Pathways to Progress

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Pathways to

Progress

The Arts Culture Recreation Historic Jazz in June and the Norman Music Festival had humble beginnings with a local local bands. Their success has drawn audiences in the thousands. Now musicians, some known internationally, are putting Norman on their calendars.

Could Norman’s events rival those festivals in Austin and Newport?

— Read all about it, Page 4-5

The arts — whether it’s classes at the Firehouse or the first piece of public art on Main Street — aren’t free. The Firehouse Art Center, held in a building that once was Norman’s second Fire Station, needs space for more children’s art classes. They’ll mount a fundraising center in the fall.

How will the new center look and what will they add to an already busy schedule.

Read all about it, Page 6

Coming June 7: Pathways to Progress / Health & Wellness

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 2

Norman charts path to success athways to Progress — a relatively simple phrase that likely draws a mirage of thoughts.

However, as you turn the next few pages and the special sections titled with the same theme The Transcript will publish for three more consecutive Tuesdays, I believe those thoughts, or should I say images, will come into clear focus.

Pathways to Progress, which was rekindled from similar sections published by this newspaper several years ago, is The Transcript’s way to highlight Norman and nearby communities that we call home.

As the newspaper Terry showcases some of the Connor: special aspects of our Publisher community, we hope you will get a glimpse to the Pathways to Progress that make today good and give us plenty of promise and hope that our tomorrows will be even better.

And, from the perspective of this area newcomer, the outlook is bright.

Whether, it’s a snapshot of the area’s arts, culture and recreation opportunities in today’s section or the topics of health, wellness, education, business, industry and the community’s quality of life in the next three sections, there is a lot happening all around us.

We believe as you read the stories, look at the photos and find some interesting tidbits, you will once again understand that Norman is really a special place to live.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with Pathways to Progress — enjoy.

P

Transcript Publisher Terry Connor can be reached at publisher@normantranscript.com or 366-3590.

Public Art

Sculptures to find display space Possible future spaces ■ Medians on West Main Street from Interstate-35 coming into Norman ■ Bump-outs in downtown along sidewalk curves ■ Entrance coming into Norman from Highway 77 from the south ■ Norman’s 42 children’s parks ■ Fire stations ■ Parking lots

By Nanette Light The Norman Transcript

A group in Norman bent on spreading free art to the masses anticipates a succession of underground plans to move beyond the drawing board in the next few months.

Board A collaboration between the Public Arts Board of Norman and Jana Moring the city’s Parks and Recreation Barbara Schindler Department would erect a series of Jonathan Fowler sculptures in some of Norman’s 42 Ally Richardson children’s parks, said Larry Walker, public art commissioner Douglas Shaw Elder for the city.

Larry Walker While the partnership isn’t Sara Kaplan finalized, Walker said it would spread public art into city-owned areas of Norman where art is almost nonexistent.

The plans — aimed to spur art beyond Norman’s historic arts district and Legacy Trails — follow the almost one-year rendering of the Indian Grass Sculpture at the East Main Street roundabout, the first major project to extend art east of Porter Avenue Kyle Phillips / The Transcript by the 4-year-old Norman Public Arts board.

“There’s this mentality that it’s the arts The fledgling Norman Public Arts board hopes district so therefore it should have more to introduce public art into city-owned areas of public art in it,” Walker said of the concentraNorman where art is almost nonexistent. tion of art in downtown Norman contrasted • Please see PUBLIC ART, Page 10

On the cover

Advertiser index

• Top photo: Jazz in June by Doug Hill / For The Transcript Singer/songwriter Suzanna Choffel and band perform during the 2010 Jazz in June Festival.

Animal Emergency Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Brockhaus Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Havenbrook Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HeyDay Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jazz in June. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ladies Workout Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Le Visage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Marcum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Norman Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Norman Radiology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sooner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Norman Transcript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

• Middle photo: The Firehouse Art Center by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript • Bottom photo: Community art installation, “Indian Grass Sculpture,” by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript • Background photo: A path at Sutton Wilderness in northeast Norman by LeeAnn McConnell / For The Transcript

Family Owned. Family Focused.

Meet Our Staff

Chad Vice, a life long Oklahoman and Funeral Director, began his career in funeral service at the age of 14.

Chad was born and raised in Western Oklahoma, graduating from Cordell High School in 1987. He immediately enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas, obtaining an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1989.

Chad continued his education, enrolling at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Accounting in 1993.

After graduating from college, Chad remained in Western Oklahoma, where he was employed with Lee Funeral Homes, a position he began at age 14.

In April of 1995, Chad was randomly selected to report to duty to assist in the recovery efforts of the Alfred P. Murrah Building bombing in Oklahoma City. While serving in Oklahoma City, Chad's affiliation with other funeral service professionals led him to a career opportunity with a large funeral service company.

