her selection at the time made her the youngest and first female president and dean of a medical school in the state of Oklahoma. Dr. Shrum trained and served rural Oklahoma as a pediatrician before beginning her academic work at OSU-CHS after

current OSU President Burns Hargis appointed her to lead the medical school.

According to Regent and Selection Committee Chair Joe Hall, Shrum was chosen from a national pool of highly qualified candidates in large part because she brings a remarkable track record of professional success leading OSU’s medical school.

"I have watched Dr. Shrum transform our medical school in Tulsa, and I am convinced that success will translate to OSU and our system," Hall said. She understands and appreciates our distinctive land-grant mission of service to the advancement and betterment of our state. As a proud product of Coweta, Oklahoma, Shrum has a firsthand perspective of our state's challenges and the role OSU can play in meeting those challenges. Based on what she has achieved thus far, Shrum will promote student success, academic programs, productive research and an inclusive and diverse community built on mutual respect. As president of OSU, she will be a great leader for our university and state.”

"I am humbled and honored by this announcement," said Shrum. "I am also thrilled because outside of my dear family, OSU has a special place in my heart. Leading the OSU Center for Health Sciences and helping students, faculty and staff come together to create something truly impactful to our state has been immensely rewarding for me. To lead our vibrant university and the system, which is so vital to our state on many levels, will be the greatest challenge and honor of my professional career. I am looking forward to this opportunity with high anticipation.

“I want to thank Chair Davis, Regent Hall and our entire Board of Regents. I do not take the trust you have imparted to me lightly. I look forward to working with our board, faculty, students and staff on our shared vision of excellence and success. Let me also thank President Hargis, who had the confidence to appoint me to lead the medical school. I am forever grateful for our friendship and your mentorship.”

Under Shrum's leadership, OSU Center for Health Sciences has experienced unprecedented growth. Student enrollment doubled as the center established new academic programs

designed to meet the health care workforce needs of Oklahoma. She also led the construction of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building. This state-ofthe-art learning facility houses Oklahoma's largest and most technologically advanced hospital simulation center.

Her fundraising accomplishments also include securing a landmark investment in 2019 from Purdue Pharma for $197.5 million to create the National Center for Wellness and Recovery for addiction treatment and research to address the national opioid addiction epidemic. A strong supporter of collaborative partnerships, Shrum worked with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and his administration to establish the nation's first tribally affiliated medical school, the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, which opened fall 2020.

In March 2019, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Shrum to his cabinet as Oklahoma's first Secretary of Science and Innovation. In that role, she played a critical part in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her innovative leadership approach and medical expertise helped secure much-needed PPE supplies and led to the formation of Oklahoma's largest COVID diagnostics lab on OSU's Stillwater campus.

A native of Coweta, Oklahoma, Shrum is a fervent champion of rural health and primary care medicine and has made the creation of a sustainable, rural primary care physician pipeline a top priority. She launched innovative high school recruiting programs like Operation Orange and Blue Coat to White Coat, created the Rural Medical Track curriculum and expanded the number of residency training programs in rural Oklahoma by securing support from the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Her long list of awards and accolades includes being named The Journal Record's Woman of the Year in 2019.

Shrum and her husband Darren still actively farm near Coweta. They have six adult children.

Shrum will officially take over the role of president at the beginning of OSU's next fiscal year beginning July 1. n MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 63

PEOPLE

OETA Movie Club host B.J. Wexler dead at 83 He recalled career highlights in 2016 interview

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ongtime OETA Movie Club host B.J. Wexler died Feb. 10, 2021. He was 83.

Wexler was the host of the OETA weekly program featuring beloved films. He received an Emmy Award for hosting the 2008 season.

For 30 years, Wexler was a part of Oklahomans’ Saturday night routine. He provided a fun evening for families and date night opportunities during a time before streaming.

Below is a Q&A with Wexler from 2016.

OETA: What are the most common questions viewers ask?

Wexler: Oddly enough, it’s about the popcorn?

Is it real? Do you really eat all that popcorn during the movie? Yes and no.

Yes, the popcorn is real. We pop a huge batch for each movie. And honestly, no, I don’t eat popcorn during the movie and here’s why. I love popcorn. Always have.

