April 2022 by 405 Magazine

T H E A R T I S T I S S U E

Get to Know Our Doctors

Noel Williams, MD Gynecologist

Optimal Health Associates is an integrated medical practice focused on wellness and personalized treatment strategies for complex hormonal and gynecological issues. As the community experts in hormone therapy, the clinic has vast expertise in handling menopausal and testosterone depletion in both men and women. Optimal Health Associates and its providers have particular interest in providing holistic natural approaches when possible to medical conditions. This includes nutrition, hormones, stem cell derived therapies and many others all based on the best science available.

Benjamin J. Barenberg, MD

Urogynecologist

Urogynecology is a sub-specialty of OBGYN that focuses on complex surgical gynecology and disorders of the pelvic patients by utilizing cutting edge therapies and surgical techniques that are not commonplace in general gynecology. I tailor medical, surgical, and alternative complementary therapies for each of my patients. I strive to maintain patient centered care by using shared decision making with my patients when treating their medical concerns.

Cassie Smith, MD Endocrinologist

Endocrinology is the study of all glands that secrete hormones. I practice endocrinology because of its complexity, and my fascination with human physiology. Understanding how hormones work with or against one another throughout the body helps provide superior patient care. My favorite part about endocrinology is helping patients understand their disease processes, and then providing them with the knowledge, resources, and treatments they need to help them live their best lives.

Comprehensive, complex and compassionate healthcare for both women and men. Call to schedule an appointment. 405.715.4496 | OptimalHealthAssociates.com 9800 Broadway Ext, Ste. 200, Oklahoma City

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F E AT U R ES

Arts in OKC

Meet 7 local artists defining the aesthetic of the metro

VOLU ME EIG HT I S S U E F O U R

Museum and Gallery Guide An extensive list of OKC’s varied arts and culture facilities

Edmond Insider

Our top 10 things to do in Edmond

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D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLU ME EIGHT I S S U E F O U R

Culture 84 ARTS Return of the April Arts Festivals 86 SPORTS Students find opportunities for recognition throughout Oklahoma 88 TRAVEL Staying, playing and dining divinely in St. Louis 92 LOOKING BACK Black Freedmen struggle to regain Tribal rights 94 ONE MORE THING Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates 20th inductee event

Trending

Home

20 STYLE Looking darling in denim

34 ENTERTAINING 101 A floral design class for the wedding party

36 DESIGN Painter Karen “Tutu” White turns her home into an art gallery

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

24 PERSON OF INTEREST Shoshana Wasserman and the First Americans Museum’s inspiration

Dining

26 FASHION A rainbow burst of colors at Classen Inn

66 GOOD TASTE Quincy Bake Shop’s twist on babka

FROM THE EDITOR

96 WHAT’S ONLINE 68 THE DISH Cafe Evoke’s excellent coffee, conversation and food

APRIL 2022

THE DRINK “The Happy Accident” cocktail

LOCAL FLAVOR 10 local pasta dishes you need to try now

ON THE COVER “Plans to Prosper” by OKC artist Piper Birdwell

APRIL 2022

VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 4

OWNER | PUBLISHER

SENIOR WRITER

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jordan Regas

Greg Horton

Heather Ellison

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VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com ART DIRECTOR

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D I G I TA L M E D I A S P E C I A L I S T

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Drew Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lavinia Creswa, Jake Durham, Addam M. Francisco, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Melissa Mercer Howell, Raylee Lewis, Emily McNeill, Linda Miller, Annabella Potts CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Volume 8 / Number 4, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1613 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

APRIL 2022

405 Magazine Volume 8, Number 4, April 2022. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2022 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

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F R O M

T H E

ED I TO R

A R T I S F O R E V E RYO N E Two pieces, two people, two meanings

We Walk in Beauty W H I L E I H AV E A LWAYS E N J OY E D T H E idea of museums, wandering through them and allowing space for inspiration, it wasn’t until I started listening to audio tours that I began fully appreciating the experience. When viewed, each piece has something to be taken in — but when hearing or reading the story behind the art and its artist, that is how the deepest connections take place. Without audio tours, I never would have known that one of the most famous paintings of all time, “Mona Lisa,” is considered by many scholars to have never been finished. Or that Vincent van Gogh completed about 130 paintings while in a mental institution, including the one shown, “Irises.” In our cover feature this month, Evie Klopp Holzer and I had the privilege of interviewing and telling the stories of

APRIL 2022

seven Oklahoma City visual artists. Let me tell you: The caliber of talent we have in this town will blow you away! Journey through 14 beautiful pages of abstract painting, sculpture, murals, embroidery, kirigami and more, and also learn about the people behind the pieces. (pg. 42) As always, Art Director Christopher Lee has outdone himself with the lovely layout. Evie and I agree that we’re tempted to print out all of the works from this story and hang them on the walls of our own homes. We are also thrilled to offer a Museum and Gallery Guide (pg. 56) as well as our Edmond Insider section (pg. 75), where we highlight the Top 10 Things to Do in Edmond. Additionally, you’ll get the chance to read about the woman who was a driving force behind bringing us the First Americans Museum (pg. 24), meet an artist who turns her home into a gallery (pg. 36), welcome in spring fashion with a colorful spread at Classen Inn (pg. 26), explore a dining section that will make your mouth water (pg. 65), cheer the welcome return of spring arts festivals (pg. 84) and join in our excitement as the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates its 20th anniversary in a big way (pg. 94). I consider all of our issues to be beautiful, but I can confidently say this is the one that has most thoroughly taken my breath away.

This piece, “Irises” by Vincent van Gogh, has been the star of The Getty’s collection in Los Angeles since the 1990s. Upon viewing it and hearing the background, I was inspired that during one of the darkest seasons of his life (his first week in the asylum), van Gogh was able to visualize this beauty. He called painting “the lightning conductor for my illness” because he felt that he could keep himself from going insane by continuing to paint. – J U L I E PA R T I N

Julie Partin

“Shine On.” Those were the words Piper Bridwell chose to incorporate into this painting I commissioned. I didn’t give her those words (and, believe me, I love to give words), but I don’t think she could’ve written anything more fitting to my personality and general approach toward life. For me, this painting evokes a sense of awe for the vast world we live in and gratitude for God as creator. I believe we are called to “shine on” as we move through this world, but any light seen in us is merely a reflection of His light.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

– E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

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FASHION 26

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Style in Bloom Darling in denim

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

A P R I L M AY B R I N G S H OW E R S T H AT bring May flowers … but it also brings another month to show off your style! It seems after spring break, activities get kicked into high gear. Between those spring sporting events, graduations and summer on the horizon, we are always on the go. But don’t let yourself sacrifice style out of ease. A fun slide is the perfect way to elevate any outfit, and be sure to add some fun prints and colors. Top it off with some simple accessories for detail, and you’ll be ready to rock any occasion. 1. Kerri Rosenthal, Love on Repeat Super Long Cashmere Cardigan; Gretta Sloane 2. Meira T, Gold Ball and Diamond Charm Necklace; Naifeh Fine Jewelry 3. Cecelia New York, Frost Wedge Slide; Betsy King Shoes 4. Freya, Gardenia Hat; Edit & CO 5. Ganni, Smiley Flower Tee Shirt; Gretta Sloane 6. Dear John, High Rise Aiden Distressed Girlfriend Jean; Silver Accents 7. Intentionally Blank, Calista Slide; Betsy King Shoes 8. Miansai, Tri-Color Cuff; Edit & CO

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Founder Korey Eakers and Alicia Crigler

Alicia Jackson, Robin VanCleave, Kelsey VanCleave, Renessa VanCleave, Michelle De Leon Strealy

Galentine’s at The Merret Alicia Crigler, Camille Davis, Dashe Wright, Ro Coleman

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P H O T O S BY K I M B E R LY D P H O T O G R A P H Y

The annual Galentine’s celebration was held at The Merret champagne lounge in Nichols Hills. At the sold-out event, guests were treated to an extensive list of sparkling wines and signature cocktails, plus themed games and gift boxes containing locally sourced beauty products and chocolateencased charcuterie boards.

Grand Gentlemen Gala P H O T O S BY R A M O N D I C K E N S J R .

Nonprofit organization Grand Gentlemen hosted its annual fundraising gala, The Art of Romance III, at the UCO Boathouse. Attendees arrived on a red carpet and enjoyed an evening of live music, local art and high fashion. Proceeds benefited the Man of the Year Scholarship and community efforts.

