Oklahoma Arts Council News
Oklahoma Arts Council Seeks Governor's Arts Awards Nominations
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Arts Council is seeking nominations for the 38th annual Governor's Arts Awards. The awards honor individuals and organizations whose efforts have impacted the arts in their communities or throughout the state. The governor presents the awards each fall during a special ceremony at the state Capitol. Click to learn more.
Amber Sharples Named Executive Director
Members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board have selected Amber Sharples as the state agency’s new executive director. Sharples replaces Kim Baker, who announced her resignation in March. Sharples has been on staff with the Council since 2006, when she was hired as visual arts director. In 2011, she was promoted to assistant director.
CERF+ Offers Artists Emergency Readiness and Recovery Assistance
Recent weather-related disasters should remind artists to protect their assets from potential loss. One resource available to artists is CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund), an award-winning nonprofit organization that has helped artists affected by disasters for more than 20 years.
CERF+ helps artists through direct financial and educational assistance including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety and insurance. If you are an artist who has been impacted by recent storms in Oklahoma, or if you want to take steps to protect your work, learn more about CERF+.
Artists: Apply for Business Training Program by June 14
Artists who are interested in becoming successful artist entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for a new program being brought to Oklahoma for the first time by the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Artist INC is a groundbreaking training program geared to meet artists' business needs through a series of one-day workshops over eight weeks. Workshops will begin in October and will help artists establish strategic plans, connect with resources, build peer networks and more. Learn more here.
Allan Houser Sculpture Added to State Art Collection
The Oklahoma Arts Council is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Allan Houser's sculpture Dialogue for the State Art Collection. Reflecting Houser's distinct style of long lines and elegant forms, Dialogue depicts two women engaged in what appears to be a conversation and perhaps a moment of one generation passing knowledge to the next. Read more about Dialogue.