SPORTS

A Perfect Fit

OVAC’s lively 12x12 celebration

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

WITH A MISSION TO “GROW AND

develop Oklahoma’s visual arts community through education, promotion, connection and funding” while building public interest in the arts, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) has been a huge part of the state’s arts community since 1988. Its work in supporting Oklahoma’s artists, creative community and educators has been fundamental in demonstrating how art improves quality of life, adds value and provides a positive economic impact across the state.

Each September, OVAC hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year: The 12x12 Art Fundraiser is a one-night affair featuring art by 175 of Oklahoma’s finest artists. Each piece will be up for auction with a starting bid of $200 but also has a “buy it now” price for patrons who fall in love and want to skip the auction, which ensures the artwork ends up in their home. Each piece must conform to 12-by-12inch dimensions but otherwise is completely up to each artist’s discretion. This year, 12x12 will feature about 50 pieces by new names and talents from across the state while the other pieces will be contributed by returning artists.

The money raised through the 12x12 event usually accounts for over 20% of OVAC’s annual budget and goes directly to its Grants for Artists program. Artists can apply for four grants: one for basic professional materials, one for travel and educational opportunities, one for jumpstarting creative projects and presenting them in an art show, and one for community art projects. Alexa Goetzinger, development director at OVAC, said, “Our Grants for Artists program is essential for Oklahoma artists to make their practice more professional, receive new education and take that next step forward in their careers. OVAC was founded to provide funding for individual artists, and in the 34 years since then, we have awarded almost $1 million to artists through

The 12x12 Art Fundraiser helps OVAC provide grants to local artists.

OVAC announced in July that Rebecca Kinslow has been named its new executive director. Kinslow, an Oklahoma native, spent almost 18 years in Nashville, where she served as the director of community and organizational development at Metro Arts. Before that, she received her Master of Science in nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and served as the director of community education at Watkins College of Art. Kinslow is committed to promoting and advancing the visual arts across Oklahoma in this new position.

Artist Ashley Showalter

Staff for 2021’s 12x12 fundraiser

Its work in supporting Oklahoma’s artists, creative community and educators has been fundamental in demonstrating how art improves quality of life, adds value and provides a positive economic impact across the state.

grants, awards and art sales. This would not be possible without our community’s support through the 12x12.”

This year’s 12x12 Art Fundraiser will be held Friday, Sept. 16 at Lively Beerworks, 815 SW 2nd St. near downtown OKC. The festivities include live music, light bites and a silent auction of prizes from local businesses in addition to the art auction and exhibition. “OVAC’s 12x12 Art Fundraiser is an incredible display of Oklahoma’s artistic talent throughout the state,” Goetzinger said.

For more information on the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, visit its website at ovac-ok.org; to buy tickets to 12x12, visit 12x12ok.org Occasions is an authorized dealer of MacKenzie-Childs

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BigLeague Bulls

Oklahoma’s first professional bull riding team saddles up

BY JAKE DURHAM

A BULL RIDER ENTERS

the chute. It can seem like an eternity as they prepare themselves for the ride — mental anguish wars with excitement. The rider wraps one hand into the bull rope. When ready, the rider nods, and a gateman opens the chute. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

While some might consider it an Old West relic or small-town entertainment, those passionate about bull riding view it as their livelihood and a sport unlike any other. One team hopes to change the way people view bull riding altogether.

The Oklahoma Freedom is the state’s first-ever professional bull riding team, and general manager Brandon Bates knows, hands down, that he has assembled the finest pro athletes to represent Oklahoma and the sport. “We don’t just want these guys to become better overall athletes,” said Bates. “We want them to live better lives, eat better food, practice better nutrition and have mental training.”

For years, there has been a stigma surrounding bull riding, and people tend not to view riders as profes-

Oklahoma Freedom at a preseason event in Tryon, North Carolina

sional athletes. But a great deal of concentration, training and dedication accompanies the sport, and these are the requirements of a winning team. “So imagine you have 40 bull riders,” said Bates. “There are eight teams and five men per team. Five bulls are randomly drawn to a team. Teams then determine which bull fits which rider best. Then rider confidence level and structure change for the athlete, which gives them a format to get better from a physical fitness and business standpoint.”

PBR seasons are not as long as those of other professional sports, with just 11 events. This eliminates the need for athletes to be centrally located, unlike an MLB, NBA or NFL team. PBR team members are also independent contractors, enabling athletes to compete at different events in the off-season if they choose. “For the first time, rodeo and bull riding athletes are going to have a lot of the same structure that other major league sports athletes currently have at their disposal,” said Bates. “This includes access to better mental health and psychological training.”

This year’s Oklahoma Freedom lineup includes some familiar Oklahoma faces and a few new ones. Led by former professional rodeo cowboy and experienced bull rider Cord McCoy, the team will hold its inaugural Oklahoma Freedom Fest homestand Sept. 16-18 at the Paycom Center. “It’s probably the purest and raw form of sport out there,” said Bates. “There’s no off switch. No one says, ‘Oh my gosh, this is too dangerous, and we have got to stop it right now.’ Once you nod your head and that gate opens, it’s like you are out there with a shark.”

Visit pbr.com/teams/freedom/ to learn more about the upcoming schedule and team roster.