The Norman Arts Council wants you to beat the heat this Friday by riding the CART 2nd Friday Circuit of Art trolley. With temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, some may want to stay home, but the CART offers a comfortable way to get out and about in Norman without staying out in the heat.

The CART ride costs 50 cents per ride or $2.00 for the entire evening. The 2nd Friday Trolley runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. providing a connection starting at Republic Bank on Main St, to the Firehouse Art Center on Flood, to the University of Oklahoma Arts District Downtown Norman, Campus Corner, and ending up in Historic Downtown Norman’s Arts District.

2nd Friday Circuit of Art, a collaboration between the Norman Arts Council, Norman Gallery Association, CART and many participating galleries and businesses, brings the art out every month in Norman. Whether you like dance, painting, photography, or music, there will be something for you to see and hear during the 2nd Friday of this month in Norman.

As always, all events are free and open to the public from 6:00 p.m. until at least 9:00 p.m.

For more information on 2nd Friday Circuit of Art or other Norman Arts Council events, please visit www.NormanArts.org, or call the NAC office at 405-360-1162.

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, the night’s events and members 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.

And there will be live tweeting of the event! So, please follow the event and organization on twitter @2ndfridaynorman.

If you would like to become a member of the Norman Arts Council and support 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, go online to www.normanarts.org/membership.

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EVENTS FOR 2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART:

MAINSITE CONTEMPORARY ART (122 E. Main, 405-292-8095) welcomes visitors to the opening reception for the Contemporary Photography Exhibition 2010. Works by Ann Sherman, Joshua Meier, Esteban Pulido, and Trent Still will be on display from now until September 4, 2010.

TRIBES 131 (131 24th Ave, 405-329-4442) hosts an opening reception for Brent Learned with A Journey of Color: Celebrating the Work of Brent Learned. You will not want to miss this wonderfully colorful show just off the circuit at Tribes 131.

HALL OF TATTOOS (328 E Main St, 405-364-7335) brings in the Skullmaster, Joey Williams to display during 2nd Friday. Joey was raised in the heart of the Bible belt and grew up pushing the envelope of his conservative surroundings. Often the outcast, he turned to art as a means of social escape. His fascination of the natural world lead Joey to incorporate natural elements such as skulls and bones into his art. This chosen medium eventually lead to his moniker as “The SkullMaster.” Joey went on to pursue degrees in both art and biology.

DREAMER CONCEPTS STUDIO & FOUNDATION (324 E Main St, 405-701-0048) will feature works by Cinematic Artists of Norman (CAN) - CAN’s mission is to strengthen the Norman filmmaking community by offering valuable resources and outlets. Films by Hilary Kane, Royce Sharp, Temple Tucker, as well as CAN produced music videos, and 2nd Friday featurettes.

FRED JONES JR MUSEUM OF ART (555 Elm Ave, 405-325-3272) celebrates 2nd Friday Circuit of Art with Art “a la CART”! Art Activities with Wooden sculptures, Live Music presented by the SongWriter Association Norman Tracy Reed – pop folk singer/songwriter, Bill May – acoustic country, and Robert Bartlett – Americana folk. You can also see these Short Films: To Be Remembered (19 min., USA) Meet Cassie. Again. Though you’ve met her a dozen times and may meet her a dozen more. Condemned by her mysterious eyes, 17-year- old Cassie has been isolated from society and forgotten by her family. Despite the comfort of companions who have suffered the same fate, Cassie still hopes for a day when she can return to normal life. However, even if she could find a way to rejoin society, she would be forced to leave her fellow outcasts behind; and Antimemory (7 min., USA) A chicken turns on a time machine that takes it to an empty house. Now at an earlier time, the chicken and a girl are good friends. After a while, the chicken and the girl start fighting, though it’s unsure why; their friendship, then, is short-lived. Eventually, the chicken, which suffered bad treatment from the girl, takes revenge and leaves the house.