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T R E N D I N G

First Person Presentation Shoshana Wasserman on the focus of the First Americans Museum BY K R I S T E N G R A C E P H O T O BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

“ T H I R T Y Y E A R S AG O , O U R STORIES were being told by others. We wanted to change the paradigm. We wanted to be the ones who told our stories.” Shoshana Wasserman is the deputy director of First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City — which has been in development for nearly three decades of planning. The sprawling 175,000-square-foot museum located at 659 First Americans Boulevard is home to state-of-the-art exhibitions featuring First Americans history, culture and art; live public and educational programs; a full-service restaurant and an express café offering unique Native-inspired cuisine; and a museum store featuring an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, basketry, pottery, textiles and Native-inspired products — exclusive items created by premier First American artists that can only be found at FAM. Wasserman has been involved in making the museum a reality since 2005, and spoke with undeniable verve on the magnitude of this passion project. 24

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“FAM has two distinct audiences: [one is] nonnative-guests that may not be familiar with the distinction among nations and the importance of these stories to our shared American history,” said Wasserman. “These include school groups and tourism groups, leisure travelers and business travelers. That is our customer base. But our constituent base, our tribal members, is divided into two distinct subgroups. “Those that have been raised in native communities know their tribal histories and live in their reservation areas or in close proximity. FAM needed to reflect those experiences authentically. There are also many native constituents who live in urban environments, who are not geographically close to their tribe of origin. They are disconnected from fellow tribal members and tribal programming on a day-to-day basis. FAM fills a tremendous need for these individuals. “I fall into both these categories. I was born in Norman, Oklahoma, raised in Oklahoma City, and lived on both coasts. My mother is a Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and

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Muscogee Nation citizen, so I was raised with tribal understanding connectivity. In fact, my grandfather helped reestablish Thlopthlocco Tribal Town in what is now the state of Oklahoma. My father was Jewish, and our family was originally from Poland and came through Ellis Island in New York. Both cultures have very tribal structures, and both are closely connected with nature as an important aspect of human engagement with the world.” Wasserman explained she began to see the need for a place like the First Americans Museum in the early 1980s. For many years, she served as co-founder of The Great American Indian Dance Company, and traveled all over the world. “We educated people about some of the distinctions of our tribes in North America. My undergraduate degree is in education, and my first love and passion is to help take people from what they think know to perhaps what they don’t know. During my tenure with the dance company, we helped promote the state of Oklahoma, motivating visitation to this state, but there was no way for a visitor to navigate that experience with so much distance between each nation. That was when I began to dream of a place like this museum. “My graduate degree is in business communications and organizational development, and it has been an honor to help develop a place that values the multiplicity of first-person accounts of history. At the end of the day, these experiences are centered around human values, and I hope everyone who visits FAM can relate to these human values and take away something personally meaningful in their own lives.” Through dance, education or in passionately planning new exhibits for the First Americans Museum, Shoshana Wasserman is continually involved in honoring the stories of the 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma. Thanks to her determination and years of hard work and collaboration, those stories now have a place to call home.

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A Cavalcade of Color Embracing a brilliant rainbow of fashion possibilities BY L I N DA M I L L E R

SAY H E L L O T O C OL OR . I T ’ S ON E of fashion’s most talked-about trends and a refreshing change from all the neutral hues that dominated fall and winter wardrobes. High-impact lime green, orange, deep red, emerald green, neon yellow, hot pink and electric blue grab plenty of attention whether worn head-to-toe, in surprising color combinations, swirled into beautiful florals and interesting patterns or paired with classic white or black. Veri Peri, this year’s color of the year, is a periwinkle shade with red hues that has been described as the happiest and warmest of all the blues. Those who prefer more subtle colors get their day in the sun, too. Most of this season’s bold shades also make an appearance in pastel variations such as pale yellow, mint, baby blue, blush pink and soft lilac. While color adds a spark of energy and playfulness to many of spring’s new styles, it’s not the only trend to embrace. Look for cropped cardigans, mini and maxi hemlines, reimagined basics, midriff-baring bra tops, crochet, cut-outs, curve hugging tops and dresses, platform and chunky sole shoes, style inspiration from the ’90s and 2000s and fringe. Go ahead, drench yourself in color and celebrate the joy of warm weather fashion. PHOTOGRAPHY: SHEVAUN WILLIAMS AND ASSOCIATES STYLING: SAMIA MOSES CREATIVE HAIR AND MAKEUP: SHARON TABB, LAST LOOKS PRO MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE MODEL: MACEY MILLER, BRINK MODEL MANAGEMENT LOCATION: CLASSEN INN

APRIL 2022

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APRIL 2022

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H O M E

A Blooming Bachelorette Celebration Celebrating the bride-to-be with a floral design class at Flower & Flour in OKC BY H A N N A H T I C E R

AT T H IS BL O OM I NG BAC H E L OR E T T E party, the bride-to-be and her best gals got together for a f loral arrangement class at Deep Deuce’s Flower & Flour. The tone was set by the gorgeous surroundings in the shop. Half bakery, half flower studio, the space was the perfect setting for a beautiful celebration. A chalk wall lined a flower bar overflowing with everything from peonies to poppies and roses. Pampas grass hung from the ceiling, adding a trendy boho style to the space. After selecting blooms from the bar, the guests headed to a table at the center of the room, set with all the tools needed for creating arrangements. With the expert instruction from their f loral guide, each guest went home with a gorgeous, custom bouquet to enjoy until the big day.

Photos by Cassidy Wilson of Cassidy Elise Co. Space: Flower & Flour, Deep Deuce, 322 NE 2nd St., OKC

APRIL 2022

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H O M E

Art House Prolific painter Karen “Tutu” White opens her Quail Creek home BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R P H O T O S BY DA L E C A R T Y I I S T Y L I N G BY L I N D S AY PA L A Z ZO LO

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I N 2 0 2 0 (T H E Y E A R OF S TAY I N G H OM E), I T WA S N ’ T uncommon to hear about someone attempting something new – gardening, or baking, or cross-stitch perhaps. Longtime oil and gas accountant Karen White started painting. Now, 250-plus paintings later, she can’t stop. “I had never even contemplated painting. I was always good at decorating, and I used to f lip houses,” said White, who completely gutted and renovated her 1972 Quail Creek home after purchasing it in 1999. She recalled her first impression when she toured it with a realtor: “The home looked like Austin Powers had lived there,” White said with a laugh. “The great room had purple shag. Every room had shag, really. I bought it immediately. I knew exactly what I was going to do with it.”

D E S I G N

LEFT: This

artworkadorned, stacked-stone wall is original to the 1972 Quail Creek home.

White completely transformed the home, choosing old-world traditional decor popular at that time. Since then, she has updated her home to have a more modern-traditional mix with an eclectic feel. Five years ago, White knocked down the wall between the kitchen and living area to create an open floor plan, and painted the walls white to brighten the rooms. Her decorating decisions created the perfect backdrop to display artwork, sculptures, ceramics and other collectibles she and her husband Paul have gathered throughout their travels. Stunning paintings from Ireland, Canada and Italy — among other destinations — grace their walls. Of course, now they hang alongside White’s own works too. White discovered her passion for painting in early 2020, after attending a wine-and-painting class with girlfriends and local artist Sara Kay Michaels.

BELOW: Karen and Paul White love to procure art as they travel, like this Marco Grassi painting they found in Capri, Italy.

“Everyone was trying to emulate what she was doing, and I started doing my own thing,” White said, noting that she signed that first painting “Tutu,” a name her grandchildren call her. “Two weeks later, the pandemic hit and we had to shut down and work from home. I had bought some canvases just to mess with, and I started painting one night. It just got me; I haven’t stopped since.” White has become a prolific painter, and she continues to sign her artwork “Tutu.” Her style varies greatly in subjects, themes and colors, but all pieces portray positive emotions — she has never painted anything dark. “It’s just happy art. I’ve been told that by everyone who sees it,” White said. “It’s an extension of my personality. Ninety-eight percent of the time, I’m a happy girl.” 405MAGAZINE.COM

H O M E

ABOVE: Bookshelves

and walls showcase paintings for sale when White holds art shows in her home.

LEFT: Just

like other spaces throughout the home, the kitchen’s La Cornue range is flanked by art and other collectibles.

RIGHT: Purchased in Banff, Canada, this bright Sheila Kernan painting perfectly balances a green and brass bar cart from Urbane.

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D E S I G N

LEFT: White’s

painting “Rare,” shown here on the easel, is from her best-selling Aspen trees series.

BELOW: This relaxing “Garden of Tranquility” was appropriately displayed above the bathtub – until White sold it.

With plenty of “Tutu” artwork to showcase, White has been opening up her Quail Creek home as an art gallery since June 2021; now she hosts art shows about once a quarter. Her next show will be during the Quail Creek Home Tour on May 14. White’s approach to painting is much like her approach to decorating: full of whimsical notions, lively colors and interesting textures that bring her back to special moments — especially related to travel. “I cannot walk into a house where everything matches. It makes me crazy. I have to have color and texture and good vibes,” White said. “I feel like our home is a living museum of everything in our life together. The way I decorate is basically around experiences and feelings and memories.” Art sales and shows the past few years have connected White to many friends, new and old. She’s found a love not only for painting but also for a community that has formed organically around her art. “Painting is part of my entire life now,” White says. “It has a role in everything I do.” Visit Instagram for more information: Quail Creek Home Tour @QuailCreekHomeTour Artist Karen White @art_by_Tutu Stylist Lindsay Palazzolo @ZoloDesignOKC 405MAGAZINE.COM

Oakley’s & Squared Away. “Better Together” Chad McClain, Jeff Oakley, and Hunter Magness

It’s no secret that teaming up with others can make a project or business more successful. This is especially true in the experience of Jeff Oakley, Hunter Magness and Chad McClain. These three successful 405 businessmen have combined forces to create a business model that will enhance the experience of both companies clientele. Squared Away Lawns is a proud industry leader in the Oklahoma City Metro. The company was founded in the spring of 2009 out of a dream to provide an increased level of professional landscape installation and maintenance services. They have managed to grow throughout the years by exceeding their customers expectations in both quality of service and customer support. The company is departmentalized to provide services in turf management, landscape / hardscape design and installation, irrigation installation and repair, turf and landscape maintenance and snow and ice mitigation. “Chad and Hunter believe that with the decades of experience of Jeff Oakley in the Oklahoma City landscaping market, with the combined skills of the ownership and

staff at Squared Away Lawns, a more capable and versatile landscaping company has been created.” “Hunter and Chad were looking for a way to expand their business, and I was looking to ease my way out,” Oakley said. “Our core values are exactly the same - honesty, integrity and relationships. It’s the perfect fit.”

