Oklahoma City is becoming the place for indie crafts and arts. In May, the Deluxe Indie Craft Fair hosted crafters and artists from around Oklahoma, including the Tulsa Craft Mafia and the Disciples of Etsy. Now, Norman will host the VINTOUR EXPO, the first annual Craft Expo Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, 615 E. Robinson Street, Norman, Oklahoma.

This modern craft expo will showcase local D.I.Y. Stars with their fabulous talents and creative works of art. There will be a wide range of styles from vintage, retro, modern, indie, southern rock and much much more. Some of the featured items will include crystal and rhinestone jewelry, home décor, floral arrangements, children and adult clothing and accessories, handmade soaps, bath salt and scrub products, hand-painted wall signs, candles, hand paintings, wood crafts, purses and totes, decorative metal art, handmade furniture, gifts, and many other items.

Admission and parking will be free.

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Dreamer Concepts Studio & Foundation (DCSF), a non-profit art gallery located at 324 East Main Street in downtown Norman, is hosting the opening reception for Dreamer 20: When Barbie met Siouxsie on Friday, July 10th from 6-10pm. The exhibit will open to the public that evening in conjunction with DCSF’s annual fashion show. The fashion show will begin at 7:30pm featuring designs by the Dreamer 20 featured artists, outfits from Campus Corner’s clothing boutique, Blush, and hair and make-up by Norman’s own Lollie’s Beauty Bar located in Redbud Plaza.

Jamie McCarty, guest curator for Dreamer 20: When Barbie met Siouxsie, will return to Norman from studying at Parsons, the New School for design, NYC to share her latest fashions along with a video installation, paintings, sketches, clothing, jewelry and handbags made by local artists. Featured artists for Dreamer 20 include Brent Logsdon of oddfab studio workshop, Jamie McCarty, Kelsey McMurray, Brittany Momyer, Trami Nguyen, Alison Polk and Lauren Singrey.

Dreamer 20: When Barbie met Siouxsie comes from the idea of taking two things that are completely opposite i.e. super-girlie fashion queen Barbie, and over the top, outrageous, often offensive, and powerful punk icon Siouxsie Sioux, of Siouxsie and the Banshees and combining them for an interesting result. How would Barbie dress to attend a sex pistols show? How would Siouxsie dress for a dream date with Ken?

Brent Logdson
Brent Logsdon graduated OU with a BA in interior design and has a varied portfolio spanning two decades. His recent work has shown a focus on stenciling and other graffiti – influenced spray paint techniques. This project was underway at oddfab studio/workshop when the call to artists went out concerning Dreamer 20, and Brent felt it was a good match for his motivation for the Big Pink Bandsaw.

Jamie McCarty
Jamie McCarty is a fashion designer and the guest curator for Dreamer 20: When Barbie met Siouxsie. The idea is an extension of her junior thesis collection at Parsons, the New School for design. She will be presenting a women’s wear collection that is based on the idea of picture perfect girly girl Barbie meeting and becoming influenced by punk icon Siouxsie Sioux.

Kelsey McMurray
Kelsey McMurray is the head designer of Conundrum Clothing, a unique teen/young adult line and just recently started Uccello Piccolo, her baby/children’s wear line. She will be presenting a women’s wear collection based on the When Barbie met Siouxsie theme.

Brittany Momyer
Brittany Momyer of Claude & Monique bags has been making stick bags for drummers and handbags since she was 18. She uses a variety of materials, whatever is lying around, in a creative way to add to the uniqueness of her designs. A broad age range of women like Claude & Monique bags, but the majority market are teens and young adult women.

Trami Nguyen
Trami Nguyen works with paint, lithography, and sculpture. Her compositions are discovered through breaking up and assimilating forms of the human figure and nature. Her pieces contain a repeating motif of the perpetual cycle of the self conquering and self defeat all humans face. Her work is meant to evoke a waking dream.

Alison Polk
Alison Polk is a local artist; her work includes fashion accessories and photography. All of Alison’s work for When Barbie met Siouxsie revolves around the punk rock Barbie theme. It will include headbands, brooches, and photography.

Lauren Singrey
Lauren Singrey is a Norman artist who began painting modern abstracts on canvas in 2002 after studying layering acrylics and color theory. Her influences include artists Robert Delaunay and Mark Rothko.Driven by her love of pop culture and fashion. Lauren launched Ploom Accessories in 2008 after a popular response from friends and local boutiques to create “classic accessories for the modern debutante”. She strives to evolve her fashion designs and artwork by maintaining a fresh look and always having a creative perspective on life.