Chad assumed responsibility of Oklahoma City's largest funeral home and cemetery operation in 1997 and continued to lead the business for the next 13 years, before purchasing Havenbrook Funeral Home in 2010.

He has served on numerous board and leadership roles, both locally and nationally. Chad enjoys spending time with his family, reading and traveling.

Chad is joined in the family business with his wife, Jennifer and their two daughters.

CHAD VICE

Jennifer Vice was born in Sioux City, Iowa, later moving to Oklahoma where she was accepted into the Nursing program at Oklahoma State University, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1998.

Jennifer and Chad were married in 1997, and Jennifer continued her nursing career focusing on Obstetrics and Gynecology. Jennifer enjoyed her career, but with the birth of her first daughter in 2003, she made the decision to become a stay-at-home Mom. In 2007, Jennifer and Chad were blessed with another daughter.

Jennifer is very much enjoying life in Norman and is involved in her daughters’ school activities. She is also engaged in the family business, working in various positions. Jennifer enjoys scrapbooking, dancing, and spending time with her family.

JENNIFER VICE

Reverend Joe E. Hancock is the former Senior Pastor of South Oklahoma City’s Southpointe Church, a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 2009.

During his 40 year career in the ministry, Reverend Hancock lead seven growing churches in four states with two of these churches sponsoring Christian Schools. He has also lead foreign missions, building churches and schools in Brazil and Central Africa.

Reverend Hancock joined the Havenbrook family in 2010 as an Ambassador to Family Services, providing strength and support to the Norman and surrounding communities.

He and his wife, Beverly. are enjoying semi-retirement and spending time with family and friends.

JOE HANCOCK

3401 Havenbrook St., Norman, OK 73072 405-329-0101 www.Havenbrookfuneralhome.com

Donna Brewer joined the Havenbrook Family in 2010 as Director of Facilities. She is a 1981 graduate of Del City High School and has been involved in funeral home and cemetery operations since 1999.

She is the mother of two daughters and one awesome granddaughter. In her spare time, Donna enjoys time with her family and friends.

DONNA BREWER

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Pathways to Progress

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The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 4

Norman: Year-Round City of Festivals

Festivals

Jazz in June getting jazzier with age

■ Chocolate Festival, for nearly three decades the Firehouse Art Center has hosted a celebration of all things chocolate in February. It’s an Art Center fundraiser that finds the city’s restaurants competing to outdo each other with creatively tasty chocolate treats.

■ Dust Bowl Arts Festival, one of Norman’s new festivals, in 2010 in was held on Campus Corner on a September Saturday afternoon and evening. Live rock music and an arts and crafts market are the event’s highlights. This year’s date is Aug. 28.

■ Groovefest, held annually in the spring and fall, it’s a come-together afternoon in the park for the city’s counterculture and their admirers. Live music, crafts, food and fun are enjoyed with messages about social responsibility and human consciousness.

■ Jazz in June, one of Norman’s premier festivals, it hosts internationally known stars of blues and jazz. A 3-day event, Jazz in June’s finale is generally the last Saturday evening in June under the stars at Brookhaven Village and at Andrews Park.

■ Medieval Fair of Norman was the first medieval or renaissance fair in the state and is one of a few free medieval fairs in the nation. Held annually in April since 1977, this event relives the Middle Ages with arts and crafts, food, games, jousting tournaments, human chess games, costume contests and more.

Once a single-day event, Medieval Fair continued to grow with participants and visitors flocking in from throughout the nation. In 2003, with cooperation from the city of Norman, the fair moved to Reaves Park, one of Norman's largest parks.

■ Norman Music Festival, going into its 5th year in 2012, the event has grown larger each time and is usually in late April. Live music of all genres along with a variety of family friendly activities downtown has drawn nation-wide attention. All performances are free to attend.

■ Summer Breeze, a free evening of live music in various city parks held on several non-consecutive Sunday evenings from May to September. The atmosphere is community block party-friendly and features folk, pop rock and alternative country music.

This year’s Summer Breeze lineup includes May 22, Bob Livingston; June 5, Shane Henry and Maggie McClure; June 26, The Damn Quails; July 10, Susan Cowsill; July 24, Terry “Buffalo” Ware and the Shambles; Aug. 7, The JonBear Fourtet; Aug. 21, Patrice Pike and Sept. 11, Mike Hosty Duo ■ Winter Wind, an evening of live music that tends to be folk and Americana-oriented inside downtown’s Santa Fe Depot.

Some concerts have moderately priced admission and others are free. The concerts are spaced every few weeks from Nov. to March.

— Doug Hill, For The Transcript

Photos by Doug Hill / For The Transcript

Music fans fill Andrews Park for the 2010 Jazz in June Fesitval.