PROMOTION

“Our core values are exactly the same honesty, integrity and relationships. It’s the perfect fit.” These values appealed strongly to Oakley, and when he sought to slow down his own lawn and landscape business after 33 years of success, he turned to McClain and Magness as partners to be sure his clients continue to be served in the manner of which they are accustomed. That longevity is something Oakley can relate to, having maintained relationships with his clients for 20-25 years in some cases. “I enjoy the business, but the best part of this career has been my customers,” he said. Oakley will still be involved in taking calls from his clients and assisting with the transition. It is the expectation, of the company, that all customers will be extremely satisfied. “Squared Away does an incredible job of not just mowing, but also maintaining all aspects of our yard,” said one client. “From flowerbed maintenance to weed prevention/seasonal applications, they really do keep our yard looking perfect. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good full-spectrum lawn care service company.” The locally owned companies of Oakley’s and Squared Away Lawns coming together as one will undoubtedly be better together.

405.641.6249 | 2700 NW 178TH ST, EDMOND, OK 73012 | SQUAREDAWAYLAWNS.COM

Looking in on Local Art

SEVEN ARTISTS INVITE US INSIDE THEIR INTRIGUING WORLDS By Evie Klopp Holzer and Julie Partin APRIL 2022

Drawing a line between art and artist seems like an impossible task. Where does one end and the other begin? Beautiful, thought-provoking and emotionally driven artwork lures us inside an artist’s visionary world. At the same time, each artist spins his or her own story — true or fanciful — within each piece. This feature exhibits the works and worlds of seven local creatives. We believe you’ll find the artwork as fascinating as the artists themselves. It’s hard to draw a line between the two, so we don’t. Rather, we present both elements as one awe-inspiring whole. Join us as we look, learn, admire and ponder — and let the artists work their creations.

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APRIL 2022

Piper Bridwell WITH HOPE A ND A PRA YER; THIS IS HOW

Piper Bridwell picked up a paintbrush in 2011. After praying for a way to earn money and stay home with her toddler and newborn, Bridwell says she heard God: “Paint and I will take care of you.” So she started painting … furniture. “I felt the need to create, and I followed what I was hearing in my heart,” Bridwell said. She gravitated toward cheery colors (picture a bright orange vintage dresser or hot pink piano), and her social media posts garnered attention and steady work. “It just took off from there.” Then, in 2015, her art medium shifted. “I was pregnant, I was huge and I was tired of lifting and moving furniture,” Bridwell said. “I bought a canvas, because I wanted something for the nursery, and it clicked immediately. I knew that this is what I was meant to do, because it just felt so good.” Today, Bridwell’s bold and abstract works are sold in galleries in Austria and the United Kingdom. Locals can find her art on Instagram (@PiperBstudio), in OKC at the Jones Plastic Surgery office and in Edmond at Piper B. and J. Tigert Studio — a gallery and workspace she and her mother Janie Tigert have shared for three years. Though Bridwell’s success has soared, she stays grounded in her faith, which continues to play a major role in her artwork. Each painting features three crosses, often hidden among softly blended backgrounds or a group of her signature textural dabs. Some paintings include phrases from scripture or personal prayers. “It’s a very spirit-led process because my heart is set on the Lord from the get-go,” Bridwell said. “I walk into the studio with this heart of ‘Thank you for allowing me to do this.’ Still after this long [time] of painting, I can’t believe this is what I get to do every day, and I am so thankful. It’s all about gratitude, and I want that to come out in my work, so people see something positive.” Bridwell says she loves when someone who purchased a painting sends her a photo of it hanging in the home. “I collect art myself, and I know that feeling when you connect with a painting. You get to look at it every day, and you don’t tire of it,” she said. “The fact that I can bring a spark of joy to someone’s home is exciting to me.” 405MAGAZINE.COM

J U U R I’S

F IG U R E -

ever since the corona [pandemic], I’ve been enjoying painting in the studio a lot more and exploring other wonderful mediums such as digital design for vinyl murals, NFTs, vinyl toys, LED/neon light art, rugs and fashion items.” With so many novel ideas and products brewing, JUURI says she loves to collaborate with other creatives. She openly invites communication to explore new opportunities. “Art is all I think about and all I’ve done my entire life. Therefore, I decided to treasure it and make it the focus of my career and life,” she said, noting that she remembers having art projects in her life as early as age three. JUURI has a large piece at the Morikami Museum and Gardens near Miami, with a show opening on May 5 and running through September. Original works and prints are sold online at www. juuriart.com/store and on Instagram @juuriartshop. “The most rewarding thing about being an artist is all the wonderful friends you make along the way who really ‘get it.’ Also, when somebody tells me that a piece affected them deeply or changed the way their day was going, all the hard work is worth it,” she said. “I love hearing from people all over the world. It’s incredible!”

THE MEDICINE PEDDLER: UIRO URI

JUURI

CO LO R F U L ,

driven murals are gateways to another land — somewhere in a timeless universe, somewhere both new and nostalgic, foreign yet familiar. The Tokyo-born artist pulls inspiration from traditional Japanese stories — history, folklore or Kabuki (a classical form of Japanese dance-drama) — and presents her subjects with a modern fashion photography feel. With an East-meetsWest spirit, her art represents Japanese culture with an American twist. “Japanese culture and history provide endless inspiration for me,” JUURI said. “Since I was raised mostly in the U.S., there’s so much that I don’t know, so I have to research. My art is sometimes almost a visual note or a journal to keep me from forgetting.” After studying graphic design and spending a few years working in the industry, JUURI shifted her focus to fine art — her true passion — and began marketing her artwork to sell online in 2010. She discovered murals in 2014 through the Western Avenue Association. The mural at NW 44th and Western was her first. Since then, she’s had murals showcased from coast to coast, and in Israel too. “Since 2014, I’ve almost exclusively focused on murals,” JUURI said. “How-

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FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE: QUITE NGUYEN

APRIL 2022

SCULPTURE ARTIST JOE SLACK MAKES A BIG IMPRESSION

with his alluring creations — and we mean big. Towering abstract figures, some 20 feet tall, are displayed in public spaces throughout Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond. His “Birds Watching OKC Lightning Thunder Dance Party” stretches across two city blocks, from NW 7th to 9th along Classen Boulevard. The 110 dancers and 36 birds in vibrant shades of turquoise and yellow are hard to miss. “Initially, I started out in wood sculpture that evolved into metal,” Slack said. “Metal has allowed me to explore much larger sculpture concepts and public art installations.” Slack studied at Oklahoma City University, where he realized he wanted to be a sculptor. His work soon evolved from utilitarian pieces, like skateboard ramps, to more abstract sculptures. Today, the OCU campus houses one of his works: a corten steel curiosity called “Puzzled” with mirroring head-like figures. “Primitive art and mid-century modern design are what inspire my figurative abstract steel sculptures,” Slack said. “I intuitively work with simplified forms and repetitive patterns influenced by human observation and the effects of positive and negative space. Tongue-in-cheek sentiments often find their way into my titles.” A bronze sculpture with an extra-long arm reaching out is named “Put Er There.” Another showing a midsection filled with a topsy-turvy squiggle is called “Intestinal Fortitude.” Aside from his catchy titles, Slack encourages viewers to find their own meaning in his public art displays, with locations listed at www.joeslack.com. His art can also be viewed at Slack Industries Intergalactic HQ (his downtown OKC studio) at 1401 NW 5th St., JRB Art at the Elms in the Paseo Arts District and on Instagram @JoeSlack101. Slack says the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that “creative high of finishing a sculpture that supersedes your initial expectations — surprising yourself and getting to share it.” While many of his works are on public display, the drive behind them is quite personal. Like so many artists, Slack says he has a compulsion to create. “I get a little grumpy if I go a few days without arting,” Slack admitted.

Joe Slack

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Suzanne Thomas SUZANNE THOMAS IS PICKING UP A SOFTER CANVAS

these days. The fine linens, tulles and laces she colors are as delicate as her hand-embroidered designs. “I am still a painter, but I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a kid. So working with fabric and needles and color — it just makes sense that I would start doing this [embroidery]. I’ve always liked sheer fabric and lace; I’m such a girl!” Thomas said, with a laugh. Thomas started creating layered embroidery artwork about five years ago. She was seeking a medium less taxing than painting, one that wouldn’t require her to report to a studio, and she found embroidery to be soothing, almost meditative. After a long day of teaching students art history, painting and drawing at Rose State, she loves cuddling up on the couch with a handful of fabrics and threads. Though her canvas is soft, the resulting artwork celebrates strong black women. One dons a ballgown. One plays guitar. Another, a cowgirl, rides a horse. Thomas is inspired by vintage photos of black Hollywood actresses like Eartha Kitt, Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge. She also references Jet Magazine’s Beauty of the Week. “They’re all adventurous, beautiful and glamorous,” Thomas said. “I’ve always found black women the most beautiful women in the world. In my paintings, I would paint a lot with gold. I try to put gold undertones in brown skin because it’s precious. It is fine quality.” Through a hefty dose of teaching and volunteer work, Thomas strives to make art inclusive and accessible to all. As president of Inclusion in Art, she works to create space and opportunities for artists of color in Oklahoma. “I want to see everybody,” Thomas said, adding that engaging with the artist community is the most rewarding part of being an artist. “Even when you don’t agree on everything — whether it’s political or social or whatever — talking about art seems to be one thing we can all come together on,” she said. “Listening to their ideas and being inspired by what you see them do as artists, that’s what’s exciting; because art is not made in a vacuum. “I tell my students that there’s nothing new under the sun. What you do with something is what makes it unique and different — how you say it, how you approach it.” Her unique approach to embroidery can be viewed in the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and Inclusion in Art Connect galleries, as well as on Instagram @suzjustice.