This event was made possible by the wonderful support of DCSF members, Republic Bank & Trust, Fancy That, Othello’s, Native Roots Market, Blush, Lollie’s Beauty Bar and Coach’s Brewhouse.

DCSF’s mission is to encourage, promote and provide opportunities for growth for new artists in our community. For more information or questions concerning DCSF or this event, please contact DCSF at 405.701.0048/info@dreamerconcepts.org or visit our web site: www.dreamerconcepts.org.

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The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers a night at the museum, grown-up style, with Dinos & Desserts scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Advance tickets are available beginning July 1.

Dinos & Desserts will include delicious desserts, beverages, live music and several chances to win prizes including gift certificates to Excavations, the museum store; and tickets to the museum. All guests must be 21 to enter.

“ Everyone knows that kids love the museum,” said Linda Coldwell, public relations officer for the museum. “But it’s a wonderful source of inspiration and entertainment for adults, as well. This event will give adults an opportunity to explore the exhibits in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere. We think our guests will enjoy feeding both their curiosity and their sweet-tooth at this special evening.”

All museum galleries will be open through the evening, including the special exhibition “One Hundred Summers: A Kiowa Calendar Record,” featuring the rare ledger art of Kiowa artist and calendar-keeper Silver Horn.

Regular tickets to Dino & Desserts are $13 per person in advance or $15 per person at the door. Museum members receive a discounted price of $12 per person. Ticket price include museum admission and desserts. Guests may reserve tickets by calling (405) 325-3601 or by e-mail at rsvp@snomnh.ou.edu.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus at Timberdell Road and Chautauqua Avenue. Additional information about this and other programs and events at the museum is available on the Web at www.snomnh.ou.edu.

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I know what you’re thinking.. it’s Friday night and Oklahoma City is hoppin’ as usual. Shakespeare never changes, right? If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, etc., etc. While I would normally agree, I assure you this is one show you don’t want to miss.

I love Shakespeare more than the average person, probably. I’m not ashamed to say that I have several different copies of his complete works and flip through them on a very regular basis (Okay, I’ll admit it.. I read it every night). His language is captivating and his masterfully crafted stories leave you satisfied and often surprised at the numerous twists and turns taken to develop the plot. As an avid reader and fan, I find myself regularly disappointed at the liberties taken by theatre companies that wish to make Shakespeare fresh and modern. They just don’t seem to get it quite right. After being disappointed so many times, I was wary of the newest theatre company in town and even more concerned when I heard that the play was to be set in the jazzy, stylish 20s.

Jazzy Shakespeare?! It sounds crazy, I know, but somehow it just fit. While keeping true to the author’s language, Reduxion Theatre Company has indeed managed to make Shakespeare their own. The swinging music, dazzling costumes and impeccably choreographed movements seemed natural. The Taming of the Shrew is one of my favorite Shakespearean comedies but even a seasoned reader can’t catch every joke. As I sat in the audience enjoying the fact that I could even understand the language at all, I found myself laughing at things I had never noticed when reading through the play myself.

It was impossible through all the laughter (at times there was so much that it was impossible to even hear the actors) to choose any player that outshone the others. Each was expertly portrayed and each captured the hip, romantic energy of the 20s while bringing Shakespeare’s own language to life.

There is little I can say that will do the Reduxion Theatre Company any justice for their refreshing take on Shakespeare, except to encourage each of our readers to support this troupe. They are skilled professionals whose creativity and ability are, in my humble opinion, unmatched in Oklahoma City. I look forward to their next season and will undoubtedly see Shakespeare very differently because of their powerful influence.

Congratulations to Dawn Deckman Moeller, Holly McNatt, Emily Ward, Ian Clinton, Kaleb M. Bruza, Lindsay L. Zana, Jeff Burleson, Rhys Henley, Jerrad Allbritton, Cristela Carrizales and Joshua Irick on a job well done!

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The new arts loop is a monthly Cleveland Area Rapid Transit route that connects the Downtown Arts District, outlying galleries, performance halls and Campus Corner to accompany an art walk every second Friday of each month. The family-friendly gallery visit doubles as an inexpensive family outing or an inexpensive date.

June’s event features members of the Norman Studio Artists Association displaying artwork in studios along Main Street, live street musicians such as local blues rocker Daddy Love and other street performers such as the Prairie Folk Circus throughout the evening.

For only 50 cents per ride or $2 for the whole evening, visitors can park and hop on a CART trolley at Republic Bank & Trust on the corner of Main Street and University Boulevard, or any other stop on the route, and visit participating art galleries and organizations from 6 to 10 p.m. CART riders can get on or off at any of the multiple stops throughout the evening. Local onboard singer/songwriters will provide live music throughout the night for trolley riders.

