Skip navigation
Oklahoma Arts Conference

2023 Oklahoma Arts Conference


Conference Schedule
Pre-conference
Tuesday, October 17, 2023		Wednesday, October 18, 2023Thursday, October 19, 2023
8:30am - 9:00am Good Morning, Lawton!
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom A&B
Presenters: Melissa Beck - Co-Facilitator, Jason Poudrier - Co-Facilitator, Chairman Mark Woommavovah - Presenter
Join your Lawton Conference Co-chairs Melissa Beck and Jason Poudrier as they welcome you to the 2023 Oklahoma Arts Conference! This session will include a special welcome from Comanche Chairman Mark Woomavovah and a performance by the Comanche Nation Youth Dancers. Special announcements will be made and you will hear how to make the most of your time in Lawton and at the conference.
9:00am - 10:00am Rapid Encounters: Speed Networking for Curious People
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom A&B
Presenters: Carolyn Sargentson - Featured Presenter
This session will feature fast and focused networking! Come ready to make new connections, be prepared to generate positive energy, and anticipate opening some promising doors toward success in your work! Bring at least 10 business cards (or make your own).
10:15am - Artist Talk with Shamika Verdejo
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Bison Room A: Artist Engagement Space
Presenters: Shamika Verdejo - Featured Artist, Karen Neurohr - Moderator
10:15am - 11:15am Comanche Strong: How Art and Culture Strengthen Community, Build Resilience, and Foster Community Well-Being
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom D
Presenters: Chairman Mark Woommavovah - Moderator, Teresa Lopez - Presenter, Shailah Red Elk-Ramos - Presenter
Research is increasingly linking arts and cultural experiences to improved health and well-being for people of all ages. During this session, Comanche Nation cultural representatives will share how Lawton-based cultural programs have contributed to improved well-being and quality of life for youth and adults who participate in learning traditional Comanche dances and art instruction.
10:15am - 11:15am Mid-America Arts Alliance and the RAO Network
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom E
Presenters: Margaret A. Keough - Presenter
In this session offered by Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA)—Oklahoma’s Regional Arts Organization (RAO)—you will learn about M-AAA’s programs and grants eligible to communities, nonprofit organizations, and individual artists. M-AAA is one of six RAOs, serving the arts from coast to coast and working closely with the National Endowment for the Arts and state art agencies. But did you know that each RAO offers national opportunities for which you may be eligible? In addition to reviewing M-AAA’s offerings, we offer a quick look at national initiatives of the RAO network.
10:15am - 11:15am The Oklahoma Arts Education Data Project Dashboard
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom C
Presenters: Tonnie Dosser - Moderator, Jennifer Allen-Barron - Panelist, Representative Toni Hasenbeck - Panelist, Elizabeth Maughan - Panelist, John Michael Montgomery - Panelist
How can we as supporters of arts and education find the information we need to take action? How can we empower parents, students, teachers, business leaders, and others to make informed decisions about building our communities and finding the right place for our home or business? This session will feature a panel discussion about one of the most robust tools available for viewing the status of arts education across our state—the Oklahoma Arts Education Data Project Dashboard. Panelists will share about the development of the dashboard and explain how it can be used as a powerful resource in advocating for arts education access. Moderated by Tonnie Dosser of Oklahomans for the Arts, panelists will representatives from the Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma House of Representatives, and Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. Oklahoma State Representative Toni Hasenbeck will share how people can use the dashboard to advocate for their schools. John Michael Montgomery, President and CEO of Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, will offer guidance on how the dashboard can be helpful for the business community, including for realtors who are selling homes in specific school districts.
10:15am - 11:15am What Works? (Artist Entrepreneurship)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Elk Room A&B
Presenters: Diane Scott - Presenter
What Works is a workshop based on sharing the common behaviors of successful artist entrepreneurs. This workshop includes discussions of goal setting and planning, multiple income streams, communications, strategic networking, financial planning, and more. Designed for artists and creatives of all disciplines—from dancers to poets—this workshop includes a What Works workbook that offers participants goal setting and strategic planning exercises, a marketing checklist, and prompts that will inspire to “make art work.”
11:30am - 1:15pm General Session Luncheon
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom A&B
Presenters: Jay Snider - Featured Artist, Hyunsoon Whang - Featured Artist, Vanessa Jennings - Keynote, Tracie Chapman - Moderator, Stan Booker - Presenter, Caroline Lowery - Presenter, Amber Sharples - Presenter