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Malcolm Zachariah and Emma Difani THIS ARTISTIC PARTNERSHIP HAD AN ORGANIC ORIGIN:

Artists Malcolm Zachariah and Emma Difani met through a group for emerging OKC artists. Zachariah brought to the table a background in biology and over 25 years of kirigami (cut and folded paper) sculpture. Difani was a skilled paper and print maker. Their collaboration morphed into mega installation Seed Reef, one of the most exciting interactive art displays in the region, currently on display at Factory Obscura until April 24. According to the venue’s description, “Seed Reef is an immersive, sculpted paper installation of a coral reef. Participants will walk ‘underwater’ through the kirigami reef as it transitions from a colorful, vibrant section full of corals, fish and other sea life to a barren wasteland of bleached coral skeletons. Participants are invited to restore Seed Reef by constructing and adding their own corals and other reef animals to the installation.” Each half of the duo saw their own artistic ventures reach new heights when paired with each other’s mastery. “The collaboration with Emma has really pushed what I thought kirigami could do. Learning about printmaking (including Emma’s papermaking class) helped me when I got a programmable cutting machine, such as getting precise alignment of the paper,” said Zachariah. “Art is challenging, and trying to work within limits, like making a coral reef all out of paper, leads to creative solutions. I also think visual art makes strong connections, even in abstract works that require the viewer to engage with the basic elements of art. Nature is always inspiring, especially plants and the amazing variety of patterns and colors found in the living world.” Difani too found herself connecting deeply with the subject matter and process. “I love being in the zone of making,” she said. “Connection and connectivity, both people and place or nature, is a significant theme for me, and creating something which builds and strengthens those relationships is very rewarding. I am very driven by the tensions and harmonies between the grown and constructed environments and all of us living in them. ‘What are we doing?’ is a question that has been driving my work lately as humans try to figure out how to live on this planet without destroying ourselves and so many other living things in the process.” Seed Reef represents what art can become in one of its peak forms — cooperative, community driven and continuously changing. Zachariah’s work can be found at www.malcolmzachariah.com and on instagram at @Lakshwadeep. Difani’s is available at www.emmadifani. com and @emma_difani. 405MAGAZINE.COM

Faye Miller IN FAYE MILLER’S INTRICATE LANDSCAPES,

it seems no detail is overlooked. A rainbow of dots, dashes and designs creates a scene where everything in nature gets its due respect. The blades of grass, the rays of sun, the slopes of hills, even the movement of wind — each is thoughtfully depicted and brought to life through her art. “Lately, I have been thinking about memory of place and depicting that in my paintings,” Miller said. “Sometimes this idea of memory comes across as a specific place, but more often I find myself working on intuition and the emotions and feelings of place memories … I try to create little vignettes of worlds that people can self-identify with. While my pieces are not entirely devoid of representation, there is also a lot of room for individual interpretations.” The land-loving themes of Miller’s paintings can be attributed to her upbringing, interests and education. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s in landscape architecture and a minor in studio art. “I grew up in a highly creative household,” Miller said. “My mother was an artist, and my father is an abstract mathematician, both of which require a similar level of creative thinking. When I went to college, I knew that I was interested in incorporating arts and design into my plan.” Miller says her work evolved from pen and ink landscapes, “using cellular anatomy,” to a different and more simplified mark making that lends itself to working in color. “Being an artist is wonderful because there is so much room to experiment. There aren’t rules set in place, and deciding to spend time experimenting can lead to wildly interesting places,” Miller said. People can view and purchase Miller’s landscapes and other works on Instagram @faye_miller_art and on The Art Hall website. She is also engaged in the Factory Obscura artist community. Their latest project, titled “Synesthesia” will be featured at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman this summer. “I feel an inherent need to create art,” Miller said. “There is a great release that comes from letting go and refocusing on something outside of daily life. With the pieces I am working on now I feel this even more greatly, because there is an emotional release from memories with each vignette that I complete.” 54

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FOR YE ARS, THE METRO ART SCENE HAS BEEN A RISING STAR IN THE OKL AHOMA CIT Y L AND � SCAPE , AND IT JUST KEEPS GET TING BET TER . ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES, GET A PEEK AT THE CIT Y’S TOP ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS, AND PL AN YOUR DEEP DIVE INTO OKC ART. 56

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BY GREG HORTON

COURTESY OF FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM

Museum & Gallery Guide

ARTSPACE at Untitled. Laura Warriner is a pioneer

Oklahoma Contemporary ’s new $30 million home on the north end of Automobile

and early champion of repurposing the old warehouse district downtown, and her art center is a combined gallery of modern art, an educational space and a venue for events.

Alley is itself a work of art, catching the morning and evening sun on its metal exterior. Contemporary art is displayed inside and out, and the space is designed to be an interactive, educational community. Café Contemporary inside the center is a popular downtown eatery, with vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.

DNA Galleries in the Plaza District is a retail space

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Documenting the events and

and gallery for emerging artists in the city. Many of OKC’s most popular local artists have started at DNA.

commemorating the victims, first responders, families and all those affected by the horrific Murrah Building Bombing of April 19, 1995, is the mission of this stunning museum and memorial. The museum is a walkthrough of the details surrounding the heinous act, the heroic efforts to rescue survivors, interactive components and the story of the city’s drive to rebuild in the wake of disaster.

Exhibit C Gallery is a Chickasaw-owned space in Bricktown that is both gallery and retail space for First American artwork and artisan works such as jewelry, pottery and clothing, all made by Native American artists.

Factory Obscura Mix-Tape is an immersive art experience in the popular NW 9th Street area just off Automobile Alley. Built and operated by local artists, the experience is modeled on New Mexico’s Meow Wolf.

First Americans Museum. This decades-in-themaking project collects myths, artifacts, personal reflections, art and tributes to the 39 Native American Nations who are part of the museum’s grand narrative. Exhibit halls for all ages are on the grounds, as well as outdoor features, an excellent restaurant and guided tours.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Oklahoma is one of the finest university art museums in the country. The permanent collection features Native American art, French impressionism and art of the American Southwest.

Howell Gallery of Fine Art near Nichols Hills on N. Western Avenue has been featuring local, regional and nationally recognized artists since 1991. The gallery houses a broad cross-section of media, including painting, sculpture, glass, ceramic, etc. The Individual Artists of Oklahoma (IAO) gallery has moved to Dead People’s Stuff on Linwood Avenue just west of downtown. The space is host to performing arts, but its main purpose is as a gallery for some of the state’s best professional artists.

JRB at The Elms is the artistic hub of the Paseo Arts District, and is the creation of Joy Reed Belt, whose lifelong dedication to the Paseo has kept it one of the city’s most beloved hyper-local districts. The roster of artists includes established and emerging professionals, and the gallery always participates in First Friday Art Walk. 405MAGAZINE.COM

Museum & Gallery Guide

Oklahoma History Museum. The official caretakers of Oklahoma’s past, including artifacts, interactive components, testimonies, narratives, arts, etc., the museum tells the story of Oklahoma and Oklahomans in a collection of galleries and exhibits. Areas covered include topics as diverse as Oklahomans in space, the African American experience, free enterprise in the state and the stories of our indigenous peoples. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum goes by the name “Cowboy Hall of Fame” among locals, and while it is a hall of fame for professional cowboys, it’s also home to stunning artwork by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as important collections of Native American art and artifacts. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, the Sam Noble has been entertaining and informing visitors since before statehood. The museum is divided into categories – dinosaurs are in the Hall of Ancient Life – to make planning easier. Permanent and traveling exhibits include collections related to arts, culture, indigenous peoples, energy and natural wonders.

Science Museum Oklahoma . This 400,000-square-foot, interactive science museum is one of the largest of its kind, and it’s been a favorite field trip destination for generations of Oklahomans. The Science Floor is where most of the fun occurs, with its hundreds of interactive, educational displays, but there is more exploring to be done in additional galleries and the Kirkpatrick Planetarium. 58

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Experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today.

Come join the fun at

SHOP & DINE

FAMstore

659 FIRST AMERICANS BLVD., OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73129 | 405.594.2100 | FAMOK.ORG

SACRED GROUND

COMMON GROUND

In the middle ground between history and healing lies hope. IT WAS HOPE THAT SUSTAINED US IN 1995.

IT’S HOPE THAT SUSTAINS US TODAY.

What was meant to tear us apart instead

In an increasingly divisive world, we seek to

brought us together. Now, on that

come together and find Common Ground

Sacred Ground, we present powerful stories of strength and resolve.

through education, enlightenment and engaging programs like Better Conversations.

Plan Your Visit: MemorialMuseum.com • 405.235.3313 Free Parking with Paid Admission AFFILIATE OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Museum & Gallery Guide

APRIL 2022

DINING GOOD TASTE 66

THE DISH 68

THE DRINK 70

LOCAL FLAVOR 72

LEXI HOEBING

The Greater Babka Trisha O’Donoghue puts a modern, delicious spin on a classic. p. 68

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D I N I N G

The Cafe Evoke Magic Edmond’s home for coffee, conversation and great food BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O S BY L E X I H O E B I N G

C A F E E VOK E E X IST S I N I T S current form partly because of a broken promise. Well, truthfully, the promise was broken only after a discussion, and perhaps permission to break the promise negates the original covenant. “Robert (Black) promised me we’d never own a restaurant,” Lori Dickinson Black said. “He was consulting on restaurant projects, and I had been consulting for non-profits with my company Springboard while he was still in hospitality. I wasn’t really interested in running a restaurant, thus the promise.” Robert Black had left A Good Egg Dining Group and was taking on consulting jobs for various restaurants around the metro, but he wasn’t thinking in terms of ownership either. The couple were already friends with the Evoke founders Jason and Jenni Duncan. Dickinson Black had been a customer since 2012, and the conversation that led to the decision to purchase the space at 103 S. Broadway in Edmond came up “organically.” “We had a conversation about it, and even though there was the promise, it seemed a great opportunity since we were buying a coffee shop with an excellent reputation and excellent coffee program,” she said. “It’s also an amazing space.” Since opening a few months before the pandemic began, the Blacks have worked to improve the space — including several of Dickinson Black’s paintings, many of which she completed during 2020-21. They also pulled in longtime friend Chef Chris McCabe to head up a food overhaul. “Most coffee shops have okay food, if any,” Dickinson Black said, “and if you go out for good food, you can’t usually get great coffee. We 66