2011 marks jazz fest’s 28th year of playing to the masses

By Doug Hill For The Transcript

O

rganizers say Jazz in June is a Norman event that has helped define the city as one valuing the arts, entertainment and civic involvement.

Cimarron Circuit Opera Company’s Dr. Thomas Carey is credited with creating Jazz in June in 1984. Rachel Jacquemain, past director of the Norman Arts and Humanities Council recalls that Carey came up with the idea of a jazz concert fundraiser for the Opera Company over drinks at the Service Station Restaurant on South Webster Avenue.

That was a long time ago.

Carey is deceased now along with many memorable jazz greats who played Jazz in June over the years including Jay McShann, Jack McDuff, David “Fathead” Newman and Wayman Tisdale.

Still, the festival lives on and the thousands who have come to anticipate it every year are thrilled about that.

It begs the question of why Jazz in June has remained so popular over time as other festivals and similar events have fizzled out.

Norman jazz singer and vocal instructor Charlene Bradley shared her opinions why this might be.

“Jazz is one of music’s timeless genres and I think that helps keep Jazz in June alive,” she said. “It’s complicated unlike so much pop music today that may have 8 chords in a song.

‘My Funny Valentine’ (a jazz standard) has 30 different chord changes.”

Of course Bradley may be on to something.

Jazz is an intricate and often refined art form.

It is undeniably all-American. Jazz is one of our most respected and beloved exports that has been imitated and hybridized around the globe.

It is not easy to play well and comprises only a

small percentage of annual record sales.

Musicians have a difficult time making a living playing jazz full time.

Bradley performed at the 2001 Jazz in June.

“The energy was great,” she said. “It was a beautiful night which is the first thing you hope for at an outdoor venue.”

Bradley’s not just whistling Dixie on this count. Crowds have run for cover from violent Oklahoma storms during more than one festival performance.

“It was a really special show for me and I wanted it to be that way for the audience too,” she said. “I even had a dress made just for the occasion and as it turned out everything including our music went perfectly. It just flowed beautifully like we were floating.”

Bradley hit another key to Jazz in June’s longevity: It has been a festival with an inordinate number of magic moments over the years.

People remember those shows where musical brilliance makes time seem to stand still and shimmer. Paquito d’Rivera’s riveting 2004 performance with the United Nations Orchestra comes to mind along with Tony Guerrero’s silky set in 1992. Artists such as Houston’s Norma Zenteno and Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias may not be household names but they provided memorable performances.

It’s the people Naturally nothing as complex as a multiday jazz festival happens without the dedication, organizational skills and persistence of a group of people. Jazz in June’s board of directors and its committee members always have come from the community. Barbara Henderson served on the board for over 15 years and shared her thoughts about the festival’s success.

“The thing what impresses me most is that Norman is reaping the rewards of a fine jazz

festival because of all the hard work of the volunteers,” she said. “It was such an incredible effort that ended on the last day of Jazz in June each year and began all over again the following Monday with plans for the next If you go ... one.”

Henderson described board ■ Jazz in June will be members who are June 23-24 at gifted, selfless and Brookhaven Village and share a special June 25 in Andrews Park. camaraderie. “First and foremost we are all music lovers,” she said. “Both as a board and as individuals we saw the opportunity to provide great music here and take advantage of all our wonderful venues. It came from a love of community and the desire to make Norman shine.”

Henderson said that in addition to the music there’s also a festival atmosphere that is attractive to many different kinds of people.

“My son volunteered his time for Jazz in June and my grandchildren absolutely love working there,” she said. “Entire families have volunteered.”

Former Norman resident Champian Fulton is a vocalist who performed at Jazz in June with her dad in the Stephen Fulton Quartet while she was still a student at Longfellow Middle School.

Today she makes her home in New York City as a professional jazz singer and pianist.

Champian is scheduled to be part of the line-up at the 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend.

“I think Jazz in June has succeeded because the people of Norman truly love live music,” she said. “Norman is the cultural center of Oklahoma and the festival shows their dedication to supporting live music and the artists.”

Above: Norman North High School jazz choir performing their customary set at the 2010 Jazz in June Festival.

At right: Music fans bring their chairs and pets to Andrews Park for the 2010 Jazz in June.

Still ahead

■ The future is bright for The Firehouse Arts Center

■ Norman, part of Oklahoma’s wine country

■ Stroll through the Downtown Arts District on second Fridays

■ Little River State Park and Lake Thunderbird

Pathways to Progress

The Norman Transcript Page 5

Tourism

Doug Hill / For The Transcript

A Norman youth group trombone line perform an impromptu concert in the street during the 2010 Norman Music Festival

Word is getting out that this is the place to visit

By Michael Kinney Transcript Staff Writer

W

hen Stephen Koranda took over as executive director of the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2009, he had many goals.

