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Nescatunga President Charla Parker welcomes you to 47 th Arts Festival in Alva Tells of her mission trip where she’ll share the art of music and generosity By Yvonne Miller Charla Parker, longtime president of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council, welcomes you to the 47th Annual Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva, the longest running consecutive art show in the state of Oklahoma. The festival this year is Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. It’s always held on Alva’s downtown square, but will move to the Woods County Fairgrounds Merchant’s Building and Women’s Building in case of inclement weather. If the festival does have to move to the fairgrounds, the quilt show will remain in the Woods County Courthouse. Parker views the festival as “a way for the community to come together and enjoy the fruits of labor of so many artists, craftsmen, entertainers and cooks.” Shoppers will find art such as paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, leathercraft, photography, wood works, quilts, baskets, handwork, children’s clothing and hair bows, homemade gourmet food items, a variety of arts and crafts and much more. Additionally they’ll find a passel of entertainment and foods at the festival. Nescatunga President Uses the Art of Music in a Mission Parker seldom misses an arts festival, but she will this year for another form of art – music and generosity. A member of Alva’s First Baptist Church, she is a member of The Singing Women of Oklahoma, which is a Baptist organization. A group of about 140 are traveling to Latvia, a country that sits along the western border of Russia. Under Russian control for decades, the Soviet Union (as it was called at the time) recognized Latvia’s independence in 1991. No longer communist, Latvia is a free country. The Oklahoma women’s group will present concerts of both singing and playing handbells. They are taking a three-octave handbell set to donate to a Christian school, grades K-12, where the
group will interact with students. They are also donating a sound system to a Baptist church in Latvia. Parker said the drummer who performs with the group speaks fluent Russia, so they are excited to have his communication skills. The Oklahomans will land in Helsinki, Finland, and hold a concert there. The approximately 100 vocalists will sing in three churches that Sunday morning. In Riga, Latvia’s capitol city, they will interact with a women’s group. The Oklahoma group has an orphanage there for which they are sending extra suitcases full of donated clothes. They’ll spend the last night of their trip in Stockholm, Sweden, where they’ll tour some cathedrals. Parker laughed while mentioning the plan to wear comfortable shoes as they’ll do lots of walking on predominately cobblestone streets. Parker is excited that her husband, Larry, can travel with her in this “once in a lifetime mission trip.” Alva’s First Baptist Church Music Minister Ken Reich and his wife, Barb, are also going on the trip. Barb Reich performs with the group. “We hope to do good for the people over there – especially the children,” Parker said. The Nescatunga president is confident she’s leaving the festival in good hands as the group’s vice-president Jane Tucker is taking the reins in her absence. Parker has worked diligently on festival details as she does each year. Tucker said, “We’ve been meeting all this week to make sure all goes well. We’re double checking everything – making sure everyone is on board. Charla is a perfectionist – she won’t let us down.” Tourism Tax Supports the Festival, Alva Chamber Heads Publicity Parker said this year the Alva Tourism and Convention Development Committee approved a $13,175 grant for the festival. The tourism committee reimburses the arts council up to that amount for expenses
Longtime Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council President Charla Parker welcomes you to the arts festival in Alva Saturday, June 4. She also tells about a once-in-a-lifetime mission trip where she gets to share the art of music and generosity. Photo by Yvonne Miller they incur to promote the festival and ultimately Alva. Parker and said how grateful the arts council is for these funds. The funds are generated by the tourism tax on Alva motel/ hotel rooms. According to the committee guidelines, the event must promote and foster tourism and conventions and promote investment in facilities for the development of conventions and tourism within the city of Alva. For the first time, this year the Alva Chamber of Commerce took over
See Welcome Page 3
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Crafters at the 2016 Nescatunga Arts Festival
WESTERN LEATHERCRAFT BY STEVE WELTY – This leather purse with an emotional western scene is handcrafted by leather craftsman Steve Welty of Stillwater. This is just one of the fine leather goods Welty will have for sale at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4. Welty said he's shown at the festival at least five times. He has wallets, checkbook covers, key chains, belts and much more. He takes custom orders. “My wife and I will continue to come to Alva as long as our health allows,” he said. Welty was raised at Freedom and said coming to Alva “is really enjoyable for us to see family and friends.” He also said, “The Nescatunga Arts Festival is the best-selling show for us without fail.”
From Page 2
Welcome
publicity for the festival. Parker said a special thanks to Chamber Director Alex Mantz and secretary Jodie Bradford. “A huge thanks goes to the chamber, we couldn’t do it without them,” Parker said. A great way for you to help promote the festival is to wear one of the Nescatunga T-shirts for sale at Holder Drug and the Copper Penny on the downtown square. Artists and crafters who wish to register online many do so on the festival’s website, www.nescatunga.org. The festival also has a Facebook page. That’s thanks to Ken Reich, who set up the site. Parker said without the work and dedication of past Nescatunga presidents who gave of their time to keep the arts and humanities council going, the festival wouldn’t even exist. Some of those women who served as president of the arts council were: Gerree Smith, 1972-74; Doris Smith, 1974-76;
Donna Stover Hodgden, 1976-78; Mary Dale Maxwell, 1978-80; Jo Brandt, 198082; Madeline Arganbright, 1982-83; Ruth Leslie, 1983-84; Madeline Arganbright, 1984-86; Joyce Dixon, 1986-88; Oneta Hannum, 1988-89; Sandra Schubert, 1989-91; Rose Elmore, 1991-93; Paula Bloyd, 1993-95; Dale Brown, 1995-99; Barbara Gordon, 1999-2003; Charla Parker, 2003 to present. The purpose of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council is to promote greater knowledge and appreciation of the fine arts and humanities and educational purposes, and especially to act, to coordinate and encourage cultural activities. “Without the help of so many people in the community beyond Nescatunga members, the festival wouldn’t work,” Parker said. See a related article that tells of that large group who complete the picture that is the Nescatunga Arts Festival.