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Biscuit with chorizo gravry

wanted to create a space that features both, and we already had the coffee component in place.” Evoke pours Middle State Coffee from Denver, which was the choice of the Duncans from the beginning. Dickinson Black said they kept the brand because of the high quality, excellent taste and the fact that there was no place else in OKC to find it. Middle State makes very small batch coffees, so distribution is very limited. “We work with local quite a bit,” she said, “and when we run low on Middle State, I call Clarity, Sincerely or Prelude to supplement until a new order comes in. We also currently purchase some of our baked goods — like the croissant for the

breakfast sandwich — from Ganache Patisserie.” Evoke also works with Rishi Tea, which partly explains why its London Fog is one of the best in the city. Dickinson Black said it also includes a house-made vanilla syrup to complement the bergamot oil focus of the tea. The London Fog manages to be rich and creamy with a stiff backbone of black tea, spice and earthy notes. McCabe has applied himself to crafting a menu that is simple, flavorful and easy to serve in a coffee shop environment. He’s taken on some of the baking as well, including the cinnamon rolls on weekends, and a relatively new creation: the cruffin. The marriage of a croissant and a muffin,

G O O D

TA S T E

Avocado toast at Evoke

Behold the cruffin

“Most coffee shops have okay food, if any, and if you go out for good food, you can’t usually get great coffee. We wanted to create a space that features both, and we already had the coffee component in place.”

the cruffin is dense, flaky, bready and delicious. The ingredients will vary depending on season and ingredients, and each features a house-made ganache or pastry cream to intensify the flavors and soften the texture. The breakfast menu features McCabe’s baking skills in the biscuit with chorizo gravy, too. The biscuit doesn’t need gravy; it would work beautifully with honey or jam and butter. The chorizo gravy is a nice touch, though, with respectable but not intense heat levels. His real chef skills show most prominently on the scrambled eggs with hot pastrami, primarily because the art of cooking perfect eggs is too rare. McCabe nails it, and the addition of rye toast makes it impossible not to build a proper breakfast sandwich. Pro tip: Ask for a slice of cheese to help in your sandwich construction. For healthier eaters, options abound — especially avocado toast, overnight oats, a portobello sandwich (on the lunch menu), a veggie egg scramble and a turkey-avocado sandwich. The menu is pared down to try to appeal to as many dietary types as possible without sacrificing quality or taste, a process that was applied to the entire operation in 2020. “COVID forced us to cut everything that wasn’t necessary to survive the pandemic,” Dickinson Black said. “The menu is focused and easy to execute. The hours make sense now, too. The old 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. never really made sense, as we were a glorified library after 3 p.m.” The space is one of the big appeals of Evoke, at the level of a quick lunch, a business meeting in the morning, studying, meeting friends or, as Dickinson Black has learned in the past year, as a meeting space for up to 50 people. “We’ve catered a bunch of events in the space, and we really want to be a community space. We’re doing live music, buffet meals for catering and we’ll even allow outside food in if that’s what the customer wants.” The vision of creating a space with great coffee and great food has been realized in downtown Edmond, and if Dickinson Black gets her wish, it will also be a community space for private events, live music and community conversations. 405MAGAZINE.COM

T H E

D I N I N G

Chocolate babka at Quincy Bake Shop

One Bodacious Babka Quincy Bake Shop’s twist on a classic BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

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T H E M O D E R N B A B K A , A S E X E M P L I F I E D BY Trisha O’Donoghue’s chocolate version at Quincy Bake Shop, is a massive improvement over the 19th century invention of Jewish mothers and grandmothers in Europe. Those babkas were often just leftover challah dough, a bread mostly notable because it contains no butter, and the originals were likely smeared with jam or other sweets, rolled up and baked. Over time, that simple treat turned into the braided loaf made famous by Jerry Seinfeld in a 1994 episode of the eponymous NBC sitcom. In fact, more than a few food historians credit that episode — in which Jerry settles for a cinnamon babka rather than chocolate and is relentlessly mocked by Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) for his choice of the “lesser babka” — as the reason babka has reached such a level of cultural familiarity.

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The only reason it really had a chance to rise to that level of notoriety, though, was the eventual inclusion of butter. The original version was typically made with palm oil, so the finished product would be thin and flaky, bordering on too dry every time. The addition of butter brought the bread closer to brioche and dramatically increased its richness, which was then aided by chocolate — a tweak from the mid-20th century. When O’Donoghue attended culinary school in Chicago, she encountered babka for the first time, but Chicago has no tradition of the braided loaf form. “They had rolls instead of loaves,” O’Donoghue said. “Since Oklahoma City didn’t really have a lot of experience with babka, I decided to go with the roll.” Her roll is a combination of the same technique used to make Scandinavian cardamom buns — a complex overlapping of strips of dough to mimic braiding — with the addition of butter and chocolate. It’s a thoroughly modern rendition, with important ties to the traditional roll. To facilitate quicker cooking, many home cooks would slice the loaf before baking, making a more simplified form of the pastry but with beautiful swirls of color and spice in the finished product. “I like the braid in the loaf, so I decided to do a roll form that replicated that effect,” O’Donoghue said. “The cardamom roll was a perfect template.” O’Donoghue said that Quincy will be following another modern trajectory with its babkas. Beginning in the early ’00s, modern Jewish bakeries — those that started popping up in the ’80s and ’90s on both coasts — started experimenting with different ingredients beyond the traditional cinnamon and chocolate. Quincy will have a peppermint version for the winter holidays, hazelnut, chocolate-orange and other variations. For now, it’s easy to find O’Donoghue’s delicious chocolate babkas daily at 1235 NW 38th St. inside the Bradford House Hotel.

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Anatomy of a Happy Accident A scintillating springtime concoction from Barkeep Supply BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

CALLING IT THE HAPPY ACCIDE N T was the only way to go. When Dylan Kremeier, a bartender at Barkeep Supply in Midtown, started working through his contributions to owner Julia McLish’s garden-themed spring menu, he wanted to use his house-made blueberry-lemon zest syrup. Beyond that, it was a matter of trial and error. When a bartender starts on an original recipe, there are a variety of approaches and no hard and fast rules. “Sometimes it’s a syrup, or fruit, or a spirit,” McLish said. “We use references like The Flavor Bible to help direct us when it’s an unusual or rarely used ingredient, but a lot of it really is trial and error — for flavors, ingredients and proportions.” Kremeier knew he wanted to work with blueberries, and syrup is nearly always the best way when it comes to cocktails. The fruit lacks intensity in even its freshest forms, so a syrup concentrates the flavor and adds sugar that the drink is likely to need anyway. “I used lemon zest to brighten the flavors, and then went to The Flavor Bible to see what works with blueberries,” he said. He was surprised to learn that cream and cognac were two of the suggested pairings. “I tried milk first, but it didn’t work, so I 70

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The Happy Accident at Barkeep Supply

switched to Rumchata, and that also gave me the added cinnamon notes. But the cognac didn’t work by itself, so I did a split base with rye to finish it off.” Show someone a list that includes cream, cognac, blueberries, lemon, rye, cinnamon and rum, and they’re likely to be amazed that all those components work together. Unlikely as it sounds, they do, so “The Happy Accident” seemed an obvious choice. The addition of edible flowers for garnish makes the cocktail even springier, and to solidify an already existing relationship, McLish decided to work with

Prairie Earth Gardens on all the cocktails on the spring menu. “We’ve used their products off and on, and I wanted to feature them even more,” McLish said. “They have some of the coolest locally grown produce in OKC, including beautiful edible f lowers that change with the seasons.” The final product is a creamy, zippy, slightly boozy homage to spring that just works. A happy accident, indeed — give it a try at Barkeep, 1121 N. Walker Ave.

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In Praise of Pasta 10 local pasta dishes you need to try now BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

Vito’s Ristorante, 7628 N. May Ave., OKC It’s like a little bit of Kansas City Italian in OKC, and it’s a hospitality gold standard. Get the linguine. It’s simple and flavorful, and because there is no place to hide errors in a dish like this, the quality shines through. Sparrow Italian, 507 S. Boulevard, Edmond The mushroom agnolotti is as beautiful as it is delicious. The whipped ricotta is a nice touch, but it’s the pecorino brodo that makes this dish. Stella Modern Italian, 1201 N. Walker Ave., OKC Wild boar bolognese has been a favorite at this Midtown restaurant since it hit the menu for good reason. Rich and flavorful without being gamey, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish. Amici in Movimento, 15920 SE 29th St., Choctaw The menu name is Fungo Suina Alfredo, but you can ask for ham and mushroom alfredo. Chef Patrick Morris makes nearly everything in house, a bold move for a traditional Italian place in Choctaw, and it’s uniformly excellent.

Octopus and bone marrow with casarecce pasta at Piatto Italian Kitchen

I T’S PROBA BLY NOT M UCH of a stretch to say we were all raised on pasta — especially if you include mac ‘n’ cheese and canned ravioli in that category alongside spaghetti and meatballs — but the 405’s diningscape has moved well beyond needing electric orange cheese powder to jazz up its noodles. Amid a bevy of enticing Italian-influenced options, here are 10 Pasta Dishes You Need to Try Now. 72

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Piatto Italian Kitchen, 2920 NW 63rd St., OKC It’s house-made casarecce pasta with octopus, but what makes it incredible is the use of bone marrow to increase the richness and creaminess of the mouthfeel. It’s an absolutely brilliant dish. Patrono, 305 N. Walker Ave., OKC The carbonara at this downtown Italian restaurant is the rare spot in OKC that uses guanciale (cheek) for the cured “bacon.” It does everything, including service, very well.