“When I arrived I noticed we were utilizing four different looks and messages in our materials,” Koranda said. “In the spring of 2009 we conducted a few tests of the most used message and discovered it wasn’t generating the message we needed communicated. As we went through that process we quickly realized we needed to go through the brand realignment.”

It took a couple of years, but Koranda got his wish. The CVB completed its branding of Norman and has begun to showcase the city to tourists and visitors.

“The Norman Convention and Visitors went through a brand re-alignment,” Koranda said. “Norman’s brand was already in place. The CVB just needed to realign our identification with Norman’s brand or the personality that relates to our customers – leisure travelers, meeting and sport event planners.”

The branding process began when the CVB collected proposals from numerous firms before a task force interviewed five finalists.

Based on the task forces’ recommendation, the CVB Board of Directors made the decision to hire Third Degree Advertising out of Oklahoma City.

Third Degree conducted a planning session with representatives of the community. They then toured the city to view what it had to offer. They surveyed leisure travelers, meeting planners, sport event planners, the local business

community, hoteliers and sports facility representatives, according to Koranda.

“As with most branding processes, a certain message is starting to be heard over and over,” Koranda said. “The firm then matched the logo, colors, fonts and other communication materials to that message.”

The total cost of the brand re-alignment was $35,000. Koranda believes it was worth the money due to the economic impact the branding will have on Norman.

“More people shopping, more people eating in restaurants, additional attendees at shows and sporting events,” Koranda said. “More visitors to attractions. More people staying in hotels. In general, more spending in Norman. Other people paying our taxes.”

According to the CVB, the affects of the branding can already be detected.

“We have already seen increased traffic to our website,” Koranda said. “Increased inquiries for visitor information. Occupancy at Norman hotels is up 5 percent over last year.”

Koranda said the CVB is not trying to rebrand Norman as a tourism destination.

He believes it was already that. Their branding efforts will just highlight what the city has to offer visitors.

“Norman was already a destination,” Koranda said. “Research we conducted in 2009 and 2010 confirmed that people visited Norman, yes, outside football season. They came two or three times a year and stayed three or four days at a time. We were simply looking to align Jerry Laizure / The Transcript our communication pieces to attract even Rhyley Ross takes a pony ride on Christmas during the 2011 May Fair in Andrews more visitors. We believe we will see Park. greater results as more of Norman embraces the brand. It’s not a brand for the office of the CVB. It’s Norman.”

Mariah Menzie walks the 2011 Medieval Fair in her homemade tree outfit.

Menzie, a former OU student, dedicated her own time and money to the outfit, which she calls her Mother Nature costume.

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Jerry Laizure / The Transcript

The ’89er Day Wagon Train arrives in Noble for a lunch break before rolling into Norman for the night. The wagon train is a feature each year in the ’89er Days Parade along Norman’s Main Street.

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 6

Art Exhibitions & Galleries

Firehouse Art Center growing for decades $225,000 capital campaign to refurbish, expand city’s visual arts capabilities, outreach

By Carol Cole-Frowe For The Transcript

F

our decades ago, the modest fire station at the southeast corner of Lions Park became what Norman now knows as the Firehouse Art Center, bringing visual arts experiences, exhibits and events to adults and children.

It became a non-profit community visual arts project of the city of Norman and its Parks and Recreation Department that is paralleled in few cities around the country.

The structure is still owned by the city of Norman, with support coming from donations, the Norman Arts Council and various grants.

Supporters of the Firehouse are looking at taking the center the next step, with a capital campaign to repair, refurbish, enlarge and remodel the structure’s space to be more functional for the thousands of adult and children visual art students’ and visitors’ experiences, exhibits and events.

It would be the first remodel since the Firehouse was enlarged in 1983.

A capital campaign of $225,000 is being launched in the fall to revamp and make more functional the interior of the center, and enlarge the current 6,631square-foot structure by

about 1,100-square-feet.

The footprint of the center would not change a lot, but the functionality would change substantially.

Firehouse executive director Douglas Shaw Elder, a sculptor by training, took the helm of the Firehouse in January 2007, and began working to increase the outreach of the center to Norman Public Schools’ elementary schools, which have no art classes for kindergarten through fifth grade levels.

As funding has dried up for public school elementary art education, the Firehouse refocused and stepped up its outreach to bring art classes to several Norman public schools.

For the 2009-2010 school year, it brought 1,614 students art education in nine of Norman’s 16 elementary schools with its current grants and funding. A five-year plan is being formulated that would bring arts education back to all 16 elementary schools.

“Children need art every day, not just for art’s sake, but for problem solving,” Elder said. “I want kids to understand that you can tie art into everything.”

