Art Cornucopia

This is my third fall in Tulsa, and I'm looking forward to enjoying the outdoor artscape as summer leaves turn the brilliant yellows, reds and oranges of fall in Green Country. The beauty outside reminds me of all of the art ushered in by fall in Tulsa. The creative pulse of the city is in high gear this time of year. This October, Tulsa offers a variety of options for just about any sensibility, from paintings emphasizing the eyes of numerous Oklahoma artists (that's right, the eyes) to art interpreting the future of Tulsa. Try to make it to at least one exhibit or opening and experience firsthand the artistic energy of the season.

The October Arts Rendezvous

Tulsa Artists' Coalition (TAC) Gallery presents "It's All in the Eyes," mixed media works by established Tulsa artist Eleanor Davy Carmack. Carmack is a retired art teacher from Holland Hall, who also coordinated the Holliman Gallery during her tenure there. She has exhibited her work in numerous shows, is an award-winning artist and has a work in the Philbrook Museum of Art's print collection. Carmack's exhibit consists of paintings of working Oklahoma artists as her subject. She says of this exhibit, "I decided to paint these artists as my subject because, unlike an actor or musician, you never know what they look like. I feel they need recognition and to be physically recognized." See if you agree with Carmack's philosophy "the eyes tell all." Artist Reception is October 2 from 6-9pm in downtown Tulsa at 9 E. Brady. The exhibit runs through October 25.

Interested in the current Tulsa city planning talk and the move toward greening the city? Tulsa's Young Professionals' (TYPros) third annual Next Now Art Show titled "The Countdown to Utopia," which tackles this topic, opens October 2 from 6-9pm at the Left Field Project Gallery and runs through October 29. Artists were asked to consider the current sustainability movement in Tulsa as well as the goal of integrating the four quadrants of the city and provide their interpretation of these movements as well as their vision of Tulsa's future. There should be a variety of interesting responses to this year's theme that stimulate an important and ongoing dialogue about Tulsa. The gallery is at 819 E 3rd St.

Contemporary artist Michelle Firment Reid takes a uniquely personal approach to her exhibit "Be Here Now," which opens at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Gallery October 2 and shows through November 2. Reid utilizes the large gallery space with her 21-piece installation, exploring the different phases of life with the outline of a bird symbolizing the human spirit in paintings on wood panel measuring 20" x 24". In between the larger paintings are 12" x 24" paintings of the different phases of the moon. These paintings are meant to be a reminder to stop and enjoy each phase of life as we experience it, to "be here now." Instead of having a traditional artist reception, Reid is offering a talk and discussion about the installation with groups of five or more during regular PAC hours (10am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday).

"Passages," an exhibition of new works by Joy Frangiosa and an installation by Jason Zaloudik, will be on display at Liggett Studio, 314 S. Kenosha. And artist reception is Thurs., Oct. 2 from 6-9pm. The show runs through October 24.

Daniel Gulick opens "Selfish me" at the Tulsa Community College Metro Campus gallery, 909 S. Boston, October 2 from 5:30-7:30pm. The gallery is located in the Student Union on the first floor.

Can't make it to a Thursday opening? Here's an option for Friday: The Alternative Outsider Artists are having a show, "Patch Work for the Souls," at Garden Deva, 317 S. Trenton. The artist reception is Fri., Oct. 3 from 5-9pm. The show will feature new works by artists Joy Frangiosa, Merry Schepers, Sally Fowler, AnnMarie Distefano and Jason Zaloudik and runs through October 17.

The Tulsa Artists' Guild (TAG) and Tulsa Garden Club present "Bloomin' Art" at the Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria. Show opens at 1pm, Fri., Oct. 3, with a reception from 5-8pm. It continues Sat., Oct. 4 from 10am to 4pm and Sun., Oct. 5 from 11am to 3pm. All works are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Tulsa Garden Club's scholarship fund.

"Art in the Square" is happening Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 5pm at Utica Square, the southeast corner of 21st and Utica. More than 90 local artists will be displaying their work and on hand to chat and answer any questions you may have. Art varies from sculpture to stained glass to pottery to painting, and beyond.

Later this month, at Living Arts Gallery, 308 S. Kenosha, is the second part of the 10-part series, The Art of Play: Art Experience #2. This series is an artist-led exploration of important contemporary artists and emphasizes interaction with you. There will be a brief introduction of the artist being discussed followed by an interactive time of looking at how the artist has changed contemporary Art. This second Playtime will be led by Artistic Director of Living Arts, Steve Liggett, who will present footage of artist Ann Hamilton's installation pieces, followed by discussion about them. Sessions are free to members, and the first is Thurs., Oct. 23, 5-7pm.

Ongoing Exhibits

Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, 2021 East 71st St., opened "In A Different Light: The Book of Genesis in the Art of Samuel Bak," Sept. 21 and runs through Feb. 8. "Ancient Rites, Modern Masters: Swed Masters Workshop Contemporary Judaica" opened Sept. 23 and runs through February 2009.

"Ansel Adams: A Legacy" opened at Gilcrease Museum, 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum, Aug. 15 and runs through Jan. 4. On display are more than 130 photographs by Ansel Adams. Also exhibiting is "101 Ranch: The Real Wild West," through Jan. 25.

"Imaginative Qualities of Actual Things" opened August 22 and runs through January 4 at the Price Tower Arts Center, 501 Dewey Avenue in Bartlesville. The exhibition is meant to inspire conversation about environmental impact.

Joseph Gierek Fine Art, 1512 E. 15th St., opened "Botanica," a solo exhibition of oil paintings by Patrick (P.S.) Gordon of New York, Sept. 26. Gordan says in his artist's statement, "Life can be simply described for me in terms of work. I paint what I determined to be the most glorious, soul comforting, descriptive forms that I could. Flowers. I paint what comforts me the most in my mid life." The exhibit runs through October 25.

A Pearl Gallery, 1201 E. 3rd St., opening was held Sept. 25. The show runs through October 23 and features the art of Michael Benton, Celeste Vaught, Larry Clingman, Joan Matzdorf, Tim Lange, Ron Frisby, Woody Stevens, Darren Maine, Lee Reams, Marsha Hill, Dean Wyatt, Allie Jensen, Shane Hemberger, and Don Emrick. The show includes photography, still life, landscapes, oil, watercolor, ink, abstracts and impressionism.

On Stage

If you would like to add a play to your list of artistic endeavors for October, there are several from which to choose. Here are some of the offerings: Theatre Tulsa opened Children's Hour September 26. The remaining performances are October 2-4. La Bohemme is at the Performing Arts Center October 4, 10, and 12. Tulsa Community College opens Fuddy Meers, a dark comedy, October 10, with the opportunity for audience questions and feedback on the Fridays the play runs. Play dates are October 10-12, and 16-19. Tulsa Ballet presents Legends October 31, November 1 and 2.

Okay, now you have beau coups of choices; get out there and immerse yourself in Tulsa arts this month.