Benvenuti’s Ristorante, 105 W. Main St., Norman Wild boar gnocchi at this Main Street Italian joint is one of the best things in Norman. Fluffy pillows of awesomeness with a rich bolognese is the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Osteria, 6430 Avondale Dr., OKC The pappardelle bolognese is the way to go at this Nichols Hills Plaza spot. Fresh ricotta and a truly fantastic bolognese make this dish a must-try.

Pizzeria Gusto, 2415 N. Walker, OKC Always ask what the pasta special is — but if it’s not your thing, the short rib gnocchi is a fixture on the menu, and it’s outstanding. We’d like to know if there is anything Chef Kathryn Mathis can’t do well. Moni’s Pasta and Pizza, 17200 N. May, Edmond This is one of the more unsung restaurants in the city, but one taste of the orecchiette pasta with vodka sauce will bring you back and get you telling others about this spot right on the Edmond-OKC border.

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EDMOND INSIDER TO P 1 0 by Jennifer Seaton, Edmond Tourism Director

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Arcadia Lake

Did you know Edmond has a boathouse? Enjoy ziplining, a ropes course for team building and a fleet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and mountain bikes for rent at the UCO Boathouse at Arcadia Lake. After visiting the boathouse, complete the weekend with camping; you’ll find full RV hookups and primitive camping, picnic areas, swimming, fishing, equestrian trails, boating, disc golf, hiking, biking and more.

Street Festivals

Downtown Edmond comes to life with parties along Broadway from Danforth to 2nd Street — from the original Heard on Hurd, featuring food trucks and live music, to the new VIBES where 40 downtown businesses host visual and performing artists highlighting creativity in action. Other street festivals include a motorcycle haven during Edmond Bike Night, the annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival and award-winning Independence Day celebration LibertyFest. Keep this cheat sheet handy: Heard on Hurd: third Saturdays (March-Oct) VIBES: first Thursdays (April-Oct) Edmond Bike Night: every Tuesday (April-Oct) Downtown Edmond Arts Festival: April 29-May 1 LibertyFest: two weekend celebration over July 4

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Parks & Trails

Try exploring Edmond on more than 40 miles of paved and multi-use trails. Here are some favorites: Mitch Park Trail features a 2.8-mile paved outer trail with 1.8 miles of inner trails and 1.5 miles of primitive trails that can be accessed at various trailheads. Fink Park’s 1-mile path connects to Hafer Park’s Trail for a 1.7-mile ride. Bickham-Rudkin Park’s Trail takes a 1.25-mile loop around an urban pollinator prairie and continues along a pond and through Whispering Heights Park to connect to Oklahoma Christian University’s 2.5-mile Eagle Trail. The 2.5mile Spring Creek Trail features dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes as well as great views of Arcadia Lake and lush fauna. The Route 66 Trail is part of a master plan to complete a trail system around the lake. The trail offers two expansive lanes with plenty of room for cycling, walking, running, strolling or dog walking and periodic resting points with benches.

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Public Art

Nearly 300 pieces of public art dot Edmond with color and beauty. Some are in plain sight and others are tucked away and best admired via walking or biking. Not only are murals and bronze sculptures scattered throughout parks, sidewalks, medians and businesses, but you can engage with new interactive art. Route 66 Selfie Shield at Festival Market Place. Key to My Heart by Zonly Looman near The Edmond Railyard encourages hanging a lock on the letters to commemorate a special moment. The I’m Grateful Wall at 1st and Broadway lets visitors write words of gratitude in chalk. Share the Love at the Post Office on Broadway holds stamped postcards of Edmond to write a message and mail. Edmond Fine Arts Institute’s Little Free Art Gallery is a space for artists to leave small pieces they create for others to take and enjoy.

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Live Music

Edmond’s Summer Music Concert Series will be enhanced this year. Live local and regional musicians will rotate between performances at Hafer Park and Mitch Park Amphitheater. Bring blankets and lawn chairs on Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. from May to August. A gorgeous gem north of Edmond hosts the brightest stars in classical, jazz, folk dance, theater, ballet and more from international artists at Armstrong Auditorium. This world-class performing arts center has historical exhibits in the lobby, a “Swans in Flight” bronze and steel sculptural masterpiece in a 120-foot reflecting pond, Austrian crystal chandeliers and the finest Steinway and Sons pianos in the world. The UCO Jazz Lab in Stephenson Park is a world-class entertainment venue featuring an artfully relaxed atmosphere styled after jazz clubs in New Orleans. Experience live music like a local at one of these favorites: Taproom Tunes at Frenzy Brewing Company, Jam sessions at The Blues and Jazz Cafe, and Live music nights at the Patriarch Craft Beer House.

Edmond Public Schools University of Central Oklahoma City of Edmond INTEGRIS Health Edmond OU Medical Center Edmond Mercy Edmond Crest Foods Petra Industries, Inc. Adfitech Summit Medical Center

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Golf

Indoor Play

Local Shops Galore

Edmond has three courses waiting “fore” you. The Golf Club of Edmond accommodates both members and daily fee guests. It is home to one of the largest youth golf programs in the region and is equipped for tournaments and special events in the clubhouse. Kickingbird Golf Club, Edmond’s original golf course, is closed for renovations and will become one of the best municipal courses in the nation. Celebrating 50 years, this gem’s capital improvement project includes rebuilding all 18 greens, a 13,384-squarefoot clubhouse, a 6,670-square-foot banquet hall, driving range expansion and adding a short game practice facility. Edmond is also home to Oak Tree National and Oak Tree Country Club with 54 holes of championship golf.

When the weather is iffy, Edmond’s indoor play options will cure the “I’m bored” groan. ShowBiz Cinemas off I-35 and Covell is a leisure center including a 10-screen multiplex with reclining seats, bowling alley, restaurant, bar and arcade. The Mitch Park YMCA in North Edmond and the Rankin YMCA in central Edmond have day passes to swim, play basketball and enjoy an exercise class. Arctic Edge Ice Arena offers lessons, figure skating and leagues for hockey, as well as open skating. Blockworks is a downtown indoor rock-climbing gym for all ability levels. Break Room 405 has a room full of breakable items or a paint option to get messy. Clue Quest Escape Room is “video-game meets real life,” with a side order of “whodunit” and just enough stress to make you tingle. UCO CO-OP Esports Gaming Arena is a 7,500-square-foot, multi-million dollar facility providing a home to the gaming community, birthday parties and esports tournaments. Daily Shredd indoor skate park features a 12-foot vert ramp, a mini ramp with an escalator and a street course for skaters, clinics and camps. Edmond Center Court has 6 indoor tennis courts in addition to its 24 outside. Edmond Unplugged is a family-friendly board game lounge located in downtown Edmond.

Edmond’s retail spans from unique and eclectic to high-end and on-trend. Local favorites include bookstores Best of Books and Commonplace Books, which meet readers at every age and stage of life. With story times for littles, book clubs and author and book launch events, Edmond has the corner on community bookstores. RISE, Retail Incubator for Shopkeeper Experience, is sponsored by Citizen’s Bank of Edmond in partnership with the Independent Shopkeepers Association. This low-cost, low-risk program helps Oklahoma retail businesses navigate their next steps in growth. The retail businesses rotate and offer shoppers the opportunity to get their hands on new products and give feedback and encouragement for future ventures. Mira Bird will delight the eyes with its clean, yet elegant design. In Latin, Mira means remarkable, surprising or extraordinary. Offering unique finds for home decor, kitchen and cocktail, wellness and more, this is the place to find a new treasure. Habit, a locally owned clothing boutique with modern fashion choices for men, women and teens, carries carefully curated and affordable apparel. The store offers personal styling to APRIL 2022

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ensure customers look and feel their best. At Plenty Mercantile, a purveyor of eco-friendly and sustainable goods, shopkeepers guide conscious consumers as they select from a wide range of tchotchkes, baby, kids and pet products, jewelry, home fragrances and decor, puzzles and books. Thrifting is good for the environment and easy on the wallet. Clothes Mentor buys and sells a wide range of namebrand women’s clothes, shoes and handbags. Uptown Cheapskate buys and sells men and women’s trend-forward clothing, shoes and accessories. HOPEfully Yours is a resale store with a great cause: All proceeds from the sale of clothing, home, kitchen, child and baby wares are used to fund the HOPE Center Health Clinic and to buy fresh milk, meat and produce for Edmond families in need. Outfitting outdoor enthusiasts, Native Summit has all that’s needed for an adventure. Al’s Bicycles and Phat Tire offer a wide selection of bicycles and cycling gear.

Eats & Drinks

For an Edmond bar hop visit Frenzy Brewing, Edmond’s first brewery. With a taproom in Downtown Edmond, beer enthusiasts are welcome to bring in the food of their choice. It also offers canned beer and growlers to go. Also, The Patriarch Craft Beer House & Lawn in downtown Edmond is a renovated 1900s home providing a community gathering place. Choose from dozens of local and microbrews and craft cocktails. The patio is pup friendly, has lawn games, hosts live music and keeps fire pits burning on cooler evenings. Lastly, 1884 is a two-story bar and cigar lounge at the Edmond Railyard. All ages are welcome on the first floor to enjoy the full food menu and beverages. The floating cigar lounge mezzanine is open to those 21+. Edmond boasts 10 local coffee roasters. We dare you to try each one: All About Cha, Aspen Coffee, Café Evoke, Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge, Hi Tea X Coffee, Low Battery Coffee, Prelude Coffee, Summer Moon Coffee, Wilder Coffee and The Brew.