Elder does much of his work in the postage stamp of a 164-square-foot office in the northwest corner of the center, with four people sharing desks in the space and almost

Provided Illustration

This is an architect’s rendering of the planned facelit at Firehouse Arts Center. literally sitting on top of each other. There is no area to meet with artists or program donors. The space crunch has becoming increasingly challenging as the children’s art education projects expand.

The Firehouse was organized in 1971 by three potters, and ceramics are at its heart.

Small and large kilns stand toward the back of the center and ceramics students learn to create glazes, load kilns and help with the firing process.

Recently the ceramics studio was overhauled: new electricity installed throughout, floors resurfaced, new shelving units built, environmental issues addressed.

Other studios include the jewelry, painting and drawing studios. All would be expanded and/or revamped in the remodel.

The gift shop, featuring local artists and former Firehouse artists who now live elsewhere, would

Photos by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Firehouse executive director Douglas Shaw Elder, above, has plans to increase the sculpture in Lions Park. Below one of the sculptures already in place.

Center wins grant from Sarkeys Sarkeys Foundation recently awarded a grant of $26,150 to the Firehouse Art Center for a new phone system, copier, computer and printer, and tables and chairs for their children’s classroom.

As the principal source of education in the visual arts for Norman children, the Foundation wanted to support the organization by providing funding for new equipment resulting in greater efficiency.

“With cuts statewide in public school arts program, Sarkeys is proud to help the Norman arts community by awarding this grant,” Executive Director Kim Henry said. “The programs offered

by Firehouse align with the Oklahoma P.A.S.S. standards for school art programs so this is a grant that benefits our school system and our community in multiple ways.”

— Transcript Staff

be expanded as well.

Construction to improve the Firehouse would be in two phases, as designed by Design 308, an Oklahoma City firm.

The first phase would address the most pressing needs, with long-term planning for Phase II future construction.

Design for a new façade to face its Flood entrance echoes hanging fire hoses, giving a nod to the center’s history.

Some of the other needs that would be addressed include: ■ Classroom conflicts that have several of the classrooms at 100 percent capacity on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

■ Improved circulation with the entrance easily accessible on the front of the building, vs. the back.

■ Improvement of the bathrooms. Two, onetoilet unisex bathrooms are inadequate to serve the hundreds that come through the Firehouse daily.

■ Major storage needs for gallery artwork, notyet-displayed gift shop inventory, student works and art supplies.

Elder also has plans to increase the sculpture in Lions Park, along with his friend Richard McKown who helped recruit him for the position.

“We’d like to activate Lions Park and make it a sculpture destination,” he said.

The Firehouse Art Center’s primary fundraiser, the Chocolate Festival, is a top 10 nationally ranked food festival. And while a perennially successful events, funds

from the Chocolate Festival do not go as far as is needed without other funds.

“It is dedicated back to children’s programs,” Elder said. “It keeps the lights on.”

Even 40 years later, sometimes people still don’t understand that the Firehouse Art Center is not a fire station.

And sometimes the structure is not recognized as an art center.

Elder is hoping some of that will be addressed in the remodel.

But in the meantime, Elder eyes the old fire pole that he was concerned to find unlocked in a children’s classroom, and remedied immediately.

“I hope before I leave Norman, I get to slide down that pole,” Elder said, grinning.

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 7

Art Exhibitions & Galleries

2nd Friday a boon to downtown business

By Kendall Brown Transcript Staff

W

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

William Solow twirls a fire stick Friday outside Stash on Main Steet. The store stays open late every second Friday of the month to put on these performances during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.

Stroll Old Town Moore on Third Friday Art Walk

By Peggy Laizure Transcript Staff

Moore began the Third Friday Art Walk in Old Town Moore in February, 2011. It was a success from the first and is growing not only in the number of participating artists but walkers.

The event is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through the Old Town section of Moore, along the 200 block south to the 300 north block of Broadway Avenue.

Art work of every form is on display along the walk, painters, sculptures, crafters of all types, musicians and magicians.

The Moore Reel International Film Festival will be July 21 through 23, viewing movies made by students to independent film makers.

“The Moore Reel International Film Festival is designed to put Moore on the map as the go to place for all forms of art,”

Moore Alliance for the Arts member Dana Helms said.

Regular participating merchants are Two Olives Cafe and Upside Down Artist in Old School, which features art work and a mad science show that performs every 15 minutes.

Other merchants include and Bear Makes Three, Handmade with heART, Peek-A-BooTique & Event Center, Master's House Custom Framing, Colorful Studio in Old School, Artist Colony in Old School, Broadway Florist, Fluffy Puppy, Wood Creations by Rod, Bows Etc. by Donna, Healthy Solutions, Cynthia's Designs and Absolutely Heaven Massage.

For more information about Moore Alliance for the Arts, Third Friday Art Walk through Old Town or the Moore Reel International Film Festival, go to www.danahelmstheupsidedownartist.com.

