Forward momentum in the Hispanic Community
On the hunt for local architectural treasures that have outlived their landmark homes
Modern Korean flavors at Chae
Living artfully in the Sanchez home
May your holidays be filled with health and happiness!
2015 has been one of my most rewarding years as a physician. With new advances to our practice, we have helped patients achieve health goals that have eluded them for years. Their positive feedback makes coming to work every day a joy! Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year!
Our personal relationship with our patients brings us joy and is why we do what we do. I’m proud to say we provide the best healthcare in Oklahoma; here’s looking forward to a Merry Christmas and a great New Year in our beautiful new central location.
I am excited about joining the Optimal Health team – we’ve had so many positive changes, with more on the way. As opportunities for improvement in patient care grow, it’s fulfilling to offer the best, and know you’re changing people’s lives. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
WOMEN’S HEALTH | MEN’S HEALTH | HORMONE THERAPY | GYNECOLOGY MAMMOGRAPHY | DIET & NUTRITION | SUPPLEMENTS EDMOND - 1705 S. RENAISSANCE BLVD., #120 SOUTH OKC - 3110 S.W. 89TH, SUITE 104 | YUKON - 436 S. MUSTANG RD.
405.715.4496 | OptimalHealthAssociates.com
Optimal Health AssociatesTM DBA Optimal Health
Holiday Calendar of Events
Tuesday, November 24 • 5-8pm
Saturday, December 5 • 9-11am
Holiday Kick-Off Party
Breakfast with Santa
In the grassy area north of Whole Foods • Join the local Marines to collect NEW toy donations for Toys for Tots
At Whole Foods Café • FREE pancakes for the kids!
Sunday, December 13 • 1-2:30pm Sensitive Santa
• Fun holiday music • Food trucks and hot cocoa • Kids activities include letters to Santa and cookie decorating • Santa appearance • Holiday open house activities at various shops in Nichols Hills Plaza and Classen Curve
Uptown Kids • This is a special time to visit Santa, which is reserved just for children with Autism
Win fabulous prizes from your favorite retailers by liking and sharing our
12 Days of Christmas! Starting December 1, prizes will be given away daily with a grand prize including ALL 12 Days prizes. Check us out on social media!
5825 Northwest Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73118 classencurve.com |
Avondale Drive Nichols Hills, OK 73116 nicholshillsplaza.com |
in this issue
Features
53
LOST OKC
Although their initial homes have mostly been reduced to dust and memories, a searching look around Oklahoma City reveals a trove of architectural relics that offer connections to the past, and arguments for preservation.
64
LA VIDA LOCAL
OKC’s Hispanic population has increased by nearly 100 percent since 2000 … and that’s a good sign for both that community and the city as a whole. Growing pains are a reality, and progress is a process, but the metro is moving toward a stronger, more interconnected future.
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405 magazine • december 2015
december 2015
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS FROM
We invite you to visit your local Dillard’s Department Store to view the best selection of UGG Australia footwear for Women, Kids and Men UGG Australia “Mammoth” Tall Boot
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UGG Australia “Samantha” Tall Boot
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The Style of Christmas
FOR PERFECT PRESENTS PENN SQUARE MALL | QUAIL SPRINGS MALL | SOONER MALL
in this issue
december 2015
Departments
Dining
101 Chae’s modern
In the 405
Korean cuisine blends tradition and global influences for dining that’s colorful as well as delectable; expert baker Brianna Shear offers tasty advice for amping up the goodness of holiday desserts; saffron risotto brightens Metro diners’ days; a Blue Hawaiian interlude at The R&J Lounge.
17 Luxurious scarves for fighting winter’s chill while staying in fashion; the sisters behind welcoming boutique ME Home share some of their favorite things; makeup must-haves to quickly get your face pristine for holiday parties; an array of charming gifts made by hand in Oklahoma; the Toy & Action Figure Museum’s all-ages fun; local entrepreneur Brian Ferrell’s success factor; a chat with master multitasker Jane Jenkins; what elder generations should know about Millennials in the workforce; Hall Estill’s locally sourced office renovation.
Travel
114 Snow or no snow, a Christmas trip to the Smoky Mountains offers heaping helpings of seasonal bliss; prehistoric puzzles lie beneath Spiro Mounds.