SAM NOBLE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (2401 Chautauqua Ave, 405-325-4712) continues to show the amazing and delectable Chocolate exhibit through September 12th.

FIREHOUSE ART CENTER (444 S Flood, 405-329-4523) invites everyone to view the Children’s Summer Art Program Show. The show runs August 13 – 27, with a reception 2nd Friday from 6:00-10:00 p.m. This show features artwork by children who participated in the Firehouse Art Center’s Children’s Summer Art Program (CSAP).  The artwork that will be on display is from many different mediums, including painting, drawing, collage, sculpture and more.  Each student that has taken a class this summer will have one piece in the exhibit.  The CSAP is part of a larger art program that occurs year round, called Creating With the Master’s, where children learn about great artists’ artwork and techniques. More information on the Firehouse Art Center can be found online at www.normanfirehouse.moonfruit.com.

PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO (200 S Jones Ave, 405-307-9320) host an opening reception for the return of Mark Williams’ photography exhibit. This exhibit will be on display at The Performing Arts Studio, located in the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. For more information on PAS and its programs, visit www.thepas.org or call (405) 307-9320.

NATIVE ROOTS MARKET (132 W Main St) is turning 3 and is celebrating with a 13% off sale if you wear the craziest hat while you shop all day during 2nd Friday.

STANDING BUFFALO ART GALLERY (106 E Main St, 405-701-4060) features Norman’s finest selection of American Indian fine art in every media: paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, baskets, rugs, sculpture and an excellent selection of made in Oklahoma gifts.

Here are other participating venues and 2nd Friday supporting organizations that you will want to visit on the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art:

STASH (412 E Main St, 405-701-1016) (NGA’s Newest Member)

PINK ELEPHANT CAFÉ (301 E Main St, 405-307-8449)

FORM+FUNCTION LAB (123 E Main St, Suite 200, formfunctionlab@gmail.com)

BISHOP CREEK STUDIOS (123 E Main St)
DOJO STUDIOS (527 E Main, 405-301-0031)
COACH’S BREWHOUSE (110 W. Main St, 405-321-2739)
SOONER THEATRE – 101 E Main St, 405-321-9600
JACOBSON HOUSE – 609 Chautauqua Ave, 405-366-1667

SONDER MUSIC – 225 E Gray St, 405-474-9734

GALLERY 123 – 123 E Main St
GRAY OWL COFFEE – 223 E Gray St, 405-701-2929
BILL & DEE’S – 311 E Main St, 405-321-9239
OPOLIS – 113 North Crawford Ave, 405-447-3417

BISON WITCHES – 211 E. Main St, 405-364-7555
OTHELLO’S – 434 Buchanan Ave, 405-360-2353

GUESTROOM RECORDS – 125 E Main St, 405-701-5974

MCNELLIE’S PUBLIC HOUSE – 121 E Main St, 405-928-5801

MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE & WINE BAR – 207 E Main St, 405-579-3387

FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO– 746 Asp Ave, 405-364-7736

STUDIO ZEN – 737 Asp Ave, 405-329-2859

Cinematic Artists of Norman unveil their films at Norman Arts Council’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art on July 9, 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Dreamer Concepts Studio & Foundation.

The exciting addition of the CAN outdoor screening will offer a unique opportunity for CAN and NAC members to showcase their work to the Norman filmmaking community and 2nd Friday Circuit of Art goers. CAN membership is available at the Norman Arts Council website, www.NormanArts.org.

Of course, this is just one of the exciting events taking place during the 2nd  Friday Circuit of Art from 6-10 p.m. Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

Also happening at Dreamer Concepts Studio & Foundation is Dreamer 27: “Jamie McCarty: Ideation to Realization, Dissecting the Design of Fashion.” This exhibit is an in-depth look at the process of creating a fashion collection, from inspiration, initial sketches and pattern-making to the finished product by recent Parsons, the New School for Design in New York City graduate, Jamie McCarty.

