Youth Services programs address the needs of youth and families in our community. Programs are innovative and offer young adults creative ways to improve their decision making skills and values while building them up to become productive citizens. The arts program at Youth Services of Tulsa is an exciting opportunity for budding artists at any level. You don't need any previous experience to be a part of the program; you only need desire to discover, readiness for adventure and openness to experimentation.
Youth Services of Tulsa wraps The Performing Arts Showcase on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Henthorne PAC, 4825 S. Quaker Ave., and kicks off the Gallery Art Exhibition the next day, Dec. 15, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Philbrook Museum's Education Wing, 2727 S. Rockford.
George Romero, arts and activities coordinator for Youth Services, took some time out of her busy schedule to describe the history of these events, how they coordinate with prominent art facilities in the area, and how these works affect the youth served for the artists good and the betterment of the community.
"Youth Services has been collaborating with Philbrook for the gallery shows for several years; with an Art Studios exhibit at the end of each semester -- for fall, spring and summer sessions -- that stays in the museum for two weeks," Romero said.
  Common Thread. |
"The gallery exhibit at Philbrook features the visual arts side of the program. There will be pottery from the Hand Building and Wheel Throwing studios, comic art, architectural drawing pieces from Tulsa Landmarks, graphics work from Digital Design, and some functional pieces from Sewing. We'll also have some of the constructive elements from animation, as well as the video, and a three-tiered cake done by the Edible Artwork crew.
"There will be participants from Beginning and Intermediate Guitar Studios, improv comedy games, a one act play written and directed by the Drama Troupe, and fashion pieces from Sewing and Design. We'll also be screening some short stop-motion animation pieces and showing a few preview pieces from the Philbrook show," Romero said.
"While neither the performing or visual arts programs had an overall theme, many of the studios create collaborative works in which many students contribute parts to a more complex piece. These works are often donated to Youth Services after each show, where they are then displayed at the agency or used to raise money for the programs here through events such as Blank Canvas, our annual fundraiser."
For more information about these programs, visit yst.org.
Taking On the Mouse King
A young girl's fantasy unfolds in this remarkable production that mixes the visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairytale Christmas.
The Tulsa Ballet performs The Nutcracker with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. 2nd St. Performances are Dec. 17 and 18 at 2pm, and Dec. 16, 17, 22 and 23 at 7pm. Choreography by Marcello Angelini, and Music by Tchaikovsky.
New Senior Soloist Argentinean Sofia Menteguiaga makes her debut in the lead role of adult Marie and alternates with Principal Soo Youn Cho. Principals Alfonso Martin and Wang Yi dance the part of Marie's Prince. Tulsa Ballet's Center for Dance Education students Sage Engle-Laird, Bobbie Lynn Kandravi, TyLeigh Baughman and Hannah Law dance the role of young Marie.
More than 100 local children perform in this year's production including young dancers from Tulsa Ballet's Center for Dance Education. The students perform roles such as mice, soldiers and party children. This performing experience allows the aspiring young dancers a unique opportunity -- to learn from and perform beside world-class professionals. Tickets can be purchased online at tulsaballet.org or by calling 918-749-6006.
Mixed Bag
On Dec. 15 the Tulsa Camerata performs Chamber Virtuosi at the All Souls Unitarian Church, Emerson Hall at 7pm. Chamber music is typically collaborative and egalitarian, but sometimes one musician gets to be a little more equal than the others.
This concert features members of Tulsa Camerata taking solo turns with their colleagues. The concert includes works by Vivaldi, Sperger, Shumann, Waxman and Bach. More information can be found at tulsacamerata.org.
Grammy-nominated Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (EHSS) has broken the traditional mold of gospel quartets. Their unconventional approach to communicating the Good News with groundbreaking originality has blazed a trail that will go down in gospel music history. They are the December artist in the Showcase Series at The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, located at 701 S. Main St., on Dec. 17 at 7:30pm. Visit thepacba.com for more information.
Oklahomans for Equality presents their 4th annual Falalala Ball on Dec. 17 from 7-11pm. The ball will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, located at 621 E. 4th St. The cost is a donation to community beneficiary that serves alternative lifestyle communities and those affected by HIV/AIDS -- such as The Parish Church of St Jerome's Food Bank, A Friend for a Friend, or Our House Too. More information, such as donation ideas, can be found at okeq.org.
Start your Advent celebrations downtown on Dec. 18 as the Chancel Choir and members of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra perform Handel's masterpiece at Boston Avenue Church, 1301 S. Boston Ave., at 5pm. Visit bostonavenue.org for more information. Early arrival is encouraged.
Send all comments and feedback regarding Arts Experienced to jratliff@urbantulsa.com