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.