Two Food Halls

The Ice House Project is a new development featuring restaurants and an outdoor gathering space just west of Broadway, off Route 66. Returning to its roots, the Ice House includes an urban creamery and plenty of space to make memories with friends and family. With ample eating opportunities, on-site restaurants at The Ice House Project include The Fried Taco specializing in Caribbean and American taco fusions, Detroit-style Woodward Pizza, Prelude Coffee and a soon-to-be-named brewery. A farmto-table restaurant is also in the works.

Year-Round Farmers Market

Since 1988, the Edmond Farmer’s Market has been one of the premier places for Oklahoma farmers to sell their crops directly to consumers. Shop every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. in downtown Edmond at Festival Market Place in the summer and from 9 a.m. – noon at Mitch Park Senior Center in the winter. Over the years, the market has expanded to include local gardeners, bakers, food manufacturers, ranchers and artisans. Online ordering is available through WhatsGood.

The Edmond Railyard is a historic area that is now home to restaurants, a coffee shop, craft bar and office and retail space. The former lumberyard turned food hall features seven restaurants and a 20,000-square-foot covered patio. Recent expansions include Empire Slice Pizza, Plant and Urban Okie boutique.

Edmond, Oklahoma is located 13 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City, in the center of the state. The city limits hold 90 square miles. Median Age: 36.3 Total Households: 35,688 Average Household Size: 2.58 Source: Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA)

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE

DOWNTOWN EDMOND ARTS FESTIVAL

SPONSORED BY THE DOWNTOWN EDMOND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

April 29, 30 & May 1 Presenting Sponsor

 140 Artists  25 Food Trucks  4 Entertainment Stages  FREE Shuttle Bus Amyuthyst Morning by Featured Artist Sharon Suddeth

@DowntownEdmond

Edmond Insider Reach 60,000+ Edmond Readers! We created this special section, Edmond Insider, as a way for you to reach the Oklahomans who live, work and play locally. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your business and share your advertising message with thousands of readers throughout central Oklahoma. According to our user research, 59% of our readers have a household income of $100,000 or higher, and many of them reside in Edmond, Arcadia and Piedmont.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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SPORTS 86

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LOOKING BACK 92

ONE MORE THING 94

Feel the Festivals p.84

PHOTO PROVIDED

Spring arts events are back in style.

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Return of the April Arts Festivals Reconnecting with creativity en masse BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA Festival of the Arts in downtown OKC

A P R I L H A S T R A DI T IO N A L LY BE E N the month for two of the OKC metro’s most magnificent arts festivals: The Festival of the Arts and the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. Between cancellations and rescheduling, it has been hard to keep up, but this year, festival life should finally — fingers crossed — return to something closer to normal. We reached out to the directors of these festivals to discuss what to expect this year.

ALSO RETURNING THIS APRIL IS THE OKC PHILHARMONIC’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER. The 2022 Maestro’s Ball: Lights, Music, Action! A Night on the Red Carpet

Festival of the Arts Tuesday, April 19-Sunday, April 24 Bicentennial Park, 500 Couch Drive, OKC

For more information visit artscouncilokc.com or @ artscouncilokc on FB and Instagram. 84

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Tickets are on sale now; visit okcphil.org for details. Children’s Stage

Downtown Edmond Arts Festival Friday, April 29-Sunday, May 1 N. Broadway and Main St., Edmond

Co-Chairs Michelle Schaefer and Nancy Meoli have some exciting news about what is different this year. “One of the biggest things is that we will have a free shuttle service. Guests can park near UCO and ride in an air-conditioned motor coach to and from the festival. No more hunting for parking spots and walking several blocks in the heat! We’ll also have a tent for all the children’s activities, so guests won’t have to wait in the hot sun to get a face painting or talk

to a princess,” Schaefer said. “So many favorite artists will return; some have been with us for over 15 years. Plus the traditional food trucks, and local music legends like Edgar Cruz.” Follow @DowntownEdmondArtsFestival on Facebook for more information.

Both events will be following their city’s current COVID protocols and will have hand sanitizing stations throughout the festival. They are also looking for volunteers, so make sure to reach out if you are interested in getting involved.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Director Seth Lewis said that he is excited for the return of Festival of the Arts to April. He noted that the 2022 festival will “expand our footprint in the city, and will utilize the east lawn of City Hall this year. Last year, we started with a stage on the east side, and now that stage will be a dedicated Children’s Stage. It will be surrounded by other children’s activities including Creation Station, Young at Art Mart and the Youth Art Show on Saturday. While the entire Festival is family-friendly, the east and west lawns of City Hall will be full of activities geared for children and families.” Crowd favorite International Food Row will return, lining the north and south streets of the Civic Center. Three stages will be set up, and Lewis said, “These stages will have Oklahoma’s best talent performing from open to close all six days.” Many returning and new artists will have their work displayed, so be sure to head downtown for the Festival of the Arts.

Friday, April 22 at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club Cocktail hour beginning at 6:30pm, dinner at 7:30pm and an after party starting at 9:00pm.

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CATCH THE GLOW THIS SPRING! Celebrate the closing weekend of GLOW at Scissortail Park!

Friday, April 8 7 to 11 p.m. Allied Arts presents “Catch the Glow” – a free, community event for all ages featuring two large-scale, interactive art installations, a hot air balloon night glow, synchronized drone light show, food trucks, live music and performances, glow-in-the-dark art, and more!

More info on the exhibit and event at AlliedArtsOKC.com and @AlliedArtsOKC PRESENTED BY

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The Rise of High School Hoops Oklahoma students find greater opportunities for recognition throughout the state BY A D DA M M . F R A N C I S CO

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Heritage Hall’s junior point guard Sebastian Perry aggressively drives to the basket against Millwood in an early-season victory.

“The beauty is, even if you play in a smaller school district, with the internet, social media, and AAU basketball, these kids aren’t falling under the radar the way they would have 10-15 years ago.” what he believes plays the biggest role in the rise of the hooper in Oklahoma. “Oklahoma has always had an abundance of talent, especially on the girl’s side,” he said. “I think what we’re seeing now is that a lot of people that might have grown up in Tulsa or Oklahoma City are moving to other parts of the state, because of either job opportunities or chances to be landowners.” Roland has a point. As land becomes available in the state at lower prices and families look to move out of the OKC metro area due to increased housing prices, job opportunities or other reasons, we’re witnessing talent permeate through the state more prominently than before. “The beauty is, even if you play in a smaller school district, with the internet, social media

and AAU basketball, these kids aren’t falling under the radar the way they would have 10-15 years ago,” Roland said. The talent in the state of Oklahoma has long been there, but the majority of that talent has been centralized either in Oklahoma City or in surrounding school districts like Mid-Del, Putnam City, Edmond, Moore or Norman. The same goes for the Tulsa metropolitan area. What we’re seeing now is an evolution of many things: the growth of Oklahoma’s housing market, the expansion of training programs throughout the state and the rise and takeover of social media. Wherever the athletes are physically, the future of high school basketball in OKC, and the state overall, is pretty promising.

JOSHUA CLEARY/JRC MEDIA

W I T H I N T H E R E A L M OF SPORTS, Oklahoma may generally be considered a football state, but the Oklahoma City metro area has a solid reputation for high school basketball. Talented, well-coached teams have shaped the city and positioned it for national recognition. Over the last decade, however, the talent in this state has become more widespread, with more kids getting national recognition and moving on to play college basketball, and in many cases, high-level college basketball. Oklahoma City has had plenty of big names. The city actually has a storied history of athletes that may deserve a Netflix documentary one day: from Xavier Henry to Blake Griffin, Taylor Griffin, Daniel Orton, Trae Young, Sheldon Williams, David Godbold and more. What’s the difference now? It’s seemingly more widespread. Not only are there an increased number of Division I and Division II caliber hoopers casually walking around OKC’s high schools, but there seems to be more talent in rural Oklahoma. In the past, there would be a few notable names coming out of Middle of Nowhere, Oklahoma. Today, kids from these small communities are getting a ton of recognition — in some cases nearly as much as players from OKC. What is it? Are the players simply better than they used to be? Does social media play a role in their increasing exposure? Utah Jazz assistant coach and Carl Albert High School alumnus Irv Roland spoke on

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4 05-7 15-4 496 O P T I M A L H E A LT H A S S O C I AT E S .C O M O P T I M A L H E A LT H A S S O C I AT E S 9800 B R OA D WAY E X T S U I T E 2 00, O K L A H O M A C I T Y, O K 73114

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Gateway Getaway

The food at Olive & Oak is beautiful and delicious

Staying, playing and dining divinely in St. Louis

L I K E A N Y U. S . CI T Y OF A R ESPEC TA BL E SI Z E , St. Louis has been shaped by waves of immigrants, beginning with the French who founded it in 1764. Germans and Italians followed the fur-trading French; freed slaves escaping Reconstruction-era policies settled in many Northern cities including St. Louis in the late 19th century and the waves continued into the late 20th century when refugees from the Bosnian War began arriving in the early to mid ’90s. As opposed to the now-discredited model of the “melting pot” of American immigrant expansion, St. Louis neighborhoods were founded by ethnic communities in a patchwork quilt model that meant each neighborhood would develop in unique ways with cultural and ethnic components, many of which are still visible today. St. Louis remains a city of neighborhoods, and much like cities built around districts, the neighborhoods offer smaller, focused, signature experiences of the larger city. The patchwork quilt also makes St. Louis architecturally fascinating. Downtown alone has styles from the 1830s to the contemporary era. Beautiful contributions around the city from 88

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Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Eames and Young, among others, make the city a destination for students of residential and commercial architecture, from row houses to houses of worship to skyscrapers to the city’s famous gingerbread houses. Built on the western bank of the Mississippi River just south of its confluence with the Missouri River, the city has a long tradi-

tion of commerce, transportation, literature and gambling related to the river. Today, replicas of the great riverboats are on the water for tourists, and located in fixed spots for gamblers. The city is also home to multiple James Beard Award winners, and a longer list of James Beard semifinalists and finalists. The food scene is broad and deep, with culinary