Enjoy the Firehouse Arts Center’s Midsummer Nights’ Fair 2nd Friday as well as Saturday night. The event will take place at Lions Park from 6-11 p.m. This arts festival will feature unique, high-quality artist booths. Artworks of painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, glass, woodworking and more will be on display for viewing and purchasing. Local artists, as well as artists from across Oklahoma and Texas, are represented. Live music featuring local artists will also be featured throughout the two night event.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art will host Art “a la CART” featuring the exhibit “Wanderlust: Travel and American Photography.” While there, make “sun” prints, enjoy live music by Sonder Music, Dance & Art, and watch the Best of deadCENTER 2010 short films.

MAINSITE Art Gallery will be hosting the closing reception to the Tom Toperzer and Paul Medina Exhibit from 7-9 p.m.

Be sure to check out the many other 2nd Friday participants including Tribes 131, Sooner Theatre, Jacobson House, Gallery 123, Gray Owl Coffee, Othello’s, and many more.

For more information on 2nd Friday Circuit of Art or other Norman Arts Council events, please visit www.NormanArts.org, www.2ndfridaynorman.com, or call the NAC office at 405-360-1162.

The Norman Arts Council welcomes new venues to 2nd Friday Circuit of Art on June 11, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Iron Starr Barbeque, In the Raw Sushi, and Cafe Plaid have joined together for a special 2nd Friday celebration on the corner of Boyd Street and University Boulevard.

“Iron Starr Barbeque has recently become a Member Benefit Partner with the Arts Council. To show their appreciation for the City of Norman and for the Arts in Norman, they are hosting a celebration along with In the Raw and Cafe Plaid,” said Rick Fry, Norman Arts Council Executive Director.

Mark Williams and Wess McMichael will be providing entertainment throughout the evening for those riding the Trolley, enjoying Campus Corner, or dining at one of the restaurants.

As a special June gift from the Norman Arts Council, coupons are available in the Oklahoma Gazette and Norman Transcript for a free ride on the 2nd Friday Trolley provided by CART. The CART ride normally costs 50 cents per ride or $2.00 for the entire evening. The 2nd Friday Trolley runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. providing a connection with Downtown Norman, Campus Corner, and the University of Oklahoma Arts District.

The coupons also provide each person with a 10% discount at the same restaurants that provide a discount to Norman Arts Council members. There are well-established Norman favorites such as Coach’s Brewery and Bison Witches Bar & Deli as well as new establishments such as McNellie’s Public House, Gray Owl Coffee, and Freebird’s World Burrito.

“We want everyone to be able to experience how great it is to be a member of the Norman Arts Council,” said Fry.

The full list of Norman Arts Council Member Benefit Partners can be found online at www.normanarts.org/membership/individual.

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• FRED JONES JR MUSEUM OF ART (555 Elm Ave, 405-325-3272) celebrates 2nd Friday Circuit of Art with Art “a la CART”! You can come enjoy art activities and listen to the acoustic Singer/Songwriter Showcase presented by NormanMusicScene.com

• MAINSITE ART GALLERY (122 E. Main, 405-292-8095) welcomes visitors to the exhibit opening for the art work of Tom Toperzer and the mixed-media art of Oklahoma born Paul Medina. The exhibit runs through July 10th, with a midway reception June 11th, and a closing reception July 9th.

• SAM NOBLE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (2401 Chautauqua Ave, 405-325-4712) continues to show the amazing and delectable Chocolate exhibit.

• FIREHOUSE ART CENTER (444 S Flood, 405-329-4523) invites everyone to view the 24 Works on Paper exhibit. Also, those who participated in May’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art can pick up their clay art tonight!

• PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO (200 S Jones Ave, 405-307-9320) opens the Dixie Erickson exhibit “Instrumental Art” now through July 29th. “Instrumental Art,” a visual band of banjos created by Norman painter Dixie Erickson, will be on display June 11 – July 31 at The Performing Arts Studio, located in the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. For more information on PAS and its programs, visit www.thepas.org or call (405) 307-9320.