Events
117 Lyric Theatre
42 Territory Ahead A spot of green against gray winter skies, mistletoe’s resilience might help explain its surprisingly long-lasting grip on our state symbolism. M.J. Alexander traces the tale of Oklahoma’s official floral emblem.
40
Home
87 A stylish selection of coffee tables worthy of starring in their own book; rich in warmth and creativity, the home and expansive garden of Lin and Ernesto Sanchez are loving, lovely works in progress.
ON THE COVER 6
A New Take on a “Last Supper”
While Richard McKown is likely best known as a successful developer of downtown OKC properties, lately he’s been re-immersing himself in his love for creating art. Inspired by a familiar religious theme but determined to eschew a set of Da Vinci-influenced doppelgangers, his deeply hued interpretation of the Last Supper serves as the centerpiece of a new exhibition that’s introducing his other passion to downtown audiences.
offers its lavish, lovingly sincere take on “A Christmas Carol”; a touring production of “Ragtime” brings portraits of America to OCCC; Arts Council OKC raises the roof on a year-end blowout for the entire city.
In Every Issue
10 From the Editor 12 Reactions 14 Web Sights 32 On the Scene 36 Laugh Lines 106 Food and Drink 120 On Film 122 Speaker Box 123 On the Radar 128 Backstory
You can no longer catch a Greyhound on the site of the old Union Bus Station, but the iconic sign will remain. Photo by M.J. Alexander
405 magazine • december 2015
Retirement Investment Advisors designs portfolios for a lifetime. Wherever you are on the
DECEMBER 2015
Publisher Elizabeth Meares elizabeth.meares@405magazine.com Editor-in-Chief Heidi Rambo Centrella heidi.centrella@405magazine.com EDITORI A L Associate Editor Steve Gill steve.gill@405magazine.com
retirement path, talking with an experienced, professional financial
Style Editor Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com
advisor is a step in the right direction. Retirement Investment Advisors acts as a fiduciary – required by law to put your best interests above all else. Adhering to the highest standards
For your complimentary copy of the informative booklet “The Retirement Path,” call your nearest Retirement Investment Advisors office or visit TheRetirementPath.com.
of their profession, these CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ design portfolios balanced to invest for retirement while providing asset protection with less volatility. The retirement path can be a long journey. Fortunately, the first step is easy. Simply call Retirement Investment Advisors or visit them online at TheRetirementPath.com. Watch for Retirement Investment Advisors in current issues of Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune, and Money magazines.
Fashion Editor Jennifer Salyer jennifer.salyer@405magazine.com Contributing Writers M.J. Alexander, Bobby Anderson, Phil Bacharach, Mark Beutler, Jerry Church, Gina A. Dabney, Brett Dickerson, Christine Eddington, Ben Felder, Lauren Hammack, Jill Hardy, Greg Horton, Elaine Warner A RT Art Director Scotty O’Daniel scotty.odaniel@405magazine.com Graphic Designer Brian O’Daniel brian.odaniel@405magazine.com Design & Production Coordinator Tiffany McKnight tiffany.mcknight@405magazine.com Contributing Photographers M.J. Alexander, Justin Avera, David Cobb, Shannon Cornman, Terrell Fry, Simon Hurst, Quit Nguyen, Carli Wentworth A DV ERTISING Business Development Manager Heidi Turner heidi.turner@405magazine.com
Oklahoma City 3001 United Founders Blvd., Suite A 405.942.1234
Edmond 2952 Via Esperanza 405.246.0404
TheRetirementPath.com
Executive Director of Advertising Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com Account Executives Jamie Hamilton jamie.hamilton@405magazine.com Debbi Knoll debbi.knoll@405magazine.com Account Manager Ronnie Morey ronnie.morey@405magazine.com A DMINISTR ATION Distribution Raymond Brewer 405magazine.com
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405 magazine • december 2015
VOLUME 1 • NUMBER 2
REA DER SERV ICES 405 Magazine 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435 info@405magazine.com, 405magazine.com Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine. com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Back Issues Back issues are $9.50 (includes P&H) each. For back issue availability and order information, please contact our office. Bulk Orders For multiple copy order information, please contact our office. Subscriptions 405 Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues). Subscription Customer Service 405 Magazine P.O. Box 16765 North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@405magazine.com 405magazine.com/subscribe
405 Magazine Volume 1, Number 2, December 2015. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Open Sky Media, Inc. at 729 W. Sheridan, Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.842.2266. © Copyright 2015 Open Sky Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.
