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Oklahoma Arts Conference

2021 Oklahoma Arts Conference


Conference Schedule
Pre-conference
Wednesday, October 27, 2021		Thursday, October 28, 2021Friday, October 29, 2021
8:00am - 9:00am Energy and Joy Generator: Creative Movement and Fun with Erika and Heidi
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Arena
Presenters: Heidi Costello , Erika Wilhite
Get the day started with a kick! Led by Heidi Costello and Erika Wilhite (both with ENFP personalities), this morning session will help you wake up with sparks of joy, creative movement, and play. The Oklahoma Arts Council duo will lead a fun, interactive experience to get your energy flowing as we celebrate the new day.
9:15am - 10:15am A Seat at the Table and a Voice in the Conversation
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Theatre
Presenters: Michelle Brown-Burdex - Presenter, Camille Landry - Presenter
What often starts as a strong desire for our organizations to become more inclusive and diverse leads to the recognition that there is tremendous work to do in shifting our operational practices and organizational culture. It is not always obvious where to begin in this work, but listening with an open heart and mind is a good place to start when it comes to building trust and fostering new connections. Members of the newly formed Oklahoma Black Arts Leaders Affinity Group will share recommendations on how Oklahoma’s arts and cultural sector can build meaningful and sustainable connections with Black and African American artists, organizations, and communities.
9:15am - 10:15am Creative Collaborations in Oklahoma Music
Location: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, 401 S. 3rd Street
Room: Ballroom
Presenters: Jeanette Stanton - Moderator, Randy Norman - Panelist
Since 1998, WoodyFest has celebrated the life and legacy of one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated musicians, Woody Guthrie. Attracting over 10,000 visitors from across the globe each year, the annual music festival draws audiences to Woody’s hometown of Okemah, where attendees immerse themselves in the town’s creative culture creating a sizeable impact on the small community. Hear more from Woody Guthrie Coalition President Randy Norman, Okemah Economic Development Director Andy Tucker, and a local musician Cassie Latshaw on how their innovative efforts and collaborations on the festival have opened new doors for Oklahoma musicians and the community all while paying tribute to a hometown hero.
9:15am - 10:15am Creative Placemaking in the Muskogee Depot District Part 1
Location: Depot Green (outdoor space),
Room: Pavilion
Presenters: Ron Frantz - Panelist, Shane Hampton - Panelist, Vanessa Morrison - Panelist
This University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) workshop will bridge together local and visiting conference attendees through an immersive experience of historic exploration, community storytelling, and a reimagining of the present and future of Depot Green. The first session will kick off with attendees learning about the Depot Green’s historic legacy and its connection to existing assets through a community-led walking tour. Next, attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear stories from residents and learn more about their connections to these spaces. IQC is the community engagement program of the University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. IQC partners with students and communities across the state to address local challenges related to the built environment. Learn more at icq.ou.edu.
9:15am - 10:15am Indigenous Film Showcase
Location: Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave.
Room: Theater
Presenters: Sarah Megan Kelley - Presenter, ShIron Butterfly Ray - Presenter
Join Sarah Megan Kelley and ShIron Butterfly Ray for a sampling of short films that were featured at the 2021 Indigenous Film Festival in Muskogee. Presented by the Muskogee Oklahoma Native American Association (MONAA), the film festival was part of the community’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, highlighting films about the Native arts produced and told by Indigenous filmmakers. Featured films include: "Tribal City" by Cherokee Smith, "Indigenous Cuisine" by Annette Arkeketa, "Creation of Indigenous Peoples Celebration," by Megan Kelley, and the Sonya Oberly Skokomish Documentary.
9:15am - 10:15am Leading with Questions
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Lobby
Presenters: Jachin Merrill - Featured Presenter
The best leaders don’t engage in monologues; they stimulate conversations and use powerful questions as a way to engage courageous conversations and create opportunities to enrich, inspire, challenge, illuminate, and learn. Whether you’re a leader trying to inspire and motivate a team or a fundraiser trying to sell an idea or program to a potential donor, this session will teach how to unlock the power of questions! In this session you’ll learn:

How asking can get you further than just talking in any conversation

Why to never ask a question that starts with “why”

The 5 most important questions you can ask in almost any situation
9:15am - 10:15am Mid-America Arts Alliance: Empowering Community Through Art
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room F
Presenters: Margaret Keough - Presenter
Join Margaret Keough from Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) for conversation about M-AAA and its many programs for artists and arts organizations in Oklahoma, in the region, and beyond. Learn more about M-AAA’s grant making, including programs such as Artistic Innovations, Regional Touring Program, and Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants. Hear about M-AAA's celebrated professional development programs, including Artist INC, and its traveling exhibitions program, ExhibitsUSA.
9:15am - 10:15am Social-Emotional Learning and Arts Education
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room E
Presenters: Dr. Michael Raiber - Presenter
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is gaining national attention as a strategy to help learners overcome achievement gaps and process complex emotions following pandemic-related disruptions in school and at home. In this session, Dr. Michael Raiber will offer an introduction to SEL practices for educators and will walk participants through ways that the arts are uniquely suited to employ SEL-based strategies – in school and community settings – in order to support and re-engage learners in a more holistic way. Participants will gain tools and knowledge in order to bring these concepts to learners in diverse settings throughout the state.
10:45am - 11:45am Anyone Can Sing! A Lesson with Barbara McAlister
Location: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, 401 S. 3rd Street
Room: Ballroom
Presenters: Barbara McAlister - Presenter
You may think that you can’t carry a tune, but this short lesson with world-renowned opera singer Barbara McAlister will change your mind. Learn the very basic vocal techniques of Broadway Belt to help you feel confident and prepared to break into song the next time the spotlight is on you. This fun and interactive session is for anyone. We will start with songs “All that Jazz” and “Amazing Grace.”
10:45am - 11:45am Creative Placemaking in Muskogee Depot District Part 2
Location: Depot Green (outdoor space),
Room: Pavilion
Presenters: Ron Frantz - Panelist, Shane Hampton - Panelist, Vanessa Morrison - Panelist
This University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) workshop will bridge together local and visiting conference attendees through an immersive experience of historic exploration, community storytelling, and reimagining the present and future of Depot Green. This second session will be a collaborative, small group design activity to imagine how cultural connections and assets can be utilized as tools to design the future of the Depot Green. The IQC is the community engagement program of the University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. IQC partners with students and communities across the state to address local challenges related to the built environment. Learn more at icq.ou.edu.
10:45am - 11:45am Film Friendly 101: When Hollywood Comes to Town
Location: Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave.
Room: Theater
Presenters: Yousef Kazemi - Moderator, Lori Hill - Panelist, Danny Hulsey - Panelist, Steve Maddox - Panelist
The old saying, “It takes a village,” certainly rings true as an increasing number of Oklahoma communities are working to support film and television production in their areas. From city leadership to community members, everyone plays a role in the success of movies being made in Oklahoma. Take a deeper dive with representatives from the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, the newly certified film-friendly communities of El Reno and Broken Arrow, and local film industry professional Danny Hulsey ("Minari" and "The Bygone"). Panelists will outline what can be expected when Hollywood comes to your town and how a film-friendly spirit can help all involved maximize the benefit and impact of production in your community.
10:45am - 11:45am Fund Your Project with a Grant from Oklahoma Humanities
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room F
Presenters: Kelly Burns - Presenter
The mission of Oklahoma Humanities (OH) is to strengthen communities by helping Oklahomans learn about the human experience, understand new perspectives, and participate knowledgeably in civic life. Founded as an independent nonprofit in 1971, OH programs, grants, and partnerships have used humanities scholarship to promote critical thinking and community building. Its affiliation with the National Endowment for the Humanities gives the organization unique access to resources that benefit people and communities across the state of Oklahoma. The best way to obtain funding for projects you’re passionate about is to form relationships with grantmaking organizations and learn about their funding priorities. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the work of Oklahoma Humanities and the grants they have to offer.
10:45am - 11:45am Improving Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution through the Arts
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Lobby
Presenters: Jennifer Maynord - Presenter
Join Artio Services Founder and Director, Jennifer Maynord, M.S., as she helps participants deepen emotional intelligence and the understanding of conflict resolution. Maynord integrates arts-based tools to support learning and discovery and offers practical takeaways. Participants will learn:

How to identify emotional intelligence within themselves and others

Why emotional intelligence is important personally and professionally

The four aspects of conflict resolution

Arts-based tools to help integrate emotional intelligence and conflict resolution into daily life
10:45am - 11:45am Muskogee's New Festivals and Cultural Celebrations
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Theatre
Presenters: ShIron Butterfly Ray - Moderator, Sarah Megan Kelley - Panelist, Becky Lucht - Panelist, Mark Wilkerson - Panelist
The Localmotion Festival and Muskogee Oklahoma Native American Association's Indigenous People Celebration have created unique opportunities for the community to celebrate the history, art, and culture of Muskogee. Event coordinators will discuss steps taken in creating the events, from the initial concepts to implementation, and will highlight lessons learned along the way. Hear how organizers leveraged local partnerships and creativity to provide safe, meaningful, and fun celebrations for people of all ages. If you are considering starting or creating a new festival or community cultural celebration, this session is for you!
10:45am - 11:45am The Story of Jerome Tiger
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room E
Presenters: Sean Barney - Presenter
Born in Tahlequah on July 8, 1941, Jerome Richard Tiger was a highly influential Native American painter from Muskogee who changed the way Native American people and life were represented in art. Tiger produced hundreds of paintings from 1962 until his death in 1967, at the age of 26. Tiger was a fullblood Muscogee-Seminole. English was not his first language, and he dropped out of high school at the age of 16. Tiger's style is said to be a combination of "spiritual vision, humane understanding, and technical virtuosity" but with traditional subject matter and composition. Tiger was compared to Rembrandt and Francisco Goya because of his ability to draw an object or person after a short glance. He worked in oil, watercolor, tempera, casein, pencil, and pen and ink. His paintings first gained recognition at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa. In 1966, the museum displayed a solo exhibit of Tiger's art. This art talk led by Sean Barney, director of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, will explore the life and work of Jerome Tiger, one of Oklahoma’s most influential artists.
12:00pm - 1:30pm General Session Luncheon
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Banquet Rooms C & D
Presenters: LiL Mike & FunnyBone - Featured Performer, - Moderator, Molly O'Connor - Presenter, Jerrod Shouse - Presenter
Moderated by Amber Sharples, Executive Director, Oklahoma Arts Council
Remarks: Jerrod Shouse
Leadership Arts Class of 2021 Graduation
Musical Performance by LiL Mike & FunnyBone
2:00pm - 3:00pm A Conversation on Creative Aging
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room E
Presenters: Erika Wilhite - Moderator, Amanda Harmer - Panelist, DWe Williams - Panelist
Abundant evidence shows that arts participation improves the emotional well-being of older adults, supports good health, strengthens social bonds, and brings a heightened experience of purpose and joy to our lives as we mature. As the Creative Aging movement is building momentum nationally, the Oklahoma Arts Council has joined state arts agencies across the country in an initiative that will provide meaningful arts engagement to older adults. In this session, Oklahoma Arts Council staff will share updates about the agency’s Creative Aging Initiative, and give a forecast of upcoming trainings and other developments. Panelists will present on current and past Creative Aging programs, and participants will engage in dialogue to discuss strategies necessary to increase the number and quality of arts education programs for older adults.
2:00pm - 3:00pm Get to Know Your Funders
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room F
Presenters: Heidi Costello - Moderator, Margaret Keough - Panelist, Jennifer Thurman - Panelist, - Panelist
Join a panel of grant funders and sponsors from across the state and region for a conversation about developing and growing your relationship with community partners. Funders will share tips, best practices, and ways to grow your opportunities for grant funding. Moderated by the Oklahoma Arts Council grants office team.
2:00pm - 3:00pm Q&A with LiL Mike & FunnyBone
Location: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, 401 S. 3rd Street
Room: Ballroom
Presenters: LiL Mike & FunnyBone - Presenter
Join featured performers LiL Mike & FunnyBone after their lunchtime performance to hear more about their journey as rappers, performers, and motivational speakers. Members of the Pawnee Tribe, LiL Mike & FunnyBone have risen to the national spotlight by being featured on America’s Got Talent and on Sterlin Harjo’s acclaimed television series, “Reservation Dogs.”
2:00pm - 3:00pm Q&A with Mrs. ShIron Butterfly Ray
Location: Roxy Theater, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave.
Room: Theater
Presenters: ShIron Butterfly Ray - Presenter
With a lifetime career in the film industry, ShIron Ray has seen it all and done it all. She founded the International Bare Bones Film Festival in 1999, which has been rated by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 10 Small Town Film Festivals in the United States. Ray has depth of professional experience in all aspects of film production including: producing, directing, acting, cinematography, special effects, make-up, and more. She teaches film at Bacone College and has served as mentor for several filmmakers. For community leaders who would like to start a film festival or program, Ray can offer guidance and advice on how to get started.
2:00pm - 3:00pm Renaissance Festival Dance: Making Dancers of Patrons and Performers
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Arena
Presenters: Jeremy Caviness - Presenter
How we train and retain dancers for 6 weekends of interactive dance performance and create a “sweep them off their feet” experience in dance for our patrons.
 
