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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Two new, original exhibitions are now open at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art: “Art with a History” and “The Art of Light.”
12, 14-15 From museums to the riverfront to the zoo, eight places to visit in Oklahoma City.
On the cover: The Blue Zoo OKC is open and families are pouring into the new almost $3 mil lion aquarium at Quail Springs Mall. Pages 46
10-11 The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is determined to make the most of its 25th anniversary year with Better Conversations and other special programming.
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Finding Nemo is easy at the Blue Zoo
Above: Two girls check out a shark at the Blue Zoo. The aquarium is home to all kinds of marine life.
Colorful tropical fish float in the aquarium. Youngsters gleefully learn to feed stingrays. A five-year-old girl shrieks, “Nemo! Mommy, it is baby Nemo.” The Blue Zoo OKC is open and families are pouring into the new almost $3 million aquarium at Quail Springs Mall. Big and small, landlocked Oklahomans are experiencing the wonders beneath the sea for the first time. It is more than an aquarium, more than a zoo. Its mission is to educate and inspire in a fun, hands-on environment. Exhibits include a touch and feed stingrays, birds and reptiles. You can experience sharks, an octopus, clownfish, sea horses and beautiful corals. Multiple water tables and a pirate ship provide interactive play. A starfish touch tank fascinates adults and kids alike. It’s true that Oklahoma City is a bit of a drive from the nearest ocean, but you can pretend you’re visiting this peaceful Pacific-inspired underwater world when you spend the day at Blue Zoo! Enjoy sea life up close and personal when you touch the velvety backs of stingrays, see sharks swim past or discover a starfish in the touch pool. The educational experiences offered within the interactive aquarium will provide entertainment for the entire family, so dive in today.
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Construction on the two-story Blue Zoo began eight months ago. In June, when it was time to fly in the fish and sea creatures from the Pacific, pandemic supplies filled all the cargo planes. Denizens of the Blue Zoo had to fly commercial. There is a three-foot limit on commercial cargo, so the sharks are only half the size to which they will eventually grow. Wes Haws is the owner and founder of Blue Zoo Aquariums. In 2010, Wes was running a farming operation in Ethiopia when he was struck in the back of the head with a wood ax by a villager. He had a long hard road ahead of him, which included several brain surgeries, years of recovery, and lingering partial blindness. Wes shares that it was a fish tank, of all things, that changed his path and aided in his recovery. He loved the science and beauty of the saltwater tank, and taking care of coral, for example, motivated him to learn once again. Wes hopes to use his experience to inspire children through his aquariums, in a fun, hands-on experience. Need a “daycation,” but don’t know where to go? The ocean is closer than you’d think! Smell the salty air, relax to sounds of the water and watch dozens of marine life species swim past your eyes at Blue Zoo’s two-story aquarium and zoo in Quail Springs Mall. Day pass prices are children 3-12 years, $12.95; teens and adults, $15.95. Groups of 12 or more are just $9.95 a person. The admission price allows guests access to all animal exhibits, play areas, shows and water play tables. Blue Zoo offers special rates for both military and large groups. Yearly passes are available at a significantly reduced price. Feeding tokens are optional. Visit oklahomacity. bluezoo.us/online for videos and additional information. — Vicki Clark
From reptiles to birds to other marine life species, owner Wes Haws, right, has brought a whole new “daycation” experience to Oklahoma City. For more photos, see Page 6.
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There is much to see and do at the Blue Zoo, which is located in Quail Springs Mall.
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Bachle’s By The Fire building on family tradition
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Bachle's By The Fire or Bachle's Fireplace Furnishings has been part of the Oklahoma City community since before statehood. The Bachle's family started on Main Street in 1906, providing custom iron work and fencing for the community. The business has evolved over the years to become the destination spot for providing warmth and ambiance to the home. Since 1906, the store has moved north with our growing city and expanded to bring you more ways to personalize your fireplace, outdoor living and home. We are on the move again in order to expand our showroom to bring you new products and comfortable atmosphere. Our focus has been building upon generations of the Bachle's family history by bringing you the best for your home and outdoor living. We bring in unique finds to help you decorate. We specialize in Made in Oklahoma products, hand-made, custom iron works, unique furnishings and other small business merchandise. Watch for our Grand Opening at the Shoppes at Northpark Mall. We are excited to start a new chapter in Bachle's long history. Thank you to our loyal and valued customers, all four generations! — Clayton Sliger and Larry Bourne
Bachle’s is expanding to offer more ways to personalize fireplaces, outdoor living spaces and the home.