Amber Bosch (Alva) – Wall crosses Becky Barbour (Lahoma) – Soft toys and decor James Benson( Webber Falls) – Wood items Barry and Connie Bloyd (Edmond) – Glass yard art Marty Evans (Santana, Kansas) – Soft toys and decor Megan Fonk (Tulsa) – Soft toys and decor Loia Lenker (Medicine Lodge, Kansas) – Children’s books Grace Yoder (Enid) – Designer sets Cindy Rich/Allison Inman (Enid) – Mixed decor Bobie Shelton (Broken Arrow) – Crochet and hair bows Leisa Telinde (Alva) – Mom and me specialties Robert Thornton (Nicoma Park) – Horseshoe decor Butcher Block Press (Medicine Lodge, Kansas) – Books for children Beverly Kinzie (Alva) – Book of Alva murals Kimberly Adams (Fargo) – O&A, graphics Naomi Cullen (Cherokee) – O&A, watercolor Yusuf Etudaiye (Tulsa) – Pottery, sculpture Sayle Gorrell (Enid) – O&A, water, graphics Jeramie Heldermon (Eldorado) – Photography Wah Leeta Steele (Fairview) – O&A Stephen Welty (Stillwater) – Mixed media Alexander Ridgway (Alva student) – Watercolor
Alva Afghans Contact Richard Ryerson of the Alva Kiwanis Club 580-327-0472
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Treat your palate to something scrumptious at the Gourmet Food Booth Find traditional Nescatunga Cookies there
By Yvonne Miller If you love delectable dessert as much as you love your someone special, indulge yourself at the Gourmet Food Booth at the festival. The Gourmet Food Booth is a tradition about as long as the festival itself. There you’ll find art in the form of cakes, pies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, breads and other baked delights. Shop early Saturday morning for the best selection of wonderful desserts made by area bakers. Even if you are not a Nescatunga member, but want to support the arts in Alva, get in your kitchen and bake one of your favorite recipes to donate. Alycen Yoder and Paula Bloyd have co-hosted the Gourmet Food Booth many years with the help of friends. When visiting with Yoder, she was already baking batches of the puffy, gooey, delicious, chocolate chip Nescatunga Cookies. You’ll find those traditional favorites at the booth while they last. Whether you are making a coffee cake, cherry pie, loaf of bread or batch of cookies, have your donation to the booth by around 9 a.m. Saturday.
Shop early at the Gourmet Food Booth at the festival for the best selection of homemade goodies. Chair AlycenYoder holds a cookie sheet full of freshly baked Nescatunga Cookies that are puffy and gooey with chocolate chips. The women organizing this booth that is always a favorite at Nescatunga are (front row, left to right) Lucy Rhodes, Alycen Yoder and Darlene Holtzclaw; (back row, left to right) Elma McMurphy and Beth Smith. Not pictured are Paula Bloyd and Shelley Kartin. Photo by Lynn L. Martin
Nescatunga Festival is good for shopping, relaxing and eating By Yvonne Miller Ahh ... the sights, sounds and aroma of the arts festival. It makes you hungry just thinking about the aroma of the grill where burgers and hot dogs sizzle. The Alva High School (AHS) speech kids and boosters staff that booth and are glad to serve you. But then you catch a whiff of salsa wafting from the taco salad stand. Which one will you select? Maybe both. The AHS Electric Gold members and
boosters will take care of your taco salad that you can have topped with cheese, sour cream and picante sauce ... don’t forget the jalapenos. You’ll need a cold drink to go with that before you sit down to eat. The AHS Band has a whole tank of sodas iced down for you. The Girl Scouts will have refreshing snow cones available to cool you off as you watch the entertainment on stage or wander through the arts and crafts displays.
Besides helping the artists as gofers, the Rainbow Girls have a fun arts and crafts activity planned for children. The girls will help children make sun catchers as a make-it-and-take-it project. Pam Coffman is Festival Foods chair for the fourth year. Coffman said, “Alva’s Market is great. I just ask and they have it ordered and ready for us. If we need something at the festival they’ll literally just bring it down to us. It’s good to have a hometown business who is so supportive of the organization.”