• PINK ELEPHANT CAFÉ (301 E Main St, 405-307-8449) hosts the Lindsey Martin’s Art Show! Not only is the restaurant open for yummy food, you can also buy some one of a kind art. Paintings, drawings, stained glass jewelry, and magnets. Come check it out. It’s so fun and stimulating to all five senses.

• FORM+FUNCTION LAB (123 E Main St, Suite 200, formfunctionlab@gmail.com) Found art sculptures by Nick Lillard and Chris McDaniel made from pieces of Norman. “Locals only” DJ mix by Chase Spivey. Plus our friend Alejandro Bagajewicz will be hosting an art booth downstairs in collaboration with Forward Foods, we’ll be showing a piece by local art professor Curtis Jones, artistic catering by Attila Balazs and general revelry will abound throughout the local art studio multi-plex. It’s free for all ages. Come see, come hear, come be.

• NORMAN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH (205 W Main St, opposite of Native Roots Market) “Fluid Ideational” Art Show: Charity art exhibition featuring Erin Schalk, Mick Tresemer, and Ellen Moershel. This event is sponsoring Books for Malawi. A portion of the art sales, as well as any donations will go toward shipping books to a library in Malawi. Please come and enjoy art and food.

• STANDING BUFFALO ART GALLERY (106 E Main St, 405-701-4060) The Standing Buffalo Indian Art Gallery & Gifts features Norman’s finest selection of American Indian fine art in every media: paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, baskets, rugs, sculpture and an excellent selection of made in Oklahoma gifts.

Some exciting late-night events will be taking place after the official 2nd Friday Circuit of Art finishes, but you will want to check out these and other wonderful art events around Norman.

• COACH’S BREWHOUSE (110 W. Main St, 405-321-2739) welcomes The Lily Guild with Hotel Love late night from 9:00pm - 1:00am.

• FORM+FUNCTION LAB (123 E Main St, Suite 200, formfunctionlab@gmail.com) are hosting a 2nd Friday Circuit of Art Afterparty w/ The Wash. $5 at the door - 21+ to enter. Intoxicating spirits will be provided for guests at no cost. The Wash is: Noah Boone from Drives Like a Dream on vocals and guitar, Clement Silvers from Bridge Road Caravan on bass, Chase Spivey from Ghost of Monkshood on drums, Jason White on percussion.

Here are other participating venues and 2nd Friday supporting organizations that you may want to visit on the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.

• TRIBES 131 – 131 24th Ave, 405-329-4442
• SOONER THEATRE – 101 E Main St, 405-321-9600
• JACOBSON HOUSE – 609 Chautauqua Ave, 405-366-1667
• SONDER MUSIC – 225 E Gray St, 405-474-9734
• GALLERY 123 – 123 E Main St,
• GRAY OWL COFFEE – 223 E Gray St, 405-701-2929
• BILL & DEE’S – 311 E Main St, 405-321-9239
• OPOLIS – 113 North Crawford Ave, 405-447-3417
• BISON WITCHES – 211 E. Main St, 405-364-7555
• OTHELLO’S – 434 Buchanan Ave, 405-360-2353
• GUESTROOM RECORDS – 125 E Main St, 405-701-5974
• MCNELLIE’S PUBLIC HOUSE – 121 E Main St, 405-928-5801
• MICHELANGELO’S COFFEE & WINE BAR – 207 E Main St, 405-579-3387
• HALL OF TATTOOS – 328 E Main St, 405-364-7335
• FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO– 746 Asp Ave, 405-364-7736
• STUDIO ZEN – 737 Asp Ave, 405-329-2859

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All events are free, and take place from 6:00 p.m. until at least 9:00 p.m.

For more information on 2nd Friday Circuit of Art or other Norman Arts Council events, please visit www.NormanArts.org, or call the NAC office at 405-360-1162.

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

If you would like your 2nd Friday event listed here, please email the event information as well as contact information to PR@NormanArts.org.