It is my intent to speak to the interactive nature of our dance program. This will include our approach to simplifying and preventing fear in those who have never danced – patrons and performers alike. Additionally, we will share some of our favorite dances with attendees.
 
Jeremy Caviness holds a BA in Arts and Performance and an MA in Organizational Leadership. Jeremy has been privileged to study and teach historical dance for over 25 years. This dance practice is specifically directed in sharing dance with non-dancers, classically trained dancers and everyone in between to create an immediately immersive experience in dance.
2:00pm - 3:00pm Silver Linings: Tough Times Call for Innovation
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Theatre
Presenters: Michael Baron - Panelist, Selby Minner - Panelist, Vanessa Morrison - Panelist
While many arts and cultural organizations across the country were forced to suspend audience-based events and programs, many arts leaders leveraged creativity to reimagine what was possible during a time of limitations. Hear about how BlackSpace Oklahoma, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame triumphantly pivoted their work to successfully offer joyful arts experiences during a time when so many events were canceled.
2:00pm - 3:00pm Talk the Talk: Communicate in a Way That Will Make Everyone Want to Listen
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Lobby
Presenters: Jachin Merrill - Presenter
The best leaders know that understanding their audience is the key to communicating effectively in the workplace and in the community. Learn what might be holding you back from being an effective communicator and what you can do to communicate in a way that resonates with everyone you encounter. From empowering employees who might be struggling, to communicating courageously during conflict, this session is full of gold nuggets that will change the way communicate with just about everyone.
3:30pm - 4:30pm Community Development Grant Opportunities in Oklahoma
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room F
Presenters: Joy McGill - Panelist, Selby Minner - Panelist, Adam White - Panelist
Did you know that funding from the USDA and AARP could be directed toward arts-based projects and infrastructural improvements in your communities? Through the support of the USDA Rural Business Development grant, the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame and Museum was able to make much-needed building repairs and maintenance, which will protect and preserve the historic juke joint and landmark that was originally the childhood home of famed blues musician D.C. Minner. The City of Eufaula was recently awarded a 2021 Community Facilities Grant provided by AARP. This grant will support the installation of permanent outdoor musical instruments along the downtown corridor of Eufaula. The instruments will be strategically placed in pairs to encourage social engagement, and staged at least 30 meters apart to encourage walking and interaction. The goal of the outdoor music instrument installation is to create social interaction and innovation in the community. Panelists will discuss the grant application processes and share information on how other Oklahoma communities can leverage funding from the USDA and AARP to make their communities more vibrant, livable, accessible, and engaging for local residents and visitors.
3:30pm - 4:30pm Embracing the New Day: A Time and Space for Reflection
Location: Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St.
Room: Meeting Room E
As the 2021 Oklahoma Arts Conference comes to an end and we prepare to return to our home communities, we set aside this time as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges we have faced since early 2020, the time we have had here together at the conference, and the future that lies before us. This session is designed to be a place where we reflect as an arts and cultural sector on our current reality and to consider how we will collectively move forward in our work. This open-mic forum will allow all participants a chance to voice what has inspired them to move forward during these most difficult times. Questions for reflection include: How can we leverage the arts and culture to be a source of healing and hope for our communities? What new possibilities do we see for our work as arts and community leaders? How have innovation and creativity served as lifelines during the darkest of times? How will we work together to ensure that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the center of our work? What new opportunities lie ahead at the dawn of this new day?