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hen Rebecca Bean and business partner Bella Patterson first opened their store, STASH, in June of 2010, they were nervous.

They knew they were taking a risk with the upcycled and vintage goods boutique.

Thanks to their participation in Norman’s monthly 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, however, the business has been a success. 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a program of the Norman Arts Council that brings together artists, businesses, arts organizations, and the community. For one night each month, galleries and businesses stay open, often past normal operating hours, to allow the community to come in and see the artwork on display free-of-charge.

“Second Friday is by far the most important day of the month,” Bean said. “Not only for exposure to people that have never been to our store or heard of us but also economically. It’s such an important night.”

STASH has been participating in the monthly event since they opened. In fact, they held their grand opening on a 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. Bean said that participation in the event is integral to their continued success as a business.

“We make our rent every month on an art walk,” Bean said. “Sometimes it’s as much as 10 percent of our profits for the entire month.”

It’s not just STASH that’s positively affected by the

community draw of 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. According to Jen Tregarthen with the Norman Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, part of what makes the art walk so successful is its ability to pull in businesses, restaurants and art galleries alike.

“It doesn’t have to be an art venue to participate,” Tregarthen said. “That’s part of what’s so great about it. Any event that includes a wide range of businesses is great for Norman.”

2nd Friday Circuit of Art has become so popular at this point that it has begun to pull visitors not only from Norman but from out of town as well.

This increased exposure is great for Norman business.

“It’s great for our community, for surrounding communities and especially for visitors,” Tregarthen said. “Anything that is recurring and well publicized is going to have a positive impact on Norman.”

Bean agrees.

“I don’t even think we’d be open without art walk,” she said. “Maybe we would, but it’d be much more difficult.

Even on a slow artwalk, it’s at least 175 to 200 people coming in the store. 2nd Friday has a much longer reach that just one night each month.”

The best thing about 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, they agree, is it’s availability to everyone. With 15 participating locations the 2nd Friday of May, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy in downtown Norman.

“There’s something for everyone at 2nd Friday in Norman,” Tregarthen said.

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 8

Cleveland County’s Wine Country

Vintner hopes for change in law on spirits The Vineyards ■ Canadian River Vineyards and Winery Lexington 405-872-5565 http://canadianriverwinery.com ■ Native Spirits Winery Norman 405-329-9942 http://nativespiritswinery.com ■ Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery Norman 405-321-WINE (9463) http://redbudridgewinery.com ■ Redland Juice Company Lexington 405-527-9181 http://redlandjuice.com ■ Legends Vineyard and Winery Lindsay 405-329-2275 http://legendswinery.com ■ Rosebrook Vineyards Oklahoma City 405-361-9821 www. rosebrookvineyards.com

By Shana Adkisson Transcript Features Editor

T

he laws in Oklahoma regarding the sale of alcohol might seem archaic to some, especially compared with the neighbors that surround the Sooner State.

Grabbing headlines lately is the push to sell strong beer and wine in grocery stores. Supporters of the law say that it would create more jobs and would be a convenience to shoppers.

Tom Knotts, owner of Redbud Ridge Vineyard and Winery, 7301 E State Highway 9, has been a big advocate of changing state laws that would allow owners of small wineries to sell their products in grocery and liquor stores. As it is right now, Knotts only sells his wine at his winery, which is currently a one-man operation.

“If I buy the permit I can sell to liquor stores and restaurants.

There are two problems with that. One is it’s a $750 annual permit. I characterize that as a $750 permit to sell wine at half price. It is just not feasible. The biggest problem is we can’t ship.

If we could ship, I could get an order from a winery in Guymon.

As it is now, I would have to deliver that order in my own vehicle,” Knotts said. “I’m not advocating liquor, just like all of our neighbors. Strong beer and wine in grocery stores is a convenience for customers.”

Another thing Knotts would like to see in Oklahoma is the ability to have multiple tasting rooms in rural Oklahoma, allowing more traffic for wine sales that would boost attention to small wineries like his.

"And we can set one up in bigger cities and bring in wine

Andy Rieger/The Transcript

Friends of Norman’s Redbud Ridge Vineyard and Winery, 7301 E. State Highway 9, help bring in a recent harvest.

from other areas without going through the expense and hijinx of the ABLE Commission,” Knotts said.

The current legislative session, Knotts said, included several items that were beneficial to the small winery operator. One was the backing of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to sell strong beer and wine in grocery stores.

“We at least have a task force to study it,” Knotts said. “We would like to of had legislation in this year’s session get the permit cost down from $750 to $250. We think there needs to be a parity study on how much a winery sells annually, and that should

Rustic country vineyards mature just off interstate

By Peggy Laizure Transcript Staff

Half a mile east from Interstate 44 on SW 134th Street sits 10 acres of vineyards nestled in the middle of a commercial tree farm. Close to the vineyards stands a 3story 5,000 square foot cedar barn built in 1916 that was once a dairy.