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Lenkner’s children’s book goes from picking seed packets to the autumn frost ‘Oodles of Tomatoes and One Packed Van’ available at Nescatunga Festival By Yvonne Miller You, your children and grandchildren are going to love reading Lois Lenkner’s children’s book, “Oodles of Tomatoes and One Packed Van – Raising Garden Produce for a Market Stand.” You’ll find the book for sale at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva Saturday, June 4. Not only is the book beautifully illustrated by Connie Watts, Lenkner wrote the book to be educational and extremely fun for children. It definitely shows youngsters that all the delicious tomatoes, cantaloupe, green beans and other veges they love to eat don’t simply come from the grocery store. The book starts with the farmer and his wife ordering from seed catalogs in the winter, preparing and planting their garden, nurturing the plants with water and tender loving care, harvesting the vegetables and ultimately taking them to market. On every other page, the book features a fun learning activity for youngsters: counting, identifying objects, arranging items in order, learning about the weather and seasons, etc. A really fun activity is searching for Lenkner’s husband’s blue coffee mug hidden within each scene. Another special message Lenkner put in the book is “for the glory of God” that allows gardens to grow. She included a few pertinent scriptures, one of which is Genesis 2:8, 15: “Now the Lord God (...) planted a garden (...) and there He put the man (...) to work it and take care of it.” Lenkner’s Vegetables Go To Town Lenkner and her husband Robert reside on a farm in Barber County, Kansas. They met at K-State; both eventually earned master’s degrees and held other jobs until moving to Medicine Lodge, Kansas, to farm. The idea of their garden came to fruition when she took their first produce in to Medicine Lodge in 2009. She said, “Farmers are always looking for ways to diversify to get multi-streams of income. Robert grew big gardens and I would can and preserve what we needed and then it would be, what do we do
Written in rhyme, Lois Lenkner's children's book "Oodles of Tomatoes and One Packed Van – Raising Garden Produce for a Market Stand" will be available at the Nescatunga Arts Festival on the downtown square in Alva June 4. with the leftover? In our case, God was preparing us. It’s amazing how the pieces of the puzzle just kept falling into place.” With a laugh, Lenkner said of their always growing business, known as Northstar Produce, “Now if we have any produce left after our sales, I can and preserve or freeze that.” “We each have our jobs. We joke that he’s in production and I am in sales,” Lenkner said with a laugh. The Lenkner’s family-run business keeps evolving. Over the years, Robert built several pieces of equipment that he made especially for their operation. They have developed systems to make watering more convenient and methods of controlling weeds. High tunnels were added in 2011, 2013 and 2014. The largest high tunnel measures 26 feet by 96 feet. Robert constructed a cooler building in 2014 that provides the storage needed for the hours between the garden and market.
They plant their garden on roughly two acres. Lenkner shared the number of plants they put in the ground in 2014, one of their largest growing years, to give an idea of the volume of vegetables they raise: 6,000 onions; 153 broccoli; 94 cabbages; 535 tomato plants; 196 cucumbers; 110 squash; 150 peppers; 290 pounds of potatoes; 211 cantaloupe and watermelon mix; plus beets, strawberries, rhubarb, asparagus and greens. While the produce is all popular, Lenkner said fresh tomatoes are the No. 1 seller from their garden. If the Nescatunga Arts Festival crowd is lucky, Lenkner will bring some of her fresh produce to her booth. Besides the book, which she’ll sign for customers, she’ll also have notecards with images from the book for sale. If you miss Lenkner at the arts festival, you can order her unique book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
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Alva organizations prime the festival canvas By Yvonne Miller While the women of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council (and in many cases their husbands) are instrumental in planning the festival, it takes the entire community to get to the final brush stroke of the masterpiece. Yusuf Etudaiye, popular potter and sculptor from Tulsa who has shown at least eight years at the festival, expressed amazement at how a town the size of Alva pulls off the festival year after year. Community volunteerism is the answer. Whether or not they have any affiliation to Nescatunga, many groups and individuals volunteer to do their part year after year, hardly without being asked. • When artists and crafters arrive to set up their display, Betty Benson and Helen Thiesing head hospitality to provide the exhibitors with rolls and drinks. • Terri Brown organizes the Rainbow
Girls, who will be on the square to help artists and crafters in any way needed. Known as go-fers, the girls literally go for whatever the exhibitors need whether it’s change or a cool drink. They’ve also provided this service more years than can be remembered. • Maureen Thomas heads up the “Gimme a Break” committee. This crew can be identified by their matching vests and are available to sit in an exhibitors booth while they take a break. • Alva’s Market is extremely helpful to Nescatunga by ordering the food needed by the Alva High School organizations to serve at the festival (the taco salads, hot dogs and hamburgers, soft drinks, etc.). Alva’s Market also cooks the meat for taco salads and much more. • The many tents set up on the courthouse lawn are courtesy of Ken Brown and his sons Rick and Scott, who round the tents up from a variety of businesses and individuals. You
may remember that Ken’s wife, the late Dale Brown, was an integral part of the festival and served as Nescatunga president many years. This year the Alva High School football players are taking down the tents around the courthouse lawn. Those youth are also setting up the tables and chairs for you to sit upon. • When you hear the sound of the entertainers’ voices loud and clear on the square, remember to thank Jerad Bradt and his family for the use of his sound system and talent. • The City of Alva and Woods County crews do their part to have the square looking fine for the festival. Parker complimented courthouse custodian Steve Foster for all his help. “We couldn’t do it without him,” she said. When the last hamburger is grilled and the last exhibitor’s trailer leaves, the football players will get the courthouse lawn back in shape.