The general session luncheon program will feature a special keynote presentation by distinguished National Heritage Fellow Vanessa Jennings who has been called a "living national treasure" by two U.S. presidents for her deep knowledge of Kiowa culture. Along with Jennings' presentation, attendees will enjoy performances by pianist Hyunsoon Whang and Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Jay Snider. A legislative citation recognizing Oklahoma as Arts and Humanities Month in Oklahoma will be presented by State Representative Daniel Pae and State Representative Rande Worthen.
1:30pm - 2:45pm A Conversation with NEA Heritage Fellows Vanessa Jennings and Bruce Caesar
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom D
Presenters: Bruce Caesar - Featured Artist, Vanessa Jennings - Featured Artist, Amber Sharples - Moderator
This special presentation will feature a moderated conversation with two distinguished National Heritage Fellows from Oklahoma, Vanessa Jennings and Bruce Caesar. Awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, National Heritage Fellowships is the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Each year since 1982, the program has recognized recipients' artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage. During this session, you will hear firsthand about Jennings' and Caesar's lifetime of notable work as cultural leaders. Moderated by Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples, this in-depth conversation will explore how the cultural traditions of Oklahoma shape our collective stories as a people.
1:30pm - 2:45pm An Introduction to Mindfulness
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Elk Room A&B
Presenters: Lauree Dash - Featured Presenter
Mindfulness is the practiced ability to witness and be with whatever arises in our lives. For this experiential session led by certified mindfulness meditation teacher Lauree Dash, you will discover why mindfulness is beneficial, you will hear about the neuroscience behind it, and you learn how to meditate with a basic anchor practice. The gift of mindfulness is a shift from reactivity to choice. No prior experience is necessary.
1:30pm - 2:45pm Arts Education in Rural Schools
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom C
Presenters: Chance Harmon - Moderator, Trey Hays - Panelist, Jenny Perry - Panelist, Elizabeth Ressel - Panelist
Across Oklahoma, arts education programs in rural schools play an important role in equipping students with creative thinking skills and resilience. The positive impact of arts education programs plays out beyond the classroom, often providing opportunities for broader community engagement. Hear from local arts educators and school administrators on the how arts programs are creating positive outcomes for youth, preparing them to succeed in life.
1:30pm - 2:45pm Arts For All: Heart of the Arts in Lawton
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom D
Presenters: Melissa Beck - Moderator, Ronda Love Norrell - Panelist, Jan Stratton - Panelist, Karen Villarreal - Panelist, Clem Wehner - Panelist
Arts for All, Inc. was created in the 1970s by the City of Lawton’s Arts and Humanities Committee to raise funds for local arts programs. In 1977, the organization became a separate entity. Nearly five decades later, Arts For All remains focused on a mission of raising funds for its member arts groups: Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawton Community Theatre, Lawton-Fort Sill Art Council, Wichita Wildlight Photographic Society, and Lawton Pro Musica. AFA's impact through its member groups is impressive; it reaches more than 100,000 people and more than 19,000 school-aged children every year through workshops, summer school, and performances. Its three annual fundraisers—a fund drive, festival, and gala—help Arts for All promote cooperation and collaboration among area groups. This panel will discuss how Arts For All operates and share how this collaborative, sustainable model has been a cornerstone for Lawton and Ft. Sill’s vibrant art scene.
1:30pm - 2:45pm Entering the Leadership Space: Earth, Fire, Air and Water!
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Bison Room B&C
Presenters: Carolyn Sargentson - Featured Presenter
This session for new leaders will explore how we embody, model, and nurture our leadership abilities. Please note that this will involve some improvisation and physical movement.
2:45pm - 3:15pm Afternoon Break
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Lobby
Enjoy a break to catch up with peers. Stop by the Interactive Artist Station or the Artist Engagement Space or listen to live music Light refreshments provided.
3:15pm - 4:45pm Advancing Advocacy
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom C
Presenters: Jerrod Shouse - Moderator, Jason Harris - Panelist, Margaret A. Keough - Panelist, Rob Ward - Panelist
This session will present strategies to implement for understanding and instilling the value of arts advocacy. Presenters will explain how they advocate for the arts in their communities and organizations. Panelists include Margaret Keough of Mid-America Arts Alliance, Rob Ward of Oklahoma Arts Institute, and Jason Harris of Oklahoma Museums Association. Jerrod Shouse of Oklahomans for the Arts will moderate.