Paul B. Odom III and his family bought the farm from the Rosebrook family 20 years ago and started the tree farm. Two years ago, he planted grapes and by next year, will begin to produce and bottle wine. What land is not trees or vineyards is farmed.

The seven varieties of grapes planted by the Odoms are Norton, Gewürztraminer, Albariño, Tempranillo, Merlot, Viognier and Roussanne.

Working the farm and vineyards with Odom are his daughter, Rachel Odom, son, David Odom, four guineas and two dogs.

“We had our first small crop this year and by the third year we are expecting a large good sized crop,” Rachel Odom said.

Rosebrook vineyard also opens its grounds for weddings. The barn can hold 275 guests and events can be held in the historic home next to the vineyards.

Bridal and engagement photos also can be taken even if the wedding will not be on the grounds.

The Odoms are excited about the Norton grape.

Norton grapes were first cultivated in Richmond, Va., is the official grape of the State of Missouri and is considered the cornerstone of the Missouri wine industry. The Norton became available com-

mercially in 1830. Prohibition ended the wine industry in the United States for a period of time. Vineyards were pulled up and Concord grapes were planted in their place, for juice and jam, Rachel Odom said.

David Odom was taking a class at Redlands Community College, El Reno, with C. Andrew Snyder, a Center of Excellence professor. Snyder helped David Odom come up with a business plan and by next year, Rosebrook will bottle its wine.

Appointments can be made by calling Rachel Odom at 361-9821.

Moore also has a Learn to Brew store to help others brew their own beer and make their own wine. They sell the equipment and video instruction and hands-on-class instruction that is informative and easy to follow.

The store also carries beer and wine ingredient kits, malts, hops, yeast, brewing additives, DIY parts, a free beer recipe computer program, kegerator parts and kegerator equipment.

Learn to Brew is at 2307 Interstate 35 Frontage Road, 793-2337 or info@learntobrew.com.

Royal Bavaria German Restaurant in Moore also is a licensed brewhouse at 3401 S. Sooner Road.

Its beers are brewed with natural ingredients, mostly imported from Germany and uses water from its own well. Kegs also are available for purchase.

Typical German food is freshly prepared and served with its German beer.

Reservations may be made at 799-7666 or www.royal-bavaria.com.

Redbud Ridge owner Tom Knotts, right, is assisted by friends in the annual grape harvest at the vineyard and winery.

Andy Rieger / The Transcript

determine the cost of their permit.”

Gene Clifton at Canadian River Vineyards and Winery, 7050 Slaughterville Road, Lexington, does business a little different than Knotts does. Canadian River Vineyards and Winery wines are sold in 150 liquor stores in the state.

However, Clifton does agree with Knotts on the laws for selling wine in grocery stores need to change.

“I don’t think it’s a public safety problem. We backed the sale of wine in grocery stores three years ago, and, as a result, liquor stores took our wine out,” Clifton said. “We would like to see it, but we’re just kind of riding the fence

on that. We want to keep our good customers as happy as we can. A lot of new stores, like Whole Foods, like to have wine in their stores because you serve wine with food. They like to accent that,” Clifton said.

Clifton added that some alcohol consumers don’t like to be seen in liquor stores, which would also add to the appeal of selling it in grocery stores. That’s something Clifton is confident will happen.

“It will change. If it went on the ballot, it would pass. That’s one of our conundrums. Our representatives are supposed to represent the people. Every law that’s been put on the ballot has passed in our favor,” Clifton said.

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 9

Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Sailing is just one of the many water sports enjoyed on Lake Thunderbird.

Outdoor Recreation

Like Phoenix, Thunderbird rises from ruin Activities at Lake Thunderbird State Park ■ Bike trails ■ Hiking trails ■ Camp sites ■ Fishing ■ Archery ■ Swimming ■ Boating ■ Water fowl hunting ■ Thunderbird Riding Stables ■ Calypso Cove Marina ■ Little River Marina ■ Thunderbird Sailing Club ■ Clear Bay Cafe

By Meghan McCormick Transcript Staff

When the Burea of Reclamation developed Lake Thunderbird in the early 1960s its purpose was to provide a water resource for the Norman area.

The land surrounding the lake eventually was turned into a recreation area giving the public a place to swim, fish, camp and hike.

Lake Thunderbird State Park Manager Keith Owen took over operations July 19, 2010. This is Owen’s first full season in charge of the park.

“We operate the park and the lake in conjunction with the Bureau of Reclamation,” he said.

Little River State Park

and Lake Thunderbird State Park once were separate areas but were combined in May 1989.

