Festivuses for the Rest Of Uses

Let fire to your own disco inferno New Year's Eve at the Living Arts of Tulsa's "New Year's Eve Dream World Disco Ball," 9pm-1am, Saturday, Dec. 31. The $25 admission fee at the door buys entertainment in a wide array of spectacle, from the live music provided by the Gary Robert Strickland Band, to the New Year's game stations. Aerialists from the Portico Dance Theatre will amaze and entertain as New Year's resolution projections will keep the conversation flowing while guests drink their fill at the cash bar.

Countdown Begins.

"Staying Alive is the goal of Living Arts," said Steve Liggett, Artistic Director. Founded in 1969, Living Arts of Tulsa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of presenting and developing contemporary art forms in Tulsa. Through the presentation of creative workshops, performances, exhibitions, films/videos, demonstrations of current art, lectures, related educational activities and research, Living Arts shares its interests with the community. All event proceeds benefit the programs of Living Arts of Tulsa.

The "Dream World Disco Ball" will be a completely different party where guests enter into a world of danceable music and dreams. Those who attended the Day of the Dead event can expect the same unique twist for a beautiful, artful, New Years Eve experience. The entire event centers around a 30 ft. inflatable piece of artwork called the "Dream Castle" which was created by Steve and Charlotte Rhea/Liggett. The experience begins by entering the castle, which is like stepping into a dream as four video projectors bounce images inside and out.

Fairy Tale.

"This is the first time we have ever allowed people inside the 'Dream Castle'" said Steve Liggett. "It is a totally mind-blowing experience with a wonderfully disorienting feel. Couple this with an aspect of dream-like imagery floating through the 'Dream Castle' and the other-worldly dance music of several videographers and you have a true dream world and a very unique and wonderful New Year's Eve Experience!"

Models in disco attire will serve as waitresses, a DJ will keep the go-go boots shuffling, and all disco fever action is within view of Tulsa's New Years Eve fireworks. "Pop up" performances are also scheduled and guests will thrill to view the human ball drop at midnight.

Living Arts is located at 307 E. Brady.

Jazz It Up!

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will present Jeremy Jackson and the Soultry Sound Band on New Year's Eve from 9pm-1:30am. A DJ spinning classics and new favorites, should help highlight this local arts project to help preserve the genre. The Hall is located at 111 E. 1st St.

Last Chances

The Winter School Break can be broken up into several artistic outings as December marks the end of several long-running exhibits in a variety of locations.

About Face: Crafting the Modern Portrait runs through Jan. 1 at Philbrook Museum of Art, located at 2727 S. Rockford Rd. Dating back to antiquity, the origins of the genre of portraiture are explored in this exhibit which also features contemporary installments. A variety of portraits create a fascinating examination of the human face.

Art from around the world, in many genres, create a feast for the eyes upon visiting Philbrook. Children of all ages will enjoy the many fascinating items for sale in the gift shop. Year round membership can be secured at the information desk upon entrance.

Entertain You.

Local art lovers and roadtrippers can experience The Wind Comes Sweeping exhibit after short road trip to Wagoner at Canebreak, located at 33241 E. 732nd Rd. Portraits of two-dozen Oklahomans, a new work by Oklahoma City artist Jack Fowler, will be on display through Jan. 1.

Several notable events are happening over at the Daniel R. Neill Equality Center, on/around Dec. 31. The December Oklahomans for Equality showcase features Gloria Galasso, Master Weaver. Chimayo tapestries serve as the inspiration for this artist, while working from a deep connection of women throughout the ages.

Keep your temple clean and your heartbeat up at the "clean and sober journey" dance party at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, Dec. 31 at 8pm. The Clean and Sober New Years Eve Party will feature dancing, karaoke, games, food, live entertainment and the best part is this is a free event. Cash donations will be accepted and will benefit the Equality Center. More information, from gallery hours to the dance party, can be found at okeq.org. The Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St.

Wildlife presented in a whimsical manner and serene landscapes come together to form contemporary and unique display at Lovetts Gallery, in the art installment Familiar? by James W. Johnson, and Shanna Kunz. 16 new works, created especially for Lovetts, located at 6528 E. 51st St., is available for viewing through Dec. 31.

"Deceptively familiar, there is much to be discovered with James and Shanna. With James, the juxtaposition of the traditional and contemporary is more obvious, however, with Shanna, one has to see the works up-close to capture the abstract impressionistic elements that underlay her landscapes, as well as the realist touches that have a tightening effect on the work," said Waylon Summers, Gallery Director.

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