And there will be live tweeting of the event! So, please follow the event and organization on twitter @2ndfridaynorman.

Hope to see you all out enjoying the arts in Norman!

The Norman Arts Council once again hosts the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art on May 14th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Whether you are in town for a graduation or just completing the school year, there is no better way to celebrate than spending a night with the sights and sounds of Norman arts. From historic downtown Main Street to Campus Corner, local businesses will host arts of all forms. For just $2 for the entire night, or 50 cents per ride, CART provides a ride on the circuit from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

• The Mainsite Gallery at 122 East Main Street welcomes visitors to the exhibit opening for the art work of Tom Toperzer and the mixed-media art of Oklahoma born Paul Medina. The exhibit runs through July 10th, with a midway reception June 11th, and a closing reception July 9th. Contact MAINSITE at 405-292-8095 for details.

• Reception for Mark Williams and his photography will take place a the Santa Fe Depot hosted by the Performing Arts Studio. There will also be music by the SongWriters Association of Norman (SWAN)!

• The OU Lightwell Gallery will be closing out the Senior Capstone Show 2010. You won’t want to miss these amazing artists!

• The Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art will have Art “a la CART” from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. There will be art activities, live music from SWAN musicians, and a deadCENTER film preview.

•The Firehouse Art Center presents Family Fun Night during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art, May 14, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  This come-and-go event is free and open to the public.
Adults and children of all ages are invited to the Firehouse Art Center, where tables will be set up in the gallery for creating with clay. Patrons can sculpt or hand build their own objects of inspiration.  After the event, Firehouse volunteers will fire the clay pieces, which will be available to be picked up at the next 2nd Friday. 

There are also new participating venues for May’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. The galleries at 123 East Main Street, just above Forward Foods, have a multitude of talent!

• Everyone is welcome to attend Butch Enterline’s Photography Open House in Suite 204. In conjunction with Norman’s 2nd Friday Art Walk, Bishop Creek Studio will transform into Bishop Creek “Gallery” showcasing themed pieces from previous projects each month, the first “opening” will be May 14th at the Studio. Refreshments and music, of course!

• A special joint venture by Sonder Music and Form+Function Lab will take place in Suite 200 of 123 East Main Street - LIVECRAFT: An Evening of Improvisational Interactive Art. Exploring the concept of improvisation within an intentionally designed creative space, which will feature on-the-spot work by a selection of artists and musicians as well as provide opportunities for audience participation in the process. Music by the Livecraft Improv Orchestra. This event is intended for audiences of all ages.

• The first ever combined exhibition of Norman and Norman North High Schools takes place on Friday at Dreamer Concepts Foundation & Studio located at 324 East Main Street. The music of Regg and Bungalouski can be heard on the back patio. Fancy That, Raising Canes, and Native Roots Market will provide food for this incredible convergence of community members.

Don’t forget about Campus Corner either!

• A welcome addition to the 2nd Friday Circuit is Studio Zen’s Locals Only Art Show with local artists Erin Baird, Michaela Mesa, Bailey Nolan, Father Phil, Spencer Tracy, and music guest Joshua Distance. Studio Zen is located at 737 Asp Avenue on Campus Corner. This is going to be a very well-attended event. So, get there early!

• Norman just became the 17th Fair Trade Town in the nation and the first in Oklahoma! Come to the Native Roots Market, 132 West Main Street, Friday night for a Fair Trade reception. Photos from the Fair Trade My Norman photo contest will be on display and sample yummy Fair Trade products.

All events are free, and take place from 6:00 p.m. until at least 9:00 p.m.

For more information on 2nd Friday Circuit of Art or other Norman Arts Council events, please visit www.NormanArts.org, or call the NAC office at 405-360-1162.

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, the night’s events and members 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 as well as http://2ndfridaynorman.com/.

And there will be live tweeting of the event! So, please follow the event and organization on twitter @2ndfridaynorman.

Hope to see you all out enjoying the arts in Norman!