3:30pm - 4:30pm Indigenous Puppets and Storytelling
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Theatre
Presenters: Sarah Megan Kelley - Presenter
Through puppetry and storytelling, artist Sarah Megan Kelley has developed original puppet shows to pass on traditional Indigenous stories. In this session, Kelley will discuss how to research Indigenous stories, create puppets, and produce original performances for audiences of all ages.
3:30pm - 4:30pm Public Art Forum
Location: Muskogee Little Theatre, 311 S. 3rd Street
Room: Lobby
Presenters: Jarica Walsh - Moderator
Communities, municipalities, and neighborhoods across Oklahoma are taking greater interest in public art projects ranging from temporary murals to large-scale environments. If you are interested in starting or advancing public art programs in your community, this session is for you. This session is structured as an informal discussion for people to share their ideas and examples of local public art projects and enthusiasm for public art. Get connected to resources such as the Oklahoma Public Art Network and learn about opportunities and methods for best practice.
4:30pm - 5:00pm Mvto "Thank You"
Location: TBD
Room: TBD
Presenters: LiL Mike & FunnyBone , Jordyn Jorgenson, Charles Moore, ShIron Butterfly Ray
Join us for a fun conference send-off on the Muskogee Civic Center Plaza (located on the north side of the building) to celebrate the 2021 Oklahoma Arts Conference experience, featuring your Muskogee conference co-chairs Jordyn Jorgenson, ShIron Butterfly Ray, and Charles Moore for a moment of gratitude and well-wishes. Featured conference performers and rappers LiL Mike & FunnyBone will be there to keep it real. Should there be inclement weather, this event will take place inside the Civic Center.
5:00pm - 7:00pm Closing Reception at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum
Location: Five Civilized Tribes Museum , 1101 Honor Heights Drive
Room: Gallery and Museum
Close out your conference experience by joining your peers and conference hosts for a closing reception at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. Located in Honor Heights Park, the museum is dedicated to preserving the art, history, and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole tribes. Guests will have the opportunity to see the 48th Annual Master Artist Exhibit, which features the works of master artists form Oklahoma and beyond. Light refreshments will be provided, and guests will get to experience live music performances by a traditional choir.
5:30pm - 10:00pm Friday Night Fun in Muskogee
Location: Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W Fern Mountain Rd
Room: TBD
Don’t go home just yet...Muskogee offers lots of options for fun and frights on your Friday night!

The Halloween Festival at the Castle of Muskogee
Friday, October 29
Gates will be open from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
3400 W Fern Mountain Rd, Muskogee, OK 74401
Ticket prices range from $10 to $20 per person.

The Halloween Festival offers a range of chilling and thrilling experiences. The 62 acre festival space features vendors, rides, games, foods, and entertainment celebrating Halloween Season. Visit okcastle.com for more information.


The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Roxy Theatre
Friday, October 29, 9:00 p.m.
220 W. Okmulgee Ave., Downtown Muskogee
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by visiting roxymuskogee.org

There is no other experience like the interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show! Join us and experience the Absolute Pleasure of interacting with the movie by joining in saying the actors’ lines, purchase your prop bag, and enjoy the small pleasures in life while participating and acting out the movie with the actors!

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Questions?
For more information contact our Director of Rural and Creative Community Outreach.