Every time I try to sneak some during the movie I’m sorry a few minutes later when I get ready to speak on camera. That’s right, 64 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

those tiny little kernels have a way of stickin’ around your teeth for hours. Try it at home and you’ll see why I have to wait.

OETA: What’s your favorite bit of film trivia?

Wexler: I guess my favorite stories surround the making of Singin’ in the Rain (1952) which starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Singin’ in the Rain was voted the #1 movie musical in American Film History by the American Film Institute and as the #5 greatest movie of all time.

Some trivia: It was the sixth time the song Singin’ in the Rain was used on the big screen.

On the day they filmed the famous Singin’ in the Rain number, Gene Kelly was very ill with a 101 temperature.

Even though the director was ready to send him home Kelly insisted on trying it. And, even though he adlibbed most of it he did it.

OETA: What is your favorite film?

Wexler: There have been many, many wonderful movies I’ve enjoyed over the years. But truth be known, my all-time favorite is The Jolson Story nominated for six Academy Awards including one for Larry Parks, for Best Actor in a leading role. The Jolson story was a nostalgic tribute to the world’s greatest entertainer, the man who loved to sing, as portrayed by Larry Parks, covering the life and career of Al Jolson from the turn of the century to about 1940.

Long before this movie, I was a huge fan of Al Jolson.

The Jolson Story is included in the book “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die” by Steven Jay Schneider.

OETA: How has OETA Movie Club maintained such popularity on OETA throughout the last 25 years?

Wexler: In my opinion, it’s about families. That’s what I’ve heard from our viewers, young and old, through the years. Think about it. Going to the movies has always MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 65

been something the whole family can do together. Right there, at home, smack dab in the middle of the weekend, there’s a chance to sit down together, as a family, pop a bucket of popcorn and enjoy one of Hollywood’s greatest movies.

I know it’s true because I’ve heard it so often through the years, especially from young adults.

OETA: After 25 years of hosting, what do you love most about Movie Club?

Wexler: This one’s easy. It has been an honor to share my love of classic movies with not only our friends and neighbors here in Oklahoma but our many viewers in the surrounding states as well. Everywhere I travel, here in Oklahoma, I run into so many folks who have favorite movies. I so enjoy hearing about them and what great memories they bring back to them. Thank you. What a 66 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

joy to know that our Movie Club is jam packed with such nice people every Saturday night.

OETA: What is the coolest celebrity photo you have featured on Movie Club?

Wexler: Oh, this is difficult. We’ve been blessed to have received so many, many wonderful celebrity photos over the years. The one that stands out was taken with Elvis Presley, outside the gate of boot camp before he was deployed. A young girl asked her mom to drive her and a friend to the base to see if they might be able to catch a glimpse of him. When they stopped for gas the attendant suggested the best place to wait and see him. Sure enough, Elvis saw them standing outside the gate waving to him. He came over to the fence and said, “You wait right there until I check out and I’ll meet you right back here.” He did and they had to the photo to prove it. n

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ART

Former mayor is inspiration behind Edmond’s public art program

BY TIM FARLEY

R

andel Shadid loves art and he enjoys bringing it to Edmond where everyone can see it.

A five-foot bronze statue entitled “Reverence” was dedicated April 7 and is the latest public art piece to be part of an Edmond collection that totals more than 200, including the most recent by artist David Pearson from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Shadid, founder of Edmond’s Art in Public Places program, said his family’s global travels gave him the idea to bring art back into the Edmond community and place the works in places where anyone Á

Route 66 - Key to My Heart at Festival Market Place 68 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Oasis Mural, photo credit McNeese Skills + Motion] MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 69

Song of Songs, photo credit UCO.

70 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

can view them. During the last 20 years, paintings and sculptures have been placed in public buildings, at various Edmond intersections, in front of Edmond businesses and in city parks.

The artwork is paid for private donors and taxpayers. Edmond pays half of the cost, or up to $30,000, for its share of each painting or sculpture and the private donor pays the remainder, Shadid said. Some of the artwork is done in memory of a donor’s loved one. A few pieces of art have been completed in memory of a child or daughter and one at Edmond North was completed in memory of a student killed in an auto accident.