More than a dozen galleries will be open throughout the evening, with most featuring free admission, live entertainment and other activities.

As part of its new Art “à la CART” series, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on pottery activities, live music and short films by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. This month’s live music features a world music theme. Arabic and Celtic string and flute duet Arabesque, African drummer and storyteller Jahruba and Colombian pianist and singer José Luis Tono will perform in the museum’s Sandy Bell Gallery.

The Firehouse Art Center, located at 444 S. Flood Ave., will feature “The Green Wave” through June 26. On-site artists will create ceramic fish that “swim” through the air inside the gallery. Local children will paint the fish this summer during the Children’s Summer Art Program at the center.

Sonder Music, Dance & Art at 225 E. Gray St. will premiere the new exhibition Eye of Photography: Photos by David Parker with an opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by DJ Levi.

Ring of Fire Studio and Gallery in downtown Norman will display a new exhibition with ceramics by Joni Beamish, paintings by Vicki Maenza and live glass-blowing demonstrations at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Ring of Fire is located at 318 E. Main St.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art at 122 E. Main St. will continue its new exhibition of works by Jeff Dodd and Derek Erdman from 7 to 9 p.m. Dodd’s works display landscapes featuring the northern Oklahoma flatlands as his subjects. Three of the larger works will be permanently displayed in the new Norman Regional Health Center facility, to be finished this fall. Erdman’s work is an array of brightly colored popular culture iconography using a super flat style of painting that looks almost like a print. His subjects range from a dolphin in a bed to a young Michael Jackson with a squirrel in his hair.

MAINSITE also will present works by artists Holly Wilson and Deborah Brackenbury. Wilson’s sculptural wall pieces depict a world of their own, incorporating wood with highly detailed bronze and color-fused figures. Brackenbury uses found china patterned plates to provide the background for her invented creatures and ephemeral imagery. Local musicians Mark Williams and Wess McMichael will perform on the sidewalk in front of MAINSITE throughout the night.

Dozens of other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

A complete list of each participating gallery and member of the Norman Gallery Association, as well as a CART map for the evening and instructions for riding, is available online at www.normangalleryassociation.com.

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“Chesapeake is very pleased to offer this day of free admission to our community,” said Teresa Rose, Director Community Relations. “The museum offers so many exciting exhibits, we want to help ensure that all Oklahomans have the opportunity to explore and enjoy this state treasure.”

Visitors to the museum on Chesapeake Energy Free Day will have an opportunity to view a new special exhibition featuring one of Oklahoma’s cultural treasures. “One Hundred Summers: A Kiowa Calendar Record” features more than 200 drawings by Kiowa artist and calendar-keeper Silver Horn. The drawings, made on lined ledger paper, represent key events in the history of the Kiowa tribe between 1828 and 1929. The exhibit is sponsored by the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Merkel Family Foundation.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus at Timberdell Road and Chautauqua Avenue, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Additional information is available on the Web at www.snomnh.ou.edu or by calling (405) 325-4712.

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The Taming of Shrew, an uproarious comedy about courtship and the battle of sexes, centers on Petruchio, a country gentleman, and Katherina (or Kate) the headstrong, obstinate, and eponymous “shrew.” Keeping with the aim of the theatre company, Woods’ inspiration comes exclusively from Shakespeare’s text, but takes a fresh perspective that has become the characteristic trademark of RTC productions.

The script, according to Woods, speaks to a time in America’s recent history: the fight for the 19th Amendment, granting woman the right to vote, at the beginning of the 20th century. For a contemporary audience, a play addressing the “taming” of a woman’s spirit can be a tricky subject. “We must remember that not too long ago, we, as a nation, took sides on whether or not women should be allowed to have a say in our democracy” Woods’ view is that the play tackles equality rather than the idea of superiority. “Unfortunately, even today, a woman with a strong voice can be perceived as ‘unruly’ by certain sectors of society.”

Setting this show at the gateway of the ‘roaring twenties’ offers a unique perspective on the play’s comedy. “The script is full of silliness and fun,” says Woods. The comedy of disguises and mistaken identities reminded him of classic films, such as Some Like It Hot, a comedy also set in the 1920s. “The fashion, the music, and urban life in the US during this time period really serve to highlight the Bard’s language and ideas.”