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OKC Museum of Art offers new, original exhibitions
In 2002, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art inaugurated the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center with an exhibition of glass and drawings by Dale Chihuly, titled “Dale Chihuly: An Inaugural Exhibition.” Bolstered by enormous public support, the Museum purchased the exhibition in June of 2004, which included works from Chihuly’s bestknown series, in addition to drawings, and was anchored by the 55-foot Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the Museum’s atrium.
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Two new, original exhibitions are now open at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art: “Art with a History” and “The Art of Light.” “Art with a History,” which explores the provenance, or ownership history, of 13 works of art from OKCMOA’s permanent collection, was researched and curated by Kress Fellow for Provenance Research Dr. Bryn Schockmel. “The Art of Light” celebrates Oklahoma Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition, “Bright Golden Haze,” with three historical artworks that use light as the medium. “Understanding the “Art with a History” explores the provenance, or provenance of a work of ownership history, of 13 works of art from art adds to its cultural OKCMOA’s permanent collection. and historical value,” said Schockmel. “It allows us to better situate an artwork in the past and to appreciate what meaning it may have held for previous collectors.” “The goal of provenance research is to trace the ownership history of an object, from the time of its creation through its acquisition by its current owners,” Schockmel continued. “Through this process, researchers often uncover fascinating stories about past collectors and the many different places an object may have traveled and been displayed.” "I would like to thank the Kirkpatrick Family Fund for presenting 'The Art of Light,' as well as our sponsors for both exhibitions,” said Kimberley Worrell, OKCMOA director of development. "Through their support we are proud to present new research on OKCMOA's collection. It is exciting to be able to showcase our wonderful collection in new ways. We are enormously grateful to our donors for helping us share these important stories with our community." “Art with a History” features paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the Renaissance to the 20th Century and explores the unique ownership histories of each object and the methods used to uncover their stories. Inspired by the exploration of light as a tool to create space, “The Art of Light” seeks to communicate the unique visual experiences provided by different forms of light when they are employed to achieve artistic ends. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Barbara Astman’s “Present Tense” (200506), comprised of a set of flashlights whose lenses are masked by pictures of faces. The work projects floating, smiling faces onto a darkened surface. “Art with a History” will be open through Nov. 29. “The Art of Light” will be open through Sept. 27. The Museum is currently requiring face coverings, limiting capacity in the galleries and offering timed admission. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online at okcmoa.com or over the phone at (405) 236-3100 prior to visiting. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit okcmoa.com.
About the Oklahoma City Museum of Art: The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of the leading arts institutions in the region. The Museum presents a dynamic range of exhibitions organized from prestigious museums and collections throughout the world. The Museum’s own diverse collection features highlights from North America, Europe and Asia, with particular strengths in American art and postwar abstrac tion. The perma nent collection also boasts one of the “POP Power from Warhol to Koons: world’s largest pub Masterworks from the Collection of lic collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Dale Chihuly glass, Foundation” continues through Sept. a major collection 13. of photography by Brett Weston and the definitive museum collection of works by the Washington Color painter Paul Reed. The Museum’s renowned Samuel Roberts Noble Theater screens the finest international, inde pendent, documentary and classic films. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors. The Museum serves over 125,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and 30 foreign countries.
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Cathy and Frank Keating take Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum visitors on an Eyewitness Tour.
Memorial Museum determined to make the most of 25th anniversary year
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Oklahomans have come through tough times before. The history of this state and the strength of its people are the envy of many around the world. An international pandemic, social unrest, economic downturn, virtual and in-person learning for schools all impact the day-to-day operations of museums and cultural institutions. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is not exempt. Since the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum reopened in midJune, visitors from all 50 states and several visitors from other countries toured the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial and Museum. “We reopened as a better Museum,” said Trustee Chairman Bob Ross. “The staff and board did a fantastic job of using the time to change out some exhibits we had
planned for the 25th Anniversary and get programs ready to launch. People have responded very well.” As school starts back and students, parents and educators are adjusting to a new normal, watch for an incredible virtual experience to be launched in stages of relevant Lessons Learned through the Oklahoma City bombing and why they are still important today. From an electronic Field Trip to a Virtual Hope Trunk and an incredible digital resource materials available to students and educators for research papers and lessons, the 2020-21 school year will look different for students and educators and resources will be made easy to access to teach this story to the next generation. “We believe in meeting our visitors where they are and how they
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can consume this story,” Kari Watkins, executive director said. “We have spent the summer preparing for online classes and are excited to roll out new innovative ways to understand and teach this moment in history. We spent some time with other national museums this summer on historic sites fine-tuning how students around the world can learn this story and we are excited to share as classes begin this fall.” First Person Stories of Hope are virtual talks by first responders, family members and survivors will also be offered to students. Also the Memorial will once again partner with the National Park Service (who provide interpretive ranger talks on the Memorial grounds) to offer virtual talks through a special Fourth Grade Program designed by the Memorial and NPS educators.