‘Farm, Flowers and Friends’ theme of Nescatunga Arts Festival Quilt Show By Helen Barrett One of the favorite features of the annual Nescatunga Arts Festival is the display of fabric art in the quilt show. ‘Farm, Flowers and Friends’ is the theme selected for this year’s show, which will be held in the lobby of the Woods County Courthouse 10 a.m -4 p.m. June 4. The Peace by Piece Quilting Club hosts this year’s show, chaired by Janice Litton. The display will be set up in the courthouse at 5 p.m Friday afternoon, June 3. Anyone wanting to enter a quilt is encouraged to bring it at that time. For anyone needing to bring their quilt early, they should contact Litton at the tag agency. Entry forms are available at the Alva Sewing Center and Fabrics and More. There is no charge to enter or view the exhibit. Once again, viewers will be asked to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Those displaying quilts are asked to pick them up at the courthouse at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Connie Allen and Janice Litton display one of the themed quilts for the Nescatunga Arts Festival Quilt Show.
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First Friday Art Walk kicks off Nescatunga Festival, which is June 4 By Yvonne Miller Friday, June 3, is the monthly First Friday Art Walk, which happens to be the night before the 47th Annual Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva, Saturday, June 4. Jo Decker, director of the Graceful Arts Gallery and Studio, said several artists who have work displayed there will be at the studio on Friday evening. The artists are
A CLASSIC COOKBOOK MAKING A RESURGENCE AT NESCATUNGA – Many, many kitchens in this area have the classic cookbook called "A Cooking Affaire." Medicine Lodge woman Jan Bertoglio and her friend JoLe Hudson wrote the book together. That was over 30 years ago. Bertoglio said that over 100,000 copies of the book sold. She attributes its popularity to the fact it could be used by beginning cooks or gourmet chefs. Living in small town America, Bertoglio said all the ingredients “are in your kitchen” and were readily available at your small town grocery store. The book is in sections such as: children's, Mexican, Italian, tea parties, etc. Because of "A Cooking Affaire's" popularity, the women wrote additional books. Bertoglio is bringing her cookbook to the Nescatunga Festival. She's bringing it because her son Chris is showing his new book, "The Vanishing Cowboy." A separate story tells about that book her son wrote after years of research with his father and Jan's husband, the late Jim Bertoglio.
there to discuss their work and answer questions of art patrons. Four artists who create a variety of paintings in numerous mediums are Terry Wagner, Kiefer; Susan Sims, Woodward; Jerry Thompson, Harrisburg, Missouri; and Charla Enns, Enid. Pake McNally of Hardtner, Kansas, will show his ironwork designs. Joseph Lamerton of Enid will display his woodwork. Decker said the back of the gallery will be open during the art walk, which is 6-8 p.m. While parents look at art that evening, children can came to Graceful Arts for “Open Drawing” time.
CHEROKEE FINE ARTIST NAOMI CULLEN – Naomi Cullen of Cherokee has enjoyed painting since 1966. She is shown with her fine art display at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in 2013. Cullen returns to the festival this year, bringing her favorite paintings in watercolor, her medium of choice. She prefers her brush strokes create pictures of landscapes. Photo by Yvonne Miller
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Megan Maharry is the 2016 recipient of the Nescatunga council scholarship Singer, debater and soccer player By Yvonne Miller The comments made about 2016 Alva High School (AHS) graduate Megan Maharry make it evident why she was selected to receive the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council $500 scholarship. The scholarship is given each year to an AHS senior who was involved in the arts during their Goldbugs career. Maharry meets that criteria and more. She’s a three-year member of the Electric Gold (EG) show choir, which she described as “my favorite program to be in at AHS.” Of her experience performing in EG, Maharry said, “It was an amazing feeling. I made awesome friends.” An alto, Maharry is a six-year member of the Western Honor Choir and qualified for state after earning Superior (I) ratings on her vocal solos at District contest. When asked about Maharry, AHS Choir and EG Director Ramona Cummings said, “Megan is one of those students who has many talents – singing, dancing, soccer and writing. She is very dedicated to the groups she’s in and her academics. She’s the kind of student you hope to have in your classes each and every year.” Referring to Cummings’ retirement at the end of this school year, Maharry said, “It’s bittersweet. I’m happy for her. She’s been my choir director since sixth grade. I feel really blessed to have gotten to experience choir with her.” In addition to music, Maharry was an active member of the AHS speech and debate team. She was a state qualifier in original oratory for speech and debate. Next fall, Maharry plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) and major in mass communications with a minor in writing. She said, “I really enjoy sports and I like writing about sports.” She’s played soccer since age four. She played varsity soccer at AHS and will play soccer at NWOSU as a freshman. Margo Hamilton, Maharry’s soccer coach of three years, said, “Megan is a very good classroom student who carries herself with respect. She is a very humble
young lady who is a hard worker, a very good communicator with me and her teammates and plays with all her heart. She’s such a great, great kid who has a bright future ahead of her. I wish her the best of luck in all her endeavors. She will definitely be missed in the soccer program – for both her skills and personality. She’s a good leader on and off the field. Megan will be a tremendous asset for NWOSU.” Last summer she was accepted into Young Writers, a two-week summer writing program in Virginia. She enjoys writing on her own – especially creative fiction. At AHS, Maharry was also a member of student council and Key Club. Besides her honors already mentioned, Maharry is a member of the National and Oklahoma honor societies, was Kiwanis Sophomore of the Year and November Rotary Student of the Month. She received several other scholarships at the AHS awards program. Her parents are Dr. Tim and Melissa Maharry. He is a mathematics professor and chair of the Mathematics and
Computer Science Department at NWOSU. Her mother teaches second grade at Longfellow. Maharry, her
younger sister Laura and brother Lucas have lived in Alva all their lives. She is active at Alva’s First United Methodist Church where she sings with the choir and is a member of youth group. “Alva is a great community – a great place for me to grow up. I’ve had so many opportunities,” Maharry said. “I’m thankful to win the Nescatunga scholarship. I’m very lucky – it means a
lot to me. I’ve always enjoyed attending the arts festival.” For over 30 years the Nescatunga council has supported programs that encourage the arts in Alva Public Schools. In recent years, the council gives about $2,000 per year to such programs as vocal, band, speech and debate and the library as requested by those teachers.