Other works include a bronze statues of Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller, Lady Liberty and Shakespear on a bench.

“It (public art program) is very well accepted and is a big draw,” Shadid said.

“It’s become a tourist attraction. People know it’s here and there are walking and bus tours.”

The initial pieces of public art were purchased by the city as a way to start the program. The artwork was placed in downtown Edmond and in front of the public library to show residents the type and quality of art the city had purchased.

People might have expected vandalism would have been a problem the last two decades, but Shadid said that hasn’t been the case.

“We had a few naysayers who said you can’t spend public money on art, but a couple of those have been supporters of the program,” he said. “We’ve been blessed with support from the public and the (city) council.” classic Á

Arc of Peace , photo credit Marshall Hawkins, Sundance Photography.

Best Friends, photo credit UCO.

Psyche, photo credit UCO. Pirate

The estimated value of the 200-plus pieces of public art ranges in the millions, Shadid said.

Patricia Carlisle, of Patricia Carlisle Fine Art of Santa Fe, N.M., represents Pearson, whose bronze statue was unveiled April 7. Pearson remembered that Shadid came to her gallery 20 years ago and purchased artwork painted by Pearson. Upon his return to Edmond, he started the public art program.

“Randel has done an amazing job out there,” she said. “They have artwork from artists all over the country. What I like about the collection is its really diversified, eclectic. It provides a wide range of interests with classic Western, contemporary, wildlife and figurative. It’s not just one type of artwork in the collection.”

The Art in Public Places Tour is designed for people 18 and up. The cost is $15 per person. The guided tour tells the stories behind the public art statues that make Edmond a beautiful place. The tour involves driving and walking. Transportation for the tour is provided by Edmond Parks and Recreation with a 15-passenger van.

The walking portion of the tour covers most of downtown from 2nd Street to Hurd and back. There will be stops throughout the tour for breaks as well as a stop at Pop’s gas station in Arcadia for lunch.

To join a tour, call 405-359-4630. n 72 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

This Machine by Tony Thunder Story Time, photo credit UCO.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 73

EVENTS

Happening in the Gardens 301 W. Reno Oklahoma City Many activities require registration; register online at myriadgardens.org *Subject to change due to COVID protocols. as Kirk Franklin, Carrie Underwood, Bonnie Raitt, Martina McBride and spoken word from poets Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman. Lyric patrons may remember Lee from her role in the 2019 banner-raising production of Disney’s Newsies or from the gospel celebration Crowns during the preceding season. This new production is a collaboration with Monique Midgette, who also will direct.

Denise Lee – Pressure Makes Diamonds Presented by Lyric Theatre March 24, 2021 – April 3, 2021 Water Stage at Myriad Botanical Gardens PURCHASE TICKETS LINK DATES AND TIMES: Tuesday, March 30, 7:30pm Wednesday, March 31, 7:30pm Thursday, April 1, 7:30pm Friday, April 2, 8pm Saturday, April 3, 2pm Saturday, April 3, 8pm They say diamonds are forever. A girl’s best friend. And, the process to unearth their true beauty takes a tremendous amount of pressure. The quality of a diamond is determined by the Four C’s: Color, Cut, Carat, and Clarity, and Lee will shine bright the light on its similarities to life in this original production. Lee and her band will regale audiences and touch souls with a collection of songs from such artists 74 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Easter Scavenger Hunt & Eggstravaganza Sponsored by Goldfish Swim School & Geico OKC-South Saturday, April 3, 9-11am Children’s Garden Members $6 per child; Non-members $10 per child Limited space. Pick a time online.

This is not your garden-variety Easter egg hunt! Spot the items on the scavenger hunt as you explore the Children’s Garden. Locate all of the riddles and claim your Easter

goodie bag! Get a picture with the Easter Bunny, or a spring themed glitter tattoo from Kaleidoscope Arts. This is a member only pre-registered event for children. Registration is $6 per child.

Take a final trip with your family into the Crystal Bridge Conservatory before renovations begin and learn all about wonderful and helpful rainforest plants. We’ll go on a scavenger hunt to discover surprising rainforest plants and how we use them as we touch, smell and taste our way through the tropics. The class finishes with a rainforest fruit tasting.