3:15pm - Artist Talk with LaVerna Capes, Nelia Holder, and Jame Lyn Hamilton
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Bison Room A: Artist Engagement Space
Presenters: LaVerna Capes - Featured Artist, Jame Lyn Hamilton - Featured Artist, Nelia Holder - Featured Artist
3:15pm - 4:45pm Arts Leaders Meeting with Carolyn Sargentson (by Invitation)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Elk Room A&B
Presenters: Carolyn Sargentson - Featured Presenter
This session is reserved for executive directors of the state’s largest arts organizations, by invitation, who often confront a unique set of challenges and needs common to executive leadership guiding large-scale, multifacted institutions. Conference featured presenter Carolyn Sargentson will facilitate.
3:15pm - 4:30pm Lawton's International Festival
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom D
Presenters: Jason Poudrier - Moderator, Dinah Lazarte - Presenter, Dory Thomas - Presenter
Now in it's 44th Year, Lawton's International Festival was created out of a desire to promote greater of awareness and appreciation of Lawton's diverse heritage. The festival provides local ethnic and cultural organizations an opportunity to share traditions and aspects of their cultures. The festival is made possible through the volunteerism and participation of local schools, residents, civic organizations, and businesses. The multicultural celebration has evolved into a three-day event averaging 30,000 in attendance. Hear from key festival leaders on how this festival continues to evolve while developing community spirit.
3:15pm - 4:30pm The Art of Cowboy Poetry
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom E
Presenters: Wallace Charles Moore, Sr. - Presenter, Jay Snider - Presenter
Join Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Jay Snider and Wallace Charles Moore, Sr. to learn more about the art of cowboy poetry. Whether told through song or story, with humor or rhyme, cowboy poetry is a unique expression of life in the American West. Often reflective of everyday life back at the ranch or wild adventures on the Western frontier, cowboy poetry is a traditional art form that continues to evolve in contemporary times. Participants will be given some basic prompts to write their own cowboy poem.
3:30pm - 4:30pm Setting the Tone for Mindfulness
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Bison Room B&C
Presenters: Lauree Dash - Featured Presenter, Joe D. Holcomb - Presenter
The evidence-based meditation practice yoga nidra, or “yogic sleep,” turns on the parasympathetic nervous system and offers a deep reset for the entire body. Join advanced yoga nidra teacher Lauree Dash and sacred sound practitioner Joe Holcomb for this very special guided meditation experience set to singing bowls. Dress warmly. A limited number of blankets will be available. It is recommended that you bring a blanket or pillow from home. (Pillows and blankets from the Hilton guest rooms are not permitted in the conference rooms). No prior experience is necessary.
5:00pm - 7:00pm Opening Reception
Location: McMahon Auditorium, 801 NW Ferris Ave.
Room: McMahon Auditorium
Join your Lawton hosts and fellow conference attendees for an evening reception hosted by the Museum of the Great Plains, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center and the McMahon Auditorium. This annual conference tradition allows conference guests a fun networking experience while enjoying hors d'ouevres and live music in Lawton's premier museums and cultural facilities. The reception will feature performances by the Academy of Music Vivaldi Strings, Cameron University Jazz Ensemble, Lawton High School Drumline, and Travis Komahcheet.
7:30pm - 9:00pm Forever Motown: A Tribute to Legendary Sounds
Location: McMahon Auditorium, 801 NW Ferris Ave.
Room: McMahon Auditorium
Experience the timeless sounds of Motown through "Forever Motown," a star-studded performance featuring nine extraordinary artists, including Theo Peoples, former lead singer of the Four Tops; Traci Robinson, former lead singer of the Marvelettes, and Glenn Leonard, former lead singer of the Temptations. Let the soulful melodies and iconic hits transport you to the golden era of Motown.

Oklahoma Arts Conference participatns receive a 25% discount on tickets. Use the Discount Code: LAWTONOAC

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2621946/forever-motown-lawton-mcmahon-memorial-auditorium

For ADA Seating, please call 580-581-3470
9:00pm - 11:00pm Late Night Art Party (hosted by Oklahomans for the Arts)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Ft. Sill, 135 NW 2nd Street
Room: Great Plains Ballroom A&B
After a full day of conference sessions, this late night art party hosted by Oklahomans for the Arts—the state's nonprofit arts advocacy organization—is your chance to unwind and kick up your heels with friends, old and new! Expect food, live entertainment, dancing, camaraderie, and lots of fun!

A separate ticket is required to attend this special event. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person.

Receive updates about the Oklahoma Arts Conference.

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