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!