Visitors inside the Museum can now explore and interact through Stronger Together, an augmented reality experience designed by the Museum staff and interactive partner Cortina Productions and underwritten by the Inasmuch Foundation. April 19, 1995, changed America forever. By using a phone or tablet, visitors will meet six story tellers who represent the thousands impacted by the bombing through the Augmented Reality technology. Each storyteller shares personal experiences of those they represent and guide visitors through important themes of Liberty vs. Security, Speaking Up, Forgiveness, Punishment, Memorialization Process and Ethics in Journalism. Two other new exhibits have been installed. One highlights the 25th Anniversary of Looking Back and Thinking Forward. This shows how far our city has come over the past 25 years and challenges the visitor to think about our future. That exhibit even includes a pair of Charles Barkley’s Thunder cowboy boots he
gifted the Museum while visiting Oklahoma City during the NBA Finals. The final exhibit in the Museum focuses on the Oklahoma Standard. This was a standard born out of the overwhelming community response to the 1995 bombing and a lesson still important enough today. The Oklahoma Standard is a statewide initiative preserving and promoting a culture of caring citizens by encouraging acts of Service, Honor and Kindness.This exhibit encourages visitors to rise to the occasion, be the difference maker and to work to take care of others’ needs. Join the conversation and together we can elevate our state to the #OklahomaStandard. The signature educational outreach program for the 25th year is Better Conversations. This summer alone, hundreds have come to the Memorial as a safe place to have open candid conversations about tough subjects including racial reconciliation, community, collective memory and how to unite a city moving forward. "It's important for us to get to
know each other's perspectives and for us to be able to actually listen to each other rather than to just hear each other,” Eduardo Garcia, a student, said. “Because that's the only way we are going to bridge our differences." This program has been a community favorite and people from all corners of our city are participating. "We are living in a world that's more connected than ever, yet somehow we seem to be pushing further and further apart,” Hassan Ghiassi, lead facilitator for the Memorial Museum’s Better Conversations said. “Better Conversations is about changing that narrative, to empower people with the skills and framework to start leaning into those topics that matter to us most. No matter your background, age, or perspective this is a format that you can use in your community and in your life to facilitate understanding and build connection during these polarizing times." Please visit memorialmuseum.com for the dates of upcoming Better Conversations.
Participants having Better Conversations at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. This is the Museum’s signature educational outreach program for its 25th anniversary. Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 11
Let’s Stay Together! 8 places to visit in Oklahoma City Go wild at The Oklahoma City Zoo. Adventurers of all ages can discover a variety of exciting activities throughout the Zoo's grounds. The Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily at 8 a.m. and advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members. Tickets can be purchased at okczoo.org/tickets and are limited each day to ensure adequate social distancing between guests. The Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.
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SCIENCE! Science Museum Oklahoma is the state’s only hands-on science museum and one of the largest science museums in the nation. It is home to 350,000 square feet of hands-on science experiences, art and history. The Science Floor is the heart of the museum, with hundreds of activities to teach, entertain and astound our guests. Learn to drive on two wheels in the Segway Park, effortlessly move a 400-pound weight with the Resonant Pendulum and much more. Visit the newly-upgraded Kirkpatrick Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma. With multiple live shows and full-dome movies daily, visitors to the Kirkpatrick Planetarium can spend the day exploring the cosmos. Shows are included with your admission! The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Adults, 13-64, are $16.95 and seniors, 65+ and children, 3-12, are $13.95. There is no charge for children under age 3. Tickets are currently only available online or over the phone at (405) 602-3760. Visit sciencemuseumok.org for more information on COVID safety precautions. Masks are required.
