MIXED MEDIA
Is it a concert, poetry reading, art show or fashion show?
The answer is yes — all of the above and more!
“The Oklahoma Artist Showcase,” says creator Wade Bray,
“is a monthly event that mixes creative disciplines of all kinds
into one show geared toward exposing the fans of each art
form to the talents of artists and art forms that they may
not have seen, heard or experienced before.” Despite the
academic sounding answer the result is a unique showcase
for Oklahoma artists of all types.
The showcase is an extension of Runway Tulsa and was
born from Bray’s passion for all things creative. “I grew up
in a family of artists. My mom was a clothing designer and
artist and my father, uncle and stepfather were musicians.”
Obviously comfortable moving in artistic circles from a
young age he found himself following his family’s lead. “I’ve
been everything from a graphic designer, creative director,
and marketing director to a booking agent and manager of
local bands,” he says. “I’m inspired by the amazing talent we
have in our state in many creative disciplines and discover
more all the time.” As a means of sharing that inspiration
with others, Bray began putting together the Oklahoma Artist
Showcase. The showcase will be a monthly opportunity for
the public to see lineups that will include: fashion designers,
musicians, spoken word artists, filmmakers, painters, poets,
photographers, dancers, animators, graffiti artists, and
whatever else Bray comes across.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the responses I’ve gotten from
the artists I’ve spoken with about doing the showcase,” he
says of the early planning stages. “So far everyone has been
very receptive and incredibly generous with their time.” The
debut of the Oklahoma Artist Showcase will take place at a
date to be determined this Fall, with artists like painter John
Hammer, spoken word artist Claire Collins, Oklahoma Poet
Laureate Benjamin Myers, fashion designer Hattie Eubanks,
filmmaker Hugh Westhoff and numerous bands including
Nuns, Good Villains, Authors, Count Tutu and more being
lined up for spots.
“I keep telling people this is like throwing my own birthday
party every month,” says Bray of the project. “I can’t wait to
get started!” You can follow the project and see lineups as
they form at okartistshowcase.com.
RUNWAY TULSA SPECIAL EDITION
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