Birds are one of the biggest inspirations to Wah-Leeta Steele's painting. She'll have more in her display at Alva's Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4.
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Previous judge and exhibitor Arni Anderson returns to Nescatunga as judge
Arni Anderson returns to Alva to once again judge the Nescatunga Arts Festival.
By Yvonne Miller “I love the outdoor festival. I like that it’s the oldest (consecutive running) festival in Oklahoma. I love the name Nescatunga,” Arni Anderson said. No surprise he accepted the invitation to judge the 47th Annual Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4. Anderson has judged the festival several times before and exhibited his own art previously. Many locals remember the pictures he created of historical homes and locations in Alva. One of those was a portrait of the Alva icon, often referred to as “The Queen of Alva,” the late Annabelle Shafer. He also created and brought adult coloring books featuring scenes from the Alva community. Anderson created nine different coloring books for six cities in Oklahoma as coloring books are a popular trend for all ages. “I love to draw architecturally and I love to judge art shows. I judged a student art show at Canton this year,” Anderson said.
Known for his love of working with youth, Anderson returned to the classroom part time this year – 10 hours per week, kindergarten through seventh grade. He continues to teach private art lessons to 10 students. The day of this interview, he said, “Today I made three little floral demos. I like to paint for my classes. I love to paint water and sun reflecting on water. “ I like to interact with students and older people,” he said. An art educator from collegiate to public schools, he officially retired about five years ago from Oakdale School in Edmond where he taught K-8 art approximately 12 years. He loves creating watercolors, but likes acrylics also and “loves” contemporary works. “In the Land of the Water People,” a painting displayed in the Cowboy Hall of Fame, “is one of my favorite pieces of contemporary western art,” Anderson said.
See Judge Page 15
Bertoglio will be at Nescatunga with his book, ‘The Vanishing Cowboy’ By Yvonne Miller What started as a dream of the late Jim Bertoglio came to fruition because of the continuing efforts of his son Chris Bertoglio of Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Passionate about photography since childhood, Jim Bertoglio was inspired by the legendary photographer Ansel Adams, who was best known for his black-andwhite photos of the American West. Bertoglio was instructed and mentored by Adams. In World War II Bertoglio’s service was as a military photographer. With that love of the American West and his photography skills, Bertoglio pursued his interest of the American cowboy. Over a period of years, he and his son Chris eventually traveled a fivestate area visiting huge working ranches in Montana, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. The father and son duo visited with the cowboys and watched them in action, all the while shooting pictures.
“The cowboys’ stories were phenomenal,” Chris Bertoglio said. “They are the real McCoys. (…) Talking about it and seeing it are two different worlds.” He said that watching those cowboys work and doctor cattle on those multimillion dollar ranches was quite an experience. After seeing those cowboys roping cattle, branding them and working them out in the open range, the Bertoglios realized the art of being a real cowboy is vanishing in many parts of the country. From their experience and observations, Chris Bertoglio wrote a book entitled “The Vanishing Cowboy.” Featuring the breathtaking photography of both Bertoglios, father and son, the book is perfect to have out on a coffee table as a conversation piece. The book features a picture on a page with a brief description of what the cowboy is doing. The text in the
See Cowboy Page 16
th
47 Annual Nescatu Saturday, June 4,
SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT
SnoCones
10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies Welcome – Alex Mantz - Alva Area Chamber of Commerce Invocation – (TBA) National Anthem - Alex Mantz
•Food •Live Entertainment •Arts •Crafts •Jewelry •Quilt Show • Thunderbolt • Pony Rides •CHILDREN’S activities
College Avenue
Drinks Hot Dogs - Hamburgers Taco Salads
Rain Location: Merchant’s Building, Woods Co. Fairgrounds
SEATING
r ee ial on or Pi em M
COME ENJOY THE DAY!