There’s no one quite like you.
No two people share the same dreams, desires, ambitions, or health care needs. That’s why INTEGRIS is proud to welcome you to INTEGRIS & Me, a new era of personalized health care that really is all about you. Over the next two years, we’re rolling out a new way to think about your health and your health care, and it all starts with a secure, powerful suite of new online tools available to you this December.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Oh, Joy!
F
HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA Editor-in-Chief heidi.centrella@405magazine.com
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405 magazine • december 2015
SIMON HURST
First come the parties. Then begins the shopping. Decorating the house. Wrapping the presents. Shopping (and wrapping) some more. Coordinating the family get-together. Planning the meal. Baking the goods. Oy vey! Yes, it can be all too overwhelming. And typically those last few days leading up to the festivities have many in a mad scramble to ensure all bases are covered, at times awakening our inner Grinches. It never fails: There’s always that one person you forget to put on your list, or the presents you know you bought … and eventually find hidden in a sack in the back of the closet, or the party you promised to attend yet neglected to put on your calendar, or the epic soufflé fail. So here you sit, wondering how you might possibly be able to right these devastating wrongs before they happen. That’s where we come in. Need a last-minute gift? Check out the array of options that are handmade on page 24. How to get your glam on – from the office to a holiday happy hour to a dinner party? We’ve got you covered with must-have facial flair (page 22). Not sure what can’t-go-wrong sweets to bake? See what this month’s featured chef recommends (page 104). The other frustrating thing is that when it’s all over, we get to pay the bills, replenish the aspirin inventory and view the larger-than-expected number staring back at us from the scale. But the smiling faces and bulging beltlines are worth the effort. Why? Because everyone (well, OK, maybe almost everyone) looks forward to a wintry wonderland, that warm-fuzzy feeling that comes with sitting by the fire sipping eggnog and watching classic holiday movies. However, it’s important to remember that, for many people, that notion is merely something they’ve heard stories of … but not actually experienced. While my children are among those privileged enough to experience the holidays with family, feasts and festivities, they also have been taught ‘tis better to give than receive. Whether it’s purchasing and packaging gifts for the less fortunate or preparing and delivering meals to those in need, we can all find at least one way to give back to our community – and it’s not limited to the holiday season. You can actually give back year ‘round, and encourage your children and loved ones to do the same. So in the spirit of the season, think about how you can give back – not just this month, but all year long. The opportunities are endless. Donate. Volunteer. Make someone else’s life better in the coming year, and you’ll see the benefits reflected in your own, as well. Happy holidays. And speaking of the coming year: We’ll see you again in 2016!
Join us for a special trunk show
Saturday, december 19 | 10am to 6pm
9203 N PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE | 405.607.4323 | NAIFEHFINEJEWELRY.COM
Naifeh_CountryClub_December_Bellas.indd 1
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RE ACTIONS A sampling of reader feedback
The Marion Revived
I love the article (“A Story Restored,” November) about my Grandmother Bessie’s hotel in 405. It has meant so much to my family to see the old girl restored. I traveled from KC last March to reunite with my cousins and uncle to see it in person before the occupants moved in. I am so proud of OKC and the wonderful things that are happening there.
Creates younger skin.
Profoundly. LOVE your results from Oklahoma’s first single treatment radio frequency micro-needling system.
- MALCOLM HANEY
Live on, University
I was reading your fine magazine this afternoon and was very pleasantly surprised when my name jumped from the page! I thank you for the recognition (“20+ Reasons We Love Norman,” November). You know, the 20+ is a great article about a great town and great university. In my opinion, what we see and enjoy at OU is a direct result of David Boren’s vision of a great university becoming reality. It has been an astounding transformation.
- GARY ENGLAND
All the Right Moves
Thanks, @405Mag, for your terrific feature (“Checkmates,” November) on youth chess in the four-oh-five!
405.751.LOVE
- REBECCA RUTLEDGE, VIA TWITTER
Namaste!
So honored to have 405 Magazine witness our You.Are.Venus retreat and share their wonderful experience (“The Soul Tribe,” November). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Liking the Look
I just picked up a copy of 405 and am admiring your handiwork – quite a transformation you’ve engineered. And it looks like there’s a lot of meat in the sandwich, too (I’m a vegetarian, but you get the idea). Can’t wait to dig in.
- ADAM COHEN
Love the new name.
