In the Know

If the call of the consumerism orgy that is Black Friday isn't your cup of tea, perhaps you are more suited for a visit to Joseph Gierek Fine Art, located at 1512 E. 15th St., on Nov. 25, to experience Ex Libris. The solo exhibition of new mixed media works by Tulsa artist Stephen Meltzer, explores his use of books as subject matter for art.

"The books I have chosen address spiritual, philosophical, social and political issues. These issues affected the lives of the writers and the choices they made. The questions posed and the observations they made are universal and timeless. Each of these writers confronted the world in which they lived and responded in the way in which they knew best, by writing down their thoughts and observations.

"The words in these books suggest the covers. By isolating specific language I am featuring the most meaningful and representative passages. By putting these passages forward I am bringing life and immediacy to the works of the writers. The resulting visual can suggest dappled light in the forest at Waldon Pond (Henry David Thoreau), the unforgiving sea (Virginia Woolf), the livid whiteness of a whale (Herman Melville), the dilemma of mankind (Friedrich Nietzsche), or the humor and satire of a playful narrative (Lewis Carroll). I hope to encourage the viewer to experience the books personally. I have grown immeasurably through their work," Meltzer said.

Bridge the Gap.

Opening Reception for this exhibit will be on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6-8pm. Meltzer will give a gallery talk on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1pm.

Ex Libris runs through Dec. 24. Gallery hours at Joseph Gierek Fine Art are Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 6pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Dream a Little Dream

The Tulsa Historical Society is hosting the Dream Exhibit: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes at 2445 S. Peoria. Tulsa is the first American city to host the exhibit, which is part of the Across Generations One City, One Book program, which was developed to start a dialogue among all generations and invite ideas from Tulsans of all ages.

The award-winning book, "Dream" by Susan Bosak is the inspiration of the exhibit, and is a celebration of living and dreaming for all ages. "Dream" is a book five years in the making and includes works by 15 top artists from around the world. The book is a multilayered story for children and adults that spans from birth to older adults. Each piece provided for the book contains a secret star for the reader to find.

You can find your own secrets in the magical Dream Chest, located at the exhibit. The Dream exhibit also features original artwork in watercolor, digital, oil, 3-D modeling clay and more. Computer interactive and concept drafts "reveal the secrets" behind the creative process of each piece.

Bosak, who is also Chair of the Legacy Project, a national multigenerational education group, which has partnered with the City of Tulsa on the Across Generations initiative, expounds on her work, "The exhibit gets you thinking about your life and the generations, and inspires you to dream better things for your community."

One of every five Americans will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030. The Across Generations initiative will help Tulsa address shifting demographics as it works to become a city that recognizes, respects and meets the needs of all ages and brings generations together in support of each other.

Copies of "Dream" are available in the gift shop. The exhibit is open during regular Museum Hours, Tuesday--Saturday, 10am-4pm. Admission is free for Members, Children and Students; $5 for Adults; and $3 for Seniors. Tulsa Historical Society is located just south of the Tulsa Garden Center and Woodward Park.

Tactile Construction

Another feast for the eyes is also available in the 15th St. area on the campus of University of Tulsa. The School of Art presents the 2011 Ruth Mayo Distinguished visiting artist, Stanley Lewis exhibit Painting and Drawings at the Alexander Hogue gallery through Dec. 15.

Lewis's perceptual approach to the New England landscape uniquely reveals the common landscape through a lengthy process of inspection and tactile construction. This well-known painter and teacher is currently a professor at the New York Studio School, in New York City. His landscape paintings and abstract studio improvisations will be on display.

The Alexander Hogue gallery is located at Phillips Hall 102 on the TU campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Skate Time

Winterfest returns to downtown Tulsa from Nov. 25 through Jan. 2, 2012. The month-long celebration dances around a towering Christmas tree, and includes outdoor ice skating, photographs with "Segway Santa," delicious concessions, and free holiday entertainment on the ONEOK Stage.

Be sure to take your special someone on a horse-drawn carriage ride to view all the sights. New enhancements for 2011 include the expansion of the holiday market, a new climate-controlled seating and hospitality tent, and additional charity promotions. Winterfest 2010 welcomed over 120,000 visitors to the street outside the BOK Center.

A complete Winterfest 2011 schedule, which include the Turkey Trot 5K, the Parade of Lights schedule and map, and the Jingle Bell Run/Walk can be found at bokcenter.com.

Flip the Switch

After the massive feast on Nov. 24, a walk is always a good idea. Make it extra special for your Thanksgiving ensemble by checking out Lights On! at Utica Square at 6:30pm. For over 40 years Lights On! has been a holiday tradition for many. Wrap up your little ones to see Santa Claus conduct the final countdown when over 700,000 lights adorning 175 trees light up your evening. Utica Square is located on the corner of Utica and 21st Street.

Send all comments and feedback regarding Arts Experienced to jratliff@urbantulsa.com.