Registration
eXtreme
ENTERTAINMENT Sound System - Jerad Bradt/Boss Music MC - Alex Mantz 10:15 Standing Ovations (Kim & Natasha Foster) 11:00 Spencer Kinzie 11:20 Fred Riggins 12:00 Max Ridgway Trio (Richard Martin, Darryl Petty) 1:00 (Isi) Isileli Tu’ifua Siliva Ofiu, Jr. 1:30 Madison Hofen 2:00 Mitch Lyon 2:30 Daniel Johnson
C
DOWNTOW
atunga Arts Festival
4, 2016 • 9am-3pm Flynn Street
Crafts
COURT HOUSE
Parking
Quilt Show
BALCONY
Entertainment
Ladies Upper Level*
Men’s Lower Level*
Fine Arts
Thunderbolt
Gourmet Booth
RAMP
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Pont Rides
Barnes Street
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Dancers from Standing Ovations Dance Studio perform at the 2015 Nescatunga Arts Festival. The dancers, ranging in age from pre-school to high school, always provide audience-pleasing shows. Photo by Helen Barrett
Local entertainers fill Nescatunga Arts Festival schedule Saturday
By Helen Barrett Besides looking at the beautiful art creations and various craft booths, those attending the 2016 Nescatunga Arts Festival will enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, June 4. This year’s lineup features several returning favorites. Boss Music, featuring the equipment and skills of Jerad and Nick Bradt, provides the sound system for the festival. The Alva natives are well known as DJs for many major Alva events. Standing Ovations Dance Studio Kim and Natasha Foster’s Standing Ovations Dance Studio students, who recently presented their final recital for the season, will entertain with a variety of dances and costumes. The Fosters’ troupes include students from toddlers to teens in groups and solo presentations. Spencer Kinzie Spencer Kinzie, the son of Paul and Dr. Elizabeth Kinzie, grandson of Wayne and Beverly Kinzie, is an eighth-grade student at Alva Middle School. Kinzie is a skilled violinist, having taken lessons for the past few years in Wichita, Kansas. He continues to win superior ratings at music festivals and was recently named winner of the AMS End of School Talent Show. The Max Ridgway Band The Max Ridgway Band is a perennial favorite in Alva and throughout Oklahoma. Members of the group include Max Ridgway on guitar, Richard Martin on bass and Darryl Petty on drums. The band’s performances include state events in Oklahoma City, music festivals and dinner music for many restaurants and other special occasions. Founder of the group Max Ridgway
is a 1990 graduate of Berklee College of Music, summa cum laude, and holds a masters degree in music education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he currently teaches as an adjunct music instructor. They perform a variety of musical genres ranging from jazz standards, original jazz compositions and instrumental covers of R&B and classic rock songs to avantgarde free improvisation. Fred Riggins Alva native Fred Riggins recreates the sounds and songs of John Denver as he sings and accompanies himself on guitar. Riggins and his wife, Sherry, are parents of three grown children: Jennifer
The songs and styles of John Denver provide the inspiration for Fred Riggins as he entertains at the Nescatunga Arts Festival. Riggins frequently entertains at the Graceful Arts Studio for the First Friday Art Walks. Photo by Helen Barrett
Tyree, J.J. Riggins and April Graves. Besides his musical talent, Riggins is an artist and has shown his work in Northwestern Oklahoma State University art shows. Isi Ofiu Isileli Tu’ifua Siliva Ofiu Jr., best known around Alva as simply Isi, will share his rich voice with those attending
See Entertainment Page 15
Isi Ofiu returns to this year’s Nescatunga Arts Festival as part of the local entertainment. Ofiu will accompany himself on guitar and ukulele. Photo by Helen Barrett
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Entertainment the 2016 Nescatunga Arts Festival. Ofiu will accompany himself on guitar and ukulele. A student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Ofiu is well known from his performances with the NWOSU Chorale and Singers as well as theater and other performances.
Spencer Kinzie, an eighth-grade student at Alva Middle School and a skilled violinist, will play at the Nescatunga Arts Festival as part of the local entertainment.
From Page 11 Boss Music, featuring the equipment and skills of Jerad and Nick Bradt, will provide the sound system for the Nescatunga Arts Festival. Photo by Helen Barrett
The Max Ridgway Band is one of the perennial favorites at the Nescatunga Arts Festival. Shown performing at last year’s festival are Richard Martin on bass, Tony Swafford on drums and Max Ridgway on lead guitar. Photo by Helen Barrett
Judge
Anderson considers himself an impressionist realist, and said he “likes to fool the eye with lack of details.” One of Anderson’s favorite times was when he was an “Artist in Residence” for the State of Oklahoma. He traveled to schools around the state to present art classes, mainly for schools with no art program. He sees his greatest accomplishments in the success of his students. That’s not to say Anderson hasn’t received over 450 awards and honors in major competitions. He is proudest of a Friends of the Society Award from the Southern Watercolor Association. Other artists and patrons selected his work for that honor. “I’ve done a lot of commissioned work up there in Alva. I like Alva – it’s a good place. I like old structures and old people!” Anderson said. Speaking of the Nescatunga festival, Anderson said, “It’s a small show but a big show.” Referring to his role as an art judge, Anderson said, “I judge the pieces of art – not who made it. I try to be a fair judge. It’s all about integrity. It’s about the judge and the pieces he looks at. I know all the mediums and how to judge them. “
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Bring your children to the Nescatunga Arts Festival Saturday to get a chance to ride one of these ponies on the square in downtown Alva.