- STEVE HILL, VIA TWITTER
I have enjoyed this magazine for a considerable while.
- TYLER BARTON, VIA TWITTER
Looking good, @405Mag!
- ZAC FOWLER, VIA TWITTER
Rise Together
As Oklahoma City continues to mature, the community needs a vehicle to discuss our culture. 405 could be just what we need. More than cocktail chatter, we need to bring more into the conversation. I want to know about the book you are reading or an artist you recently discovered. Tell me about your view of OKC’s future, and what you are going to do to push us forward. Murder and mayhem is such a waste of energy. The more we turn our focus to building our city, the faster we accomplish our goals. We all see the impact of the Thunder on our city. They represent team play at the highest level. Encouragement energizes us all. When you see someone do something good, cheer them on. We are, after all, one big team trying to win every day.
- RAND ELLIOTT, FAIA
- BETHANY FRAZIER, VIA FACEBOOK
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Fellow, American College of Surgeons Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery CareCredit & Prosper Healthcare Lending welcome
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405 magazine • december 2015
Sound Off
BY E-MAIL editor@405magazine.com
We want to hear from you! Here’s how to contact 405 Magazine:
BY THE POST 405 Magazine Attn: Heidi Rambo Centrella 729 W Sheridan, #101 OKC, OK 73102
CALL US!!! 405.848.2371 WE’LL CALL YOU
Nut Half 405.pdf
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Web Sights
What’s online at 405magazine.com
LOST NO LONGER In “Lost OKC” (page 53) M.J. Alexander explores the city to find elements of past construction that have outlived their original homes and survived into the present. Here’s some good news for fans of this modern archaeology: there’s more treasure to find online. Visit 405magazine.com/lostokc for a gallery of extra goodness.
SAVOR THE SEASON
It’s always a good thing when you can end the week on a high note, right? That’s why we’re continuing one of our most popular and delectable giveaways this month with the Fall Friday $50. We’ll be giving away a $50 gift card to an outstanding local restaurant – Kd’s, Broadway 10 and Café 501 – on each of the first three Fridays in December. (After that it’s officially winter, plus you’ll probably be busy on the 25th. Jingle jingle!)
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Keep an eye on our e-newsletters to enter; sign up by visiting 405magazine.com/newsletters/. We’ll draw a winner at random each Friday at 1 p.m. Good luck, and bon appetit!
STAY IN TOUCH Keep up to date on what’s happening in the 405; visit 405magazine.com/newsletters/ to sign up and start receiving:
Weekend 101 Our recommendations for fun stuff to see and do as the week winds down
Snapshot! A pictorial showcase of local events and the people enjoying them Insider The scoop on exclusive deals and special promotions from our partners; perfect for savvy shoppers
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405 magazine • december 2015
AND
MARKETING
W W W . I N T E G R 8 M E D I A . C O M
405.579.0080 | 3101 W. TECUMSEH RD. | NORMAN, OK
OPERATION
INTEGR8 YOUR
IN ONE PLACE
See the products and staff members that bring in the most revenue
funding including American Express.
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model that includes transparent pricing,
Replace traditional processing with a better
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
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Understand what attracts new customers and what brings guests back
Spot red flags earlier and make decisions that impact your bottom line
S I M P L I F Y O P E R AT I O N S F R O M A S I N G L E P L AT F O R M
point of sale, and the social web into one cloud-based platform.
Combine the most valuable data from systems you already use: payments,
A C C E S S A L L YO U R D ATA
Insider 䐀䔀䌀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 ㌀Ⰰ ㈀ 㔀 ∠ꀀꀀ㜀倀䴀 뫶 䴀䤀䐀一䤀䜀䠀吀
倀䔀刀䘀伀刀䴀䄀一䌀䔀匀 䄀一䐀 䘀䤀刀䔀圀伀刀䬀匀℀
PROMOTION
events | products | exclusive offers
A Truly Happy Anniversary If you remember its impressively catchy jingle, you know that BC Clark is Oklahoma’s oldest jeweler, and has been operating since 1892. That means the same family has been providing personal service and quality merchandise at competitive prices for Oklahoma since before it was a state. With every passing year there’s a little more to celebrate, and they want you to join in the festivities:
BC CLARK’S 123RD ANNIVERSARY SALE
Sale Dates: Now through December 31
Engagement rings and wedding bands, jewelry for everyday beauty, watches