This month is chock full of amazing events.  Hope you can make it out, this should be a good Friday for an art walk.

• Excited by the growing development of the arts district in downtown Norman, ten local artists have joined together to open a co-operative studio and gallery, Gallery 123, as a place to work and showcase their art. Located at 123 East Main Street, above Forward Foods, the space features work in a variety of mediums from painting and sculpture to quilting, photography, concrete vessels, bead-encrusted fabrics, jewelry and hand-felted items.  Celebrate the opening of this gallery during 2^nd Friday Circuit of Art.   

• The Performing Arts Studio embraces local talent with a jam session by members of the SongWriters of Norman (SWAN) as well as showcasing its latest exhibit, Body of Art.  An array of mannequin arms, legs, torsos, heads, hands and feet are being turned into works of art by such Norman luminaries as University of Oklahoma President David Boren, award-winning clothing designer Kayne Gillaspie, Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal and 1969 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens in an exquisite display.  These pieces will be put up for auction in mid-April and 2^nd Friday serves as a great opportunity to pick out your pieces early. 

• The History of Norman Music is the theme this month at Dreamer Concepts Studio & Foundation, featuring artwork, posters and flyers by Oklahoma musicians from the past and present….think Chainsaw Kittens, Defenestration, Flaming Lips and beyond.  This exhibit also features works by local artists who put a new spin on their favorite album cover or promotional poster.

• As part of its monthly Art “à la CART” series, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on art activities, live music and a short film by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. The OU School of music will provide live performances by the OU Juggernaut Tuba Quartet, saxophone students of Dr. Gail Hall and a steel drum combo throughout the event. Visitors of all ages can create original origami art.  Admission is free all evening, and visitors can catch two new exhibitions, Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and the Fine Arts, 1933-1943 and The Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs.

• The University of Oklahoma School of Art & Art History hosts its 96th Annual Students’ Exhibition in the Lightwell Gallery during April’s art walk.  This competitive juried show highlights the diverse works of art created by art and art history students from the University of Oklahoma

• The Firehouse Art Center presents the artwork of Douglas Shaw Elder and Elyse Bogart.  Douglas Shaw Elder is a Norman artist in a variety of mediums, most notably drawing, painting and sculpture. Elyse Bogart is a Norman jewelry artist.

• Downtown Art and Frame, 115 S. Santa Fe, in Norman will present recent work by Tünde Darvay, with an opening reception Friday, from 6-10 p.m.  Local world-music legend Arabesque will entertain guests from 7 to 8 p.m.  Entitled “Tumbling Colors,” the show features Darvay’s familiar use of dramatic jewel-like colors in the service of new thematic material.

• Open for dinner, The Pink Elephant joins in on the 2nd Friday fun with a live band playing in the background of your delicious meal.  April’s featured artist is Brody Mathias, a local artist. 

• Sonder Music and Dance will not be participating in April’s art walk. 
  

Keep checking back as more events are added daily!  Thanks!

With warmer weather coming to Norman, there is no better time to enjoy the city.  On April 9, the Norman Arts Council will bring you a special 2^nd Friday Circuit of Art, where the community gathers to kick off the festival and summer arts season. 

This month’s art walk includes the Norman Arts Council’s Community Kick-StART.  This special event will take place next to the Firehouse Art Center, located at 444 South Flood Avenue in Lions Park, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Community Kick-StART will be an evening full of free fun and entertainment for the whole community. Free chips and salsa will be provided by Freebirds to snack on while guests enjoy a live performance featuring Norman’s own music group, Off Boyd Jazz. 

The event will feature an interactive community collage. Paints and brushes will be provided for the event, though community members are encouraged to bring any kind of art supplies (including flat artworks and printed photographs) to attach or use on a large canvas designed to represent the city of Norman.

Guests are encouraged to then hop on the trolley and experience the NAC’s signature event, 2^nd Friday Circuit of Art. Even the trolley will be taking part with SWAN performers rocking out on the CART—playing live music all night long!  This art walk offers a snapshot of the Norman arts scene, which features the best in local talent, venues and cuisine. 