Pony rides returning to festival for the kids
By Yvonne Miller “We like to put smiles on little kids’ faces,” Renee Mitchell said of her and husband John’s business. It’s R.J. Ponies and Parties of Piedmont. Youngsters coming to the Nescatunga
Arts Festival on Saturday can ride their adorable little ponies. “Our ponies are loved every day. They are used to kids petting and brushing them,” Mitchell said and described their horses as “very loving.” The Mitchells are bringing a four-pony carousel. Mitchell said they use “Pony Wranglers” who walk alongside the child riding the pony as a safety precaution. Mitchell said her husband, John, is a lifelong cowboy. He went to college on a rodeo scholarship. He went to the Disney theme park in France where he was a stunt rider four years. Mitchell is a trail rider and started riding and training horses as a teenager. Both obviously adore horses.
From Page 11 John and Renee Mitchell own R.J. Ponies and Parties of Piedmont. They are bringing their lovable ponies to the Nescatunga Arts Festival Saturday, June 4, for kids to ride.
The began their business in 2012 when they rescued an abused Welsh pony, Miss Tilly. The next two mini ponies were perfect mounts for birthday parties. “We did it as a sort of hobby for the next two years, giving rides for our churches’ festivals and fundraisers for the grandkids,” Mitchell said. She is the business owner, manager, trainer, stall mucker and chief hay and grain feeder for all 16 ponies on the ranch. Rides are available for $5. Retired from Hertz, Mitchell devotes all of her time to giving love and attention to the ponies, which she said makes this business successful. “The Lord actually asked me to go forth with expectancy on this new venture,” Mitchell said.
Cowboy
book was written by Dr. Jim Hoy. As the book points out, horses are now often replaced with four-wheelers and even helicopters in large round-ups. So much of the cowboy process is replaced with modernization and technology. Hoy tells of the many challenges facing the ranching industry and ultimately threatening “the
cowboy way of life.” The text on one page of the book says, “The workday of the cowboy begins and ends with the sun. The pay is minimal, but the fringe benefits – riding horses and working cattle amid the grandeur of
See Cowboy Page 17
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Bloyds bring yard art from Edmond to Nescatunga By Yvonne Miller This is the third year Barry and Connie Bloyd will bring their unique glass yard art from Edmond. “This year we’re bringing some shorter, small, less expensive pieces to the festival,” Bloyd said. New to their collection are yard angels they create with vases and small jars. He said they spend five to ten hours per week on the glass yard art. “The hunt for glass is the biggest obstacle,” Bloyd said. They frequent many thrift stores in their search. Bloyd is originally from Aline and is related to Nescatunga member Paula Bloyd of Alva.
New to the Bloyds' glass yard art are these unique angels.
You'll find this décor for your yard at the booth of Barry and Connie Bloyd at the Nescatunga Arts Festival.
THE WOMEN WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN – This group of Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council officers and chairpersons meet one final time, going over details of the 47th festival. They are: Jodie Bradford and Chamber of Commerce Director Alex Mantz who took over festival publicity this year; Linda Tutwiler, member; Pam Coffman, festival food chairman; Charla Parker, president; Jordan Coffman, helper; Jane Tucker, vice president; and Grace Lansdown, secretary and semi-retired registration chairman. Photo by Lynn L. Martin
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Cowboy
nature – are priceless.” A description of Bertoglio’s book says, “Have you ever dreamed of being a cowboy? Who of us hasn’t? The mere mention of it brings to mind images of boots and saddles, horses and cattle, and being in the great outdoors. This much is true, cowboy stories never cease to hold our attention, and “The Vanishing Cowboy” is an especially captivating narrative. Weaving a historical text with
contemporary photographs taken on location at some of the largest and lastremaining working ranches in the United States, “The Vanishing Cowboy” is an informative and appealing look at one of America’s most iconic figures. But for all his popularity, has the cowboy’s time passed? Threatened by urbanization and industrialization, will this folk hero endure the test of time, or is he headed for the sunset?”
Some of the Bertoglios’ cowboy photos are displayed at Exploration Place at Wichita, Kansas. Chris Bertoglio will be at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4. He will sign copies of his books for sale that day. “The Vanishing Cowboy” is also available in hardcover or paperback on Amazon. Chris Bertoglio said his regret is, “This was his (father’s) idea and he never got to see it.”
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ABOVE: A serene view of “Quiet Moonlight” is one of the acrylic paintings fine artist Wah-Leeta Steele will bring to the arts festival in Alva June 4. LEFT: A dream catcher shown in this acrylic painting of soothing colors will certainly bring you “Good Dreams.” This is part of the collection created by Fairview artist Wah-Leeta Steele who will show at the Nescatunga Arts Festval in Alva June 4.
