Performing Arts Studio

Seven members of the art faculty of St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee will display their prints, paintings and photographs in the Depot Gallery, 200 S. Jones, Norman, from May 2 through June 29.  A reception for the artists will be held on May 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in conjunction with Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.  Guitarist Nathan Harwell will provide live music.

Faculty members exhibiting are Sheryl Cozad, M.F.A.; Christopher Cunningham, M.F.A. & Rodica Focseneanu Cunningham, M.F.A.; Brother George Hubl O.S.B.; Carey Hughes, M.F.A.; Madeline M. Rugh, PH.D., A.T.R.;  and  Tim Sullivan, M.F.A.

The 2011-2012 Sunday Jazz Concert series concludes on May 13 with a solo guitar performance by local guitar hero, Travis Linville. The concert takes place at the Historic Santa Fe Depot, located at 200 South Jones in Norman. The show begins at 7:30 pm.  An admission fee of $7 will be charged; $5 for seniors/students and free for 18 and under.  Refreshments will be provided.

Multiple award winning poet Carol Hamilton will read from two new books: Master of the Theatre: Peter the Great and Lexicography at the Sunday Poetry Reading on May 20 in the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones.  The free reading will begin at 2:00 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.

Norman’s annual arts picnic in the park is growing by two organizations and activities for 2012. The third annual Luncheon on the Grass picnic, which is a collaboration of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Firehouse Art Center, Jacobson House Native Art Center and Norman Arts Council, is scheduled from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at Lions Park.

This year’s activity is held in conjunction with the Performing Arts Studio’s annual Summer Breeze Concert Series and features a live concert by Grammy award-winning Brave Combo at 7 p.m. The event also doubles as a dedication of public art as the Norman Public Arts Board recognizes Douglas Shaw Elder’s original “rubber ducky” sculpture in Lions Park at 6 p.m., the first of a series of public art projects that will be growing throughout Norman.

Two-time Grammy award winners Brave Combo will kick off the 2012 Summer Breeze free concert series on Sunday, May 20, in Norman’s Lions Park at the corner of Symmes and Flood. This first concert is part of a collaborative arts festival presented by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, the Firehouse Art Center, The Jacobson House, The Norman Arts Council, and the Performing Arts Studio. The third annual Luncheon on the Grass hands-on arts activities and entertainment will take place in the park from 4 pm – 6:30 pm. At 5:30 pm the Norman Public Arts Board will dedicate Douglas Shaw Elder’s original sculpture being placed in Lions Park. The group’s latest public arts project will be made from this original sculpture. Brave Combo will take the stage at 7 pm. Bring seating and refreshments for a full afternoon and evening of art, music, and fun in the park!