Oklahoma Arts Council News

State Capitol Sculpture Exhibit to Celebrate Allan Houser

Five sculptures by one of Oklahoma's most influential artists, Allan Houser, will soon be added to the grounds of the Oklahoma state Capitol for a special year-long exhibition.

With the January 15 opening of Allan Houser at the Capitol: A Legacy in Bronze, the Oklahoma Arts Council will join museums and cultural institutions statewide to honor Houser's legacy. The exhibition is one of many events taking place throughout Oklahoma in 2014 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Houser's birth.

Born in southwest Oklahoma to parents who were members of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, Houser's artistic legacy and influence resulted in him becoming the first American Indian to receive the National Medal of Arts, which he was awarded in 1992.

Thanks to generous support from Friends of the Capitol, Oklahomans can enjoy the special exhibition on the grounds of the Capitol through December 15, 2014.

For information about statewide events honoring Houser during 2014, visit okhouser.org.

Scholarships Available for Students through Anthony Quinn Foundation

Young adults in high school may be eligible for scholarships from the Anthony Quinn Foundation to attend pre-college, summer or after-school arts education programs. Students with a strong commitment to personal artistic growth in the fields of visual art and design, performing arts, media arts, or literary arts can apply for scholarships of up to $3,000.

Deadline to submit an application is January 1, 2014. Click here for more information.

Crowdfunding Program for Central Oklahoma Cultural Organizations

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in central Oklahoma may soon find a new source of funding. Beginning in February, the online cultural marketplace power2give.org will be available to help eligible cultural organizations in need of funding connect with donors who have an interest in their projects.

An eligibility form is now availble through Allied Arts, the local provider organization for the program. Deadline to submit the eligibility form in time for the February 2014 launch is Monday, December 16.

For more information about the program click here.

NEA Expands Military Art Therapy Program

An initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide creative therapy for military patients is being expanded. The NEA recently announced a pilot-program in which art therapists will provide visual arts therapy and therapeutic writing activities for patients diagnosed with mild brain injuries or psychological health conditions.

NEA Deputy Senior Chairman Joan Shigekawa said "We are proud to partner with the Department of Defense to explore how arts can play a key role in fostering the health and well-being in the military community."

Read more about the program here.

Art therapy programs in Oklahoma may be eligible for Oklahoma Arts Council funding. Learn more about funding available through our Arts Learning in Communities grants.

Governor Fallin Selects Artist Paul Moore for Hall of Governors Bust

Governor Mary Fallin has selected Norman artist Paul Moore to create her bronze bust for the Hall of Governors at the Oklahoma state Capitol. Fallin's likeness will eventually join busts of Oklahoma's past governors in the second floor space.

Moore, a 2013 Governor's Arts Award recipient, created the official bust of former Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry for the Hall of Governors. He has dedicated several years working on the Land Run Monument near Oklahoma City's Bricktown district. When complete, the monument will be one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.

No date is set for completion of Gov. Fallin's sculpture. Oklahoma Arts Council staff will continue working with Gov. Fallin and Moore through the conclusion of the project.

New Plaque Pays Tribute to Betty Price

A new plaque paying tribute to one of Oklahoma's longtime arts leaders, Betty Price, was commemorated on November 13 during the annual Governor's Arts Awards ceremony. On display in the Betty Price Gallery on the first floor of the state Capitol, the plaque provides visitors a brief glimpse of Price's many efforts to support and develop the arts in Oklahoma, including her role in the creation of the first floor gallery that houses the State Art Collection.

Visitors can view the plaque in the Betty Price Gallery and learn more about Price's efforts weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more.