CRAFTING DOWNTOWN

108|CONTEMPORARY TURNS 10.

BY ZACK REEVES

This month, 108|Contemporary celebrates 10 years of enriching the Tulsa arts scene. Free to visit and sandwiched between the Bob Dylan Center and the Woody Guthrie Center downtown at 108 E. Reconciliation Way, the art gallery has made a unique name for itself since it opened in March 2013.

e gallery will host a members-and-patrons anniversary party on March 23, looking back on the past 10 years. A pop-up graphic installation will show a historic timeline of the gallery’s more standout exhibitions, programs and community impact, and a video highlighting additional memorable moments also will screen on a loop during the event.

e public kick-o for 108’s 10th anniversary celebrations will be a “Birthday Bash” event happening April 7, during First Friday. Visitors can look forward to birthday treats, buttons, craft kits and artwork for sale in both the gallery’s store and second exhibition of the year, “Marilyn Artus: Assorted American Commentary,” which runs through May 21.

108 is one of the few ne art galleries in the country to focus exclusively on “craft art,” like weaving, sewing, carving and beading. While a lot has changed downtown since 108 — formerly the

Brady Craft Alliance — moved into the Mathews Warehouse space, what hasn’t changed, Executive Director Jen Boyd Martin says, is the institution’s commitment to craft and amplifying diversity of experience through art.

“ e best things that have stayed the same are our quality and dedication to showing the most, and the newest, contemporary craft,” says Boyd Martin, who began her career at 108 as the gallery’s rst intern just ahead of its opening reception in 2013. “When planning our exhibitions, we commit to providing a platform for diverse cultural commentary and using the artwork to spark conversations and engagement through the understanding and exploration of the experiences of others.”

Boyd Martin’s goals for the next 10 years are to make 108 a true community space, host open dialogues, explore craft and maintain the quality of exhibition that has made it a favorite among Art Crawlers.

“108|Contemporary is so special to me, and I’m proud to lead our mission and programs,” she says. e gallery will host multiple other anniversary events throughout the spring and summer, as well as a big block party-style bash this fall that will focus on the future of 108. TP

In support of International Women’s Day, see a collection of exhilarating short documentaries. The tour is a celebration of the fantastic women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.

SECOND SATURDAY SILENT: THE LAST TRAIL

11 a.m., March 11

This month’s silent film with live pipe organ score stars Tom Mix, Hollywood’s original cowboy and one-time sheriff of Dewey, Oklahoma. Plus, memorabilia on display from Dewey’s Tom Mix Museum and a special intro by museum director Fawn Lassiter. With support from the American Theatre Organ Society Sooner State Chapter and Play Tulsa Music.

RED CARPET EXPERIENCE

5 p.m., March 12

As the stars come out for the awards on Hollywood’s biggest night, this year’s Red Carpet Experience at Circle Cinema will be free and exclusive for Circle Members. Join online now if you’d like to see the Academy Awards on the big screen accompanied by local hosts, live music, light bites, cash bar, swag and more.

Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival

March 26-30

The Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival returns in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. Enjoy five days of the best in classic and contemporary Jewish cinema from around the world.