LE MERIDIEN: PROVIDED

BY G R E G H O R T O N

T R AV E L

More than anything, Olive & Oak is a neighborhood restaurant

of carnival rides, play areas, exhibits, interactive installations and a mix of eclectic discoveries too numerous to list. It’s ideal for all ages, especially the explorer types of any age. Soulard. This is one of the city’s historic neighborhoods, and that it’s home to the country’s second largest Mardi Gras parade tells you all you need to know about this district with more than three dozen bars, restaurants and shops. It’s located just north of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, so you can hit both for a full day of fun. The Soulard Market is the heart of the neighborhood, with its massive selection of goods — meat, fish, produce, jewelry, gifts, etc. — from independent shopkeepers and artisans. Bonus: It’s less than a mile from the National Blues Museum. Saint Louis Art Museum. Located in Forest Park, this three-story structure contains one of the best art collections in the country. It’s hard to express the awe you feel when you enter an entire room of Monet or Picasso works. The lawn is stunning, as is the view. Admission is free, and it’s a must-do when in St. Louis. Where to Eat

The City Museum offers hours of adventure

influences that reflect the wide range of ethnic and cultural influences and the city’s role as a crossroads and destination in the heart of the country.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Where to Stay

Le Meridien Downtown. A Marriott hotel, Le Meridien is located in an historic building (built in 1913) now on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms are influenced by the original architecture with a modern art twist, and they are spacious beyond what is normal on the road. The hotel has all the expected amenities — and you should definitely get a gelato at Le Scoop. As

important as a good night’s sleep is the hotel’s location just off the major interstate junction, making the entire city easily accessible. In addition to that benefit, Le Meridien is a short walk from one of the city’s most popular attractions, the City Museum, and a short drive from the Gateway Arch and park. Where to Play

The City Museum is a 600,000-square-foot facility housed in a former shoe factory. It has to be experienced to appreciate the scale and ingenuity. No maps will guide you through this combination

When Eater ranked its “essential” St. Louis restaurants, Olive & Oak was number five. The modern American concept in the quaint Webster Groves neighborhood is an anomaly these days: a neighborhood restaurant with stellar, affordable, creative food, a brilliant young chef (two James Beard nominations for executive chef Jesse Mendica), excellent wine list and great cocktails. If you were designing a restaurant to star in a movie, it would be Olive & Oak. In 2017, Gioia’s Deli received a James Beard American Classics Award. For more than 100 years, Gioia’s has been making deli sandwiches, and if that isn’t enough of a draw, just know that people come from everywhere for the hot pastrami sandwich. To experience more of the city’s diversity, add Balkan Treat Box (get the cevapi, a grilled beef sausage), Sameem’s Afghani restaurant (get the lamb in any form) and Sweetie Pie’s, a soul food destination for decades. Make time for the Schlafly Brewery tour, too, a St. Louis brewer that’s getting noticed all over the country. 405MAGAZINE.COM

Scream down the ‘Best Trail Ever’ at Fitzgerald Mountain. Learn about the beauty of the Natural State at the Hunt Family Nature Center. Get your cowboy on at the Rodeo of the Ozarks. Experience all this and more in Springdale, Arkansas!

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LO O K I N G

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A Century of Separation Black Freedmen struggle to regain Tribal rights

B A C K

Mayfield Riley and Sherideen McIntosh, front, and Rayford Brunner and Wash Hawkins, back, pose for a photo. All are Creek Freedmen.

RIGHT:

LEFT: Chickasaw Freedmen file for allotments on the Dawes Rolls at Tishomingo.

MO S T OK L A HOM A NS K N OW T H AT T H E S TAT E WA S once designated as Indian Territory, given by treaty to the so-called Five Civilized Tribes that were removed from their ancestral lands in the South beginning in the 1830s. Less known is the history of African Americans who also made the journey to Oklahoma as Tribal citizens or slaves. While the Five Tribes—comprised of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole—were slaveholders, each Tribe’s relationship with its African American community varied, but was considered far less race restrictive. “The Creek and Seminole often intermarried with their slaves and allowed a broad range of freedoms. The Cherokee resisted intermarriage but pursued benign relationships on their small farms,” wrote Linda Reese for the Oklahoma Historical Society. Following the Civil War, the Five Tribes entered into treaties with the federal government in 1866, guaranteeing full tribal membership for former slaves, now called Freedmen. “Before Oklahoma statehood, you didn’t have segregation that existed. (Blacks) were running ranches and holding elected office,” said Marilyn Vann, president of the Descendants of the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes and a Cherokee. But the 20th century ushered in a series of events that eroded Black rights and eventually disenfranchised the Freedmen. First, for Oklahoma to become a state, the Five Tribes were forced to divide their lands into individual allotments. The scope of each allotment was determined by the Dawes Rolls, a census conducted between 1898 and 92

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1914 to determine tribal citizenship. Those of Native American ancestry were on one roll; Freedmen were listed separately. To further cement African American segregation, Oklahoma enacted 18 Jim Crow laws between 1890 and 1957. “It was social death to have African ancestry,” Vann said. “People who were known to have African ancestry couldn’t go to the hospital or to a restaurant. Your rights as a member of society were non-existent.” Exclusion of Black members of the Five Tribes culminated in the 1970s with the passage of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975. Assimilation efforts were reversed and with newly found rights, the Five Tribes amended their constitutions to add “by blood” requirements for citizenship. Black Tribal citizens were effectively expelled if they couldn’t prove a blood quantum. But the 21st century has ushered in new hope for descendants of Freedmen, who are garnering support in high places. With encouragement from the U.S. government, the Cherokee Nation supreme court voted to remove the “by blood” language from the Cherokee constitution in 2017—a decision that was approved by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in early 2021. Local efforts also have caught the attention of U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-California, who has worked on behalf of the Freedmen as chairperson of the House Financial Services Committee. “We’re going continue to do what we can. We’re going to continue to work with members of congress,” Vann said. “Greater attention for the Freedmen is a big step forward.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OKLAHOMAN

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T H I N G

Back: Jean Lehr, Judy Dermody, Shondra McCage, Molly Wehrenberg, Emmalee Baressi, Shauna Peters, Nyla Kahn Middle: Carol Hefner (Chair, Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame committee), Pat Carr, Denise Castelli, Delores Runnels, Linda Haneborg, Rachel Mathews Front: Victoria Woods, (Chair, Oklahoma Commission of the Status of Women)

A Celebration of Remarkable Women Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates 20th inductee event BY J A K E D U R H A M

I N 1 9 6 2 , PR ESI DE N T JOH N F. K E N N E DY created the President’s Council of Women, and former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was named the first chair. States were encouraged to develop similar councils that would review and report on issues ranging from the quality of life related to women and families to concerns surrounding gender bias. In 1965, Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon established the first Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Future state governors established similar committees or commissions by executive order. In 1994, the state legislature created the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW). The Commission consists of 30 members who are appointed to five-year terms. Today, the Commission is a highly respected and recognized voice for 94

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women in Oklahoma. It serves as an advisory board that offers guidance on gender bias and discrimination issues, promotes legislation and makes annual reports to the Governor. Other duties and responsibilities include researching important issues related to women, making recommendations for regulatory change and the recognition of inductees into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. The Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame was established by Governor George Nigh in 1982 in furtherance of the responsibilities of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Since then, 134 women have received the prestigious honor. Inductees have made significant contributions to the state; they are the role models and unsung heroes whose actions have changed and improved the lives of fellow Oklahomans or Americans. “It is the highest honor of outstanding service benefiting the lives of women and families in Oklahoma, the nation or elsewhere in the world,” according to OCSW Executive Director, Kitti Asberry. “There are many outstanding Oklahoma women who are improving the lives of other women, families and children, and deserve to be recognized for their efforts,” said Carol Hefner, Chair of the 2022 Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and a commissioner for the OCSW.

“It is important to honor women in a permanent manner to inspire and encourage today’s young women and girls to pursue their dreams through today’s role models,” said OCSW Chair Victoria Woods. Nominees are chosen by friends, family and co-workers and must be current or former Oklahoma residents. In addition, nominees should have made significant contributions to the state or their field. These include: - Positively elevating the status of women and girls - Helping to open new frontiers for women and society in general - Making enduring contributions Inductees are chosen by a selection committee comprised of three commissioners and two former inductees, and are announced every other year. To receive the award, inductees must be present during the time of the ceremony. On April 29, the Commission will hold its bi-annual inductee banquet at the Omni Hotel and Resort in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, this special event marks the 20th anniversary of the Women’s Hall of Fame. Proceeds and contributions from the event will help establish a permanent Women’s Hall of Fame exhibit. For more information about the nomination process and a list of past inductees, visit: ok.gov/ocsw

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Securities and advisory services offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc. a registered broker/dealer, a member FINRA and SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Legacy Financial Advisors, LLC and Centaurus Financial, Inc. are not affiliated companies. Supervisory Branch Address: 2300 E. Katella Ave., Ste 200, Anaheim, CA 92806

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OVERHEARD JUST WRAPPED IN OKLAHOMA, ONTO THE NEXT PROJECT. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED.” @A NG USCLOUD, Actor Angus Cloud, who made his debut on HBO’S popular series “Euphoria,” just finished filming a movie called Your Lucky Day in Oklahoma City’s Hales Mansion. Keep your eyes peeled!

I HAVE A WORKING THEORY THAT THE OKLAHOMA CITY BAR AT 3020 N. PENN AVE IS THE BEST BAR IN AMERICA.” @ CH RI S KP OL A N S KY, Polansky is talking about THE 3020 BAR and further explained that it is “the perfect overlap of ‘townie dive’ and ‘welcoming queer space.’”

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