Of course, Community Kick-Start is just one of the events taking place during April’s event.  Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

2^nd Friday Circuit of Art takes place this Friday March 12, from 6-10pm, at galleries and venues throughout the city.  During March’s art walk, Norman’s downtown arts circuit will come to life with events you don’t want to miss.

• In coordination with 2^nd Friday Circuit of art, the Norman Public Library celebrates The Kick-Off for the Big Read:The Maltese Falcon. There will be three locations that are Big Read centers of activity.
  
  The Depot/Performing Arts Studio is the Big Read headquarters for the evening where guests can get complimentary copies of the novel, sign up for programs and book discussions, and enjoy refreshments, beverages and live music by Off Boyd Jazz
  At the Crucible Foundry and Gallery, artist Jeff Littlejohn will display the falcon series of sculptures commissioned for the Big Read and will discuss the vision and the processes behind the works of art. And, the Diner will be open from 6-8:00 pm for a rare late-night meal created for the occasion: Sam Spade Spam and Eggs.
  
  Members of the Canadian River Cruisers will have their vintage early 1900’s vehicles at the Depot and the Crucible to help re-create the mood and the setting of the book.  Everyone is invited to get in the spirit of The Big Read by attending the Kick-Off dressed in period costume.

• The Red Room opens its doors for a special one night event celebrating the grand opening of the AdoraLee Boudoir Photography Studio and Lingerie Boutique. The lingerie line will be displayed as well as other samples of artwork. Admission to the celebration is free, and a cash bar and specialty desserts will be available from 6-10pm.

• Sonder Music, Dance and Art presents the Cross “An Evening of Shakespeare,” brought by the Timbers Theatre Company. The cast of 12 will bring to life a variety of plays with music, narration, and the unforgettable words of the Bard. One can enjoy the featuring of the most well known and only the most loved scenes of the featured plays; Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth and many classic favorites. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students.

• As part of its monthly Art “à la CART” series, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will offer hands-on art activities, live music and short films by the deadCENTER Film Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. NormanMusicScene.com presents the acoustic Singer/Songwriter Showcase with Daddy Love, Dylan Hammett and John Calvin. Visitors of all ages can participate in printmaking in the classroom. Admission is free all evening, and visitors can catch two new exhibitions, Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and the Fine Arts, 1933-1943 and The Creative Eye: Selections from the Carol Beesley Collection of Photographs.

• Firehouse Art Center will hold an opening reception, welcoming artwork by Douglas Shaw Elder and the exquisite jewelry by Elyse Bogart. Enjoy Elder’s take of ancient art of the Amlash and Egyptian culture and the opera inspired jewelry by Bogart. The reception is free and open to the public.

• Dreamer Concepts Studio & Foundation bids farewell to the recent popular exhibition, Artists After Hours, and presents live music by singer/songwriter John Calvin who provides a myriad style- from classic rock and David Cosby inspired tunes, to jazz and ambient soundscapes that mesh with folk themes reminiscent of the sixties. Come view the exhibit featuring photography, paintings, jewelry, and sculptures by Don Cies, Joyce Green, Ken Howing and many other individual artists.

Of course, these are just a few of the events taking place during the art walk. Other free activities and openings are scheduled by members of the Norman Gallery Association and its supporting organizations throughout the night.

There’s so much to see - don’t miss out on this exciting night. For more information, visit www.normanarts.org or call 405.360.1162.

Cross Timbers Theatre Company presents “An Evening of Shakespeare,” on March 12 and 13, 8:00 p.m. at Sonder Music, Dance & Art (225 E Gray St). Friday’s performance is presented as part of the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. The performance will feature some of the most well known and best loved scenes from Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and many others. From hilarious comedy to touching tragedy, a cast of 12 brings to life all of the variety of Shakespeare’s plays with music, narration, and the unforgettable words of the Bard. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students.