On May 10, 2010, separate tornadoes caused significant damage to the state park. Some areas remain closed.

Projects are under way to improve park facilities.

“As camping has changed and RVs have changed, we had to develop more services to accommodate those camping,” Owen said. “We just refurbished the South Dam area.”

Crews went in to each site and installed tables, lantern holders and grills, he said.

Owen said Lake Thunderbird and the state park have multiple uses. The lake covers about 6,000

acres of surface area. The park takes up 8,000 land acres inside the park boundaries.

“Thunderbird is a great fishing lake,” he said.

Lake Thunderbird offers bike and hike trails for tourists. Owen said the park has designated hunting areas for deer archery season. Water fowl hunting also is allowed.

Slips are available to rent at either the Calypso Cove Marina and Little River Marina.

Tornadoes that swept through the park last year nearly demolished the Little River Marina. The business re-opened in April after undergoing extensive repairs.

The Clear Bay Cafe, a

restaurant inside the park, opened earlier this month for the season.

Owen said the state park lies in the Norman city limits. Multiple law enforcement agencies hold jurisdiction over areas of the park.

The Department of Public Safety patrols the lake itself, he said. Park rangers, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Norman police officers monitor roads and streets leading up to and around the park.

“It makes people feel safe when uniforms go by,” Owen said. “That’s important for us.”

Owen said his agency plans to increase park patrols.

Photos by Kyle Phillips / The Transcript

Lake Thunderbird State Park Manager Keith Owen took over operations July 19, 2010. This is Owen’s first full season in charge of the park. He is seen here with staff members Donna Holt, right, and Carol Collett.

www.brockhausjewelry.com

“I would like to see every camp site with people there enjoying it,” he said.

Owen said natural resources bring people to state parks.

“Our agency as a whole has realized that protecting these assets is what will keep state parks in business,” he said.

Owen wants the park to be a family-oriented recreation area. New playgrounds are planned for the camping areas.

He has ideas for expanding park services. An idea is to develop an overnight hiking trail.

Hikers already have trails for daytime jaunts through the park.

Local Scouts support the expansion, Owen said.

The Norman Transcript

Pathways to Progress

Page 10

Public Art From Page 2

to the rest of the city. “The board views its mission is to expand its collection throughout the city of Norman.”

Walker said other plans in the early stages include improving the signage and aesthetics of the downtown arts district and historic arts district of the James Garner Corridor through the Downtowners Association; a map of public art, galleries, studios and performing art venues throughout Norman; and a database of Oklahoma sculptors for those interested in underwriting the purchase of smaller sculptures.

But it’s the lagging green bills that the board needs to bridge the plans from blue prints to final conception.

More than 300 community members donated money for the Indian Grass Sculpture, which was funded entirely through donations.

Beyond donations and fundraising drives for specific projects like the Indian Grass Sculpture, Walker said residents can opt to tack on a monthly donation to their utility bills at an amount to their discretion.

He was unsure of the exact count of people who give supplemental funds that flow into the Art in Public Places fund, but said it generates about $1,000 each month and has been steadily increasing each month through word of mouth.

“Of course we want to see that expand.

When it comes to public art, it is free and accessible to the people who view it, but it’s very pricey to purchase and to commission the pieces,” Walker said, adding that the pieces range upward from $80,000.

The Norman Arts Council also has developed an online giving presence. Erinn Gavaghan, executive director of the council,

said it is adding donate buttons on its website.

While giving through utility bills has been increasing because of its newness, Walker said the lagging economy has attributed to fewer grants and admitted it has been more difficult in the last five years to raise funds for art.

Walker said a state law suspended in February for three years requiring 1.5 percent of a state building project be reserved for public art has not affected any Norman projects.

He said about 300 cities in states outside of Oklahoma have ordinances requiring cities and school districts to set aside a percentage of their budgets for public art.

While he said there has been talk of one day enacting a similar ordinance in Norman, it’s not the appropriate economic climate to bring such a discussion forward.

Walker advocated residents’ personal investment in public art. He said it’s about more than aesthetics, noting the cause-andeffect relationship between art, tourism and economic development.

“People then begin to take pride in their community, and they just will enjoy living here,” Gavaghan said. “And really, that’s what it comes down to.”

Walker also said pieces such as those along Legacy Trail chronicle the city’s historical background and its diversity.

He noted pieces that have become synonymous with places in the city such as the bison outside the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and sculptures of Heisman Trophy winners along Jenkins Avenue.

“As the number increases, people will literally come to Norman to see public art,” Walker said.

Coming June 7

■ Norman’s premier cycling event, the Norman Conquest, is expected to draw 700 riders, some tuning up for Wichita Falls’ annual Hotter than Hell 100.

■ Also features on J.D. McCarty Center and Norman Regional Hospital system

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