Performances kick off with a special opening night event. A Roaring Twenties Costume Party will take place the evening of Thursday June 11th at City Arts Center in Oklahoma City. The event will include live music and food provided by Prohibition Room Restaurant Lounge. The party is open to the public and included with price of admission to the performance.

Performances of The Taming of the Shrew begin June 11th and perform every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through June 27th at the newly renovated City Arts Center Theater Space located at 3000 General Pershing Blvd on the Oklahoma Fair Grounds in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For ticket information, call 405-651-3191 or order on-line at www.reduxiontheatre.com.

Reduxion Theatre Company is an Oklahoma Nonprofit, 501c(3) corporation with a mission to professionally produce both classical and contemporary theatre, enriching Oklahoma’s cultural, educational and economic climate, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. RTC has produced several events and productions of classical plays to critical acclaim in both New York City and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.reduxiontheatre.com or call (405) 651-3191.

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The City Lives & Eleisha Eagle @ The Conservatory
Live music from The City Lives, Eleisha Eagle, Map The Sea and Sundry. Doors open at 7:00pm and show starts at 7:30pm. $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

The Taming of the Shrew Opening Night Roaring 20s Party
Reduxion Theatre brings Shakespeare to the stage with a fresh feel! Come to the show and enjoy a costume party with admission! Food and beverages provided by the Prohibition Room Lounge. Tickets are $15 dollars for adults, $12 for students and seniors.

My Little Mascot at the deadCENTER Film Festival
deadCENTER is the top film festival in Oklahoma and one of the best in the region. Tickets are $10.

Amy Coldren at Collected Thread
View artist Amy Coldren’s work at Collected Thread on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Velvet Monkey: Plaza Style Opening & Rockabilly 50’s Fashion Show

Celebrate the grand opening of the Velvet Monkey Salon with this smashing party including live performances from Pseudodance Theatre, Brian Dunning & the Rock and Roll Trio band, DJ ATM, Red Dirt Rebellion Roller Derby Girls. Enjoy a 50s Rockabilly fashion show with hair and makeup by Velvet Monkey stylists!

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Paseo Art Festival- Paseo Arts Festival is a showcase for the original works of visual artists selected by jury, along with performance art and live music. The festival is held in the historic Paseo Arts District. This little Spanish village has been associated with the arts in Oklahoma since it was built in 1929. Today, 60,000 people enjoy the annual Memorial Day weekend festival. This is the only fundraiser for the PAA.

The festival hours will be Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and Monday from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The Paseo is located between NW 30th and Dewey and N.W. 28th and Walker in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

19th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children’s Cowboy Festival- On Memorial Day weekend, authentic chuck wagon crews prepare delicious cowboy favorites for folks to sample, like biscuits and stew, beans and cobblers.

Stage entertainment ranges from a hilarious Old West Medicine Show to the sounds of acclaimed western singer Red Steagall and balladeer, Don Edwards. Activities include stagecoach and covered wagon rides, weaving and rope making. When the sun gets too hot, visitors find their way up the hill to enjoy the sprawling museum complex, or watch their children take part in the hands-on activities in the children’s building.

Edmond Jazz and Blues Festival- This Saturday and Sunday thousands of locals will gather to enjoy a jazzy party at Stephenson Park in Downtown Edmond, Oklahoma. Enjoy great food, fun and entertainment! For details call 341-3321.

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Rennard Strickland is a native Oklahoman of Osage and Cherokee heritage.  In 2007 he decided to donate his collection of more than 200 pieces including paintings, baskets, pottery, textiles and sculptures in memory of his mother Adell Tucker Strickland.  Ghislain d’Humières, director of the FJJMA, where Strickland was the curator of Native American in the early 1990s, commented on the collection:  “I would like to express my gratitude to Rennard Strickland for his amazing gift  to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the University of Oklahoma,” said d’Humières. “The addition of major contemporary Native American pieces to our permanent collection, as well as the Eugene B. Adkins Collection, will escalate our institution to the level of leading museums in this field and also will give our students a unique opportunity to better understand and appreciate Native American art.”

Spirit Red: Visions of Native American Artists runs from June 4th through September 13th.  Spirit Red will open with a special reception at 6 p.m on Wednesday, June 3, in conjunction with the annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in the OU Arts District on the corner of Elm Avenue and Boyd Street, at 555 Elm Ave., on the OU Norman campus.

Admission to the museum is free to all OU students with a current student ID and all museum association members, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 6 to 17 years of age, $2 for OU faculty/staff, and free for children 5 and under. Admission is free on Tuesdays.

[ed note: We originally incorrectly named Rennard Strickland as Richard Strickland. Our apologies!]

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