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The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Oklahoma Territory Press Association. In 1918 the OHS was relocated to the State Capitol and in 1930 moved to the Wiley Post building. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, museums and historic homes, and military sites statewide. In 2005 came the opening of the Oklahoma History Center, with world-class museum exhibits and a state-of-the-art Research Center. It is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for OHS Members, $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 62+) and students, children under 5 are free, families (up to 8 people) are $25, group of 10+ are $7 per person and active military members, veterans and their dependents (with ID) are free. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit okhistory.org/historycenter. Masks are required. See more on Page 14 12 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
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Let’s Stay Together! 8 places to visit in Oklahoma City The 40-acre Scissortail Park is located at 300 SW 7th, between Hudson and Robinson. There is fun for all at Scissortail Park! The park features a variety of native prairie grasses, lush flower gardens and tree-lined walkways. For adventure seekers, head to the boathouse on Scissortail Lake to rent pedal boats. The boathouse includes a concession stand for grab-and-go food, public restrooms and a large, shaded patio. Guests can rent pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on the 3.7-acre lake. Pack something to eat and head to the picnic grove for a scenic, shaded lunch. Next to the picnic grove is the interactive fountains and children’s playground that includes a net lens, geometric dome climbers, children’s gardens and a large fort with a tower and slides. The dog park is located on the southwest corner of the park, just south of Scissortail Lake. Scissortail Park is open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, with the Children’s Park area closing at dusk.
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The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to promote interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. The Museum features a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and The National CowCharles M. Russell, as well as sculptor boy & Western James Earle Fraser’s magnificent work, Heritage Museum “The End of the Trail.” The exhibition is home to a wing houses a turn-of-the-century superb collection town and interactive history galleries of Western art. that focus on the American cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military and Western performers. Liichokoshkomo’, Let’s Play, is more than 100,000 square feet dedicated to learning and family fun. Engaging activities and learning by doing bring history to life for museum guests of all ages, with emphasis on purposeful play. The Museum is located at 1700 NE 63rd St. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. For more information on the Museum and its COVID restrictions, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.
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The Oklahoma Hall of Fame preserves Oklahoma’s unique history while promoting pride in our great state. Through each of its programs and the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame honors our state’s rich tradition by telling Oklahoma’s story through its people. Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor Oklahomans who had given outstanding service to the state during their lifetime and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Being inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is Oklahoma's highest honor. Through exhibits and experiences at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame stands to preserve Oklahoma’s unique history, while promoting pride in our great state. The Museum is located at 1400 Classen Drive. For more information, including updated COVID hours, visit oklahomahof.com.
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The Oklahoma Hall of Fame believes there are no limits to what is possible. Every day it celebrates the legacy of inspiring Oklahomans with all generations because Oklahomans are changing the world.
The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is a living plant museum.
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The Myriad Botanical Gardens spreads across an area of about 15 acres right in the bustling heart of Oklahoma City. Take a break from the city streets amid the park’s peaceful surroundings, which include ornamental gardens, lawns, a playground, a dog run and a 13,000-square-foot conservatory, as well as a network of paths for jogging and walking. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is a living plant museum featuring towering palm trees, tropical plants and flowers, waterfalls, and exotic animals. The Myriad Gardens are located at 301 W. Reno. Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory hours are Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Senior Hour is Monday and Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. The Myriad Botanical Gardens Outdoor Grounds are open daily 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Water features are open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.
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Located on the Oklahoma River in downtown OKC, the Boathouse District is at the crossroads of the nation at the intersection of I35 and I40, making it easily accessible to metro OKC residents as well as visitors to our city. The Boathouse District was established in 2006 with the opening of the Chesapeake Boathouse. It has rapidly grown to include a row of iconic boathouses along the river, the world-class Chesapeake Finish Line Tower and RIVERSPORT Adventure Park which offers exciting outdoor activities including RIVERSPORT Rapids, a $45m whitewater rafting and kayaking center. Athletes look forward to rowing or paddling on the district’s world-class 4000m race and training course, while families and visitors can get on the water in a kayak or stand up paddle board, take a bike ride on the 13+ miles of trails or enjoy RIVERSPORT Adventures. For more information, visit riversport-okc.org.
The RIVERSPORT Rapids is a $45m whitewater rafting and kayaking center.
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