Foraged Floral Arrangement Series Easter Paws Presented by Hudiburg Subaru Sponsored by Geico OKC-South & A-1 Pet Emporium Saturday, April 3, 1-3pm $5 member dog/ $10 nonmember dog Dog Park at Myriad Botanical Gardens REGISTER ONLINE: (1-2pm 2-3pm) Hop on down to Myriad Botanical Gardens with your four-legged family member for Easter Paws. Sit for a photo session with the Easter Bunny in our dog park, meet the GEICO gecko and listen to hound dog tunes by DJ and Danny Eagle, and DJ Brian Smith from muttradio.com.

Pre-registration required and all dogs must be current on vaccines and leashed. Spots are limited.

COVID protocols will be observed.

Crystal Bridge Rainforest Adventure Saturday, April 10, 2-3:30pm The Garden Classroom and Crystal Bridge Conservatory M $10; NM $12 Best for ages 6-10 Register by Tuesday, April 6

April 10, 2021 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Foraged Floral Arrangement Series Spring Session: Saturday, April 10, 10am-Noon Summer Session: Saturday, June 26, 10am-Noon The Garden Classroom or Terrace Room and Garden Grounds M $45 per session; NM $50 per session Register for both sessions and receive 10 percent off Kaitlin Bacon, Children’s Garden Manager Register online by Tuesday before session date Learn how to create your own floral arrangement using seasonal flowers and foliage collected from the garden grounds. We’ll begin with a basic introduction on floral design, go over the already collected materials available, and then head outside to collect a few items together. The class ends with creating arrangements to take home, as well as discussing tips for foraging in your own yard and ways to prolong the life of your arrangements.

MARCH/APRIL 2021 ion Oklahoma 75

Lyric Theatre’s Nunsense

To Seed or Not to Seed

(Tickets go on sale April 1.)

Water Stage at Myriad Botanical Gardens April 21 through May 9 Go online for showtimes and ticket information.

This hilarious spoof follows the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser.

Sadly, after the deaths of the rest of the sisterhood from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia (Child of God), the remaining nuns stage a talent show to raise money to bury their dearly departed. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Sister Regina, a former circus performer who can not resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. This sinfully funny musical hit will have you shouting Ha-Ha-lleluia! Written by Dan Goggin, the production will feature direction from Lyric’s Associate Artistic Director Ashley Wells.

Thursday, April 29, 6-7pm The Garden Classroom M $16; NM $20 Debbie St. John, Canadian County OSU Extension Master Gardener Register by Friday, April 23 It’s not too late to start your spring garden. Let us help by setting you on the correct path with this introductory tutorial. Learn which vegetable and flower varieties prefer to be started from seed or from a plant, discuss planting time and soil health. Each participant will head home with a few seeds and materials to get started in their own garden.

Monthly Classes

Gardens Monthly Walking Tour 10:00 am

Botanical Balance FREE YOGA Presented by Fowler Auto Sponsored by OU Medicine & Tinker Federal Credit Union Tuesdays, 6pm and Saturdays, 9am Instructors from YMCA Recommended for ages 16 & Up Register for in advance.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and going into winter, we will move yoga indoors in the lower level of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. As a result, space is limited and advanced registration is required. All attendees must social distance on their mats and wear masks in order to participate.

76 ion Oklahoma MARCH/APRIL 2021

Family Workshop: Earth Day Nature Walk Thursday, April 22, 6-7pm The Garden Classroom and Garden Grounds M $6; NM $8 Best for ages 5-11 / Register by Tuesday, April 20 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY by spending time outside in nature with your family. We’ll learn how to use all our senses, gather a nature collection together and build a mandala with the collected items. We’ll also discuss ways we can act every day to help Mother Earth, not just on her birthday.

Last Saturday of each month, 10-11 am Garden Grounds, meet in the south lobby FREE Registration required Expand your knowledge of Oklahoma plants and find inspiration for your own garden with an educational walking tour. Each month will feature different plants from our outdoor collection that make great choices for this region – from year-round color to drought-tolerant choices and more.

Self-guided plant tour handouts are available in our north lobby. Attendees must wear a mask for the walk and must social distance themselves in order to participate. n