Welcome To The Longest Consecutively Running Oklahoma Art Festival
Saturday, June 4th Alva, Oklahoma Downtown Square Community Bank
580-327-5500 1729 College | Alva, Oklahoma 73717 www.bankalva.com
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Popular artist Yusuf Etudaiye to return with pottery By Yvonne Miller For at least eight years, Yusuf Etudaiye has been a favorite fine artist at the Nescatunga Arts Festival. People admire his unique pottery. A contemporary African artist, Etudaiye always brings exotic statement pieces. He also brings pieces of unique functional pottery he creates in his studio at Tulsa. Etudaiye said, “I am vigorously preparing for Nescatunga festival of the arts. I love that name,`Nescatunga;’ it reminds me of some name of a town in Africa. “I love Alva and Alva has always been good to me. I want to seize this chance to thank you all for your support and love. I have always tell people that Nescatunga fest is a little show that packs a big punch. As usual, we pray for good weather and hope for a great show.” Etudaiye was born in Nigeria on the west coast of Africa. At the age of 19, he came to study in the U.S. From childhood, he always wanted to be an artist so the decision was easy after school to set up an art studio or work with an art studio. Clay became his medium of choice in his senior year at Oklahoma State University. The fluidity of the clay as a medium was an attraction because he was able to sell some of the pieces he was making. Etudaiye believes that inspiration comes from everywhere and everything.
Always a favorite fine artist at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva, Yusuf Etudaiye is at home in his Tulsa art studio.
Nescatunga Arts Festival We Wish All Artists & Patrons A Great Day Sat., June 4th.
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Thornton brings horseshoe art to Alva – His first ever festival By Yvonne Miller A retired Oklahoma Natural Gas employee, Robert Thornton is not sitting idly by in his retirement. He’s making fun, functional, welded horseshoe artwork, a perfect gift for your favorite cowboy, cowgirl or someone who loves a touch of western décor or simply a sturdy piece to store various items with a statement. This will be the first time Thornton has shown his work at a festival. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. He’s from Nicoma Park, which is east of Oklahoma City and west of Choctaw. In his retirement, Thornton said there’s a group of men who meet for breakfast during
the week and they are in the same gun club. One day one of the guys suggested taking a welding class. It’s in that welding class that Thornton started making welded creations with horseshoes. Thornton said he’s always enjoyed making things – knives, leather work, wood carvings, refinishing old furniture ... “a little bit of everything really. I like to play some music too,” he said, referring to his guitar. He remembers being in the Alva area back in 1972. He worked for a private contractor who was doing roadwork on Highway 281, “I remember going to a little town east of there, Burlington I think, and we laid asphalt on all the streets.”
ABOVE: Imagine how many uses you can find for this sturdy rack of horseshoes welded by Robert Thornton of Nicoma Park. He's showing for the first time at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4. TOP RIGHT: A tree of horseshoes to decorate for all seasons – created by Robert Thornton of Nicoma Park. Stop by his booth at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4 to see this and more unique pieces. BOTTOM RIGHT: Store canes, umbrellas, etc., with this unique piece of horseshoe art made by Robert Thornton of Nicoma Park. He’s showing for the first time at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4.
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Last year’s Best of Show artist Salye Gorrell returns to festival Sisters create art together By Yvonne Miller Fine artist Salye Gorrell returns to Nescatunga as the Best of Show winner in 2015. Her graphic drawing of three Arabian horses won the judge’s vote for the top award. From Enid, Gorrell said she is selftaught since childhood and inherited her love of art from her grandmother. She creates oils, acrylics and graphics. “I do many animals, a few flowers and some landscaping,” she said. What’s her inspiration? “Horses,” she said without hesitation. Gorrell comes to the festival with her sister Grace Yoder, who designs one-ofa-kind jewelry using fine gems. At age 75, Yoder sits in a wheelchair. Also selftaught in her artisan skills, Gorrell said of her sister, “She gets better with age.” The sisters live together and have a craft room where they create their art, a tapestry of optimism and perseverance.
Notice the brilliant color of gemstones that Grace Yoder uses to create one-ofa-kind jewelry. You'll find these and more unique pieces at the booth she and her sister will share at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4.
Harry Potter fans will love this mixed oil and acrylic painting of Harry Potter's Hogwarts Castle created by Enid artist Sayle Gorrell who will show her work at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva June 4.
Horses are the inspiration for paintings created by Sayle Gorrell of Enid. That's apparent with this mixed oil and acrylic where her brush strokes show the strong muscles, flared nostrils, mane blowing in the wind and other details of the beautiful steed that bring the animal to life on canvas.
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OG&E Thunderbolt to be on exhibit at Nescatunga Arts Festival The Nescatunga Arts Festival is pleased to announce that the OG&E ThunderBolt will be an exhibit at this
year’s festival, June 4 on the downtown square. The Oklahoma City Thunder has
OG&E Thunderbolt, a traveling interactive experience designed to reach communities throughout the state and region will be on display at the Nescatunga Arts Festival.
created a traveling interactive experience designed to reach communities throughout the state and region. The OG&E ThunderBolt offers fans attending local festivals the opportunity to engage in a Thunder-themed display. The ThunderBolt unfolds from a trailer into an exhibit space with interactive stations where fans can measure up to Thunder players, a Thunder locker-room photo opportunity, “You Make the Call” video station, trivia game that includes Thunder and OG&E energy facts, and custom photo booth. The outside of the vehicle is mounted with the basketball hoop, and additional activities, such as a sport court and skills contest, may be offered. The Nescatunga Arts Festival is Oklahoma’s longest continuously running arts festival. If you would like more information, contact the Alva Chamber of Commerce at 580-3271647.
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“Enjoy a historic day in Alva, OK”
N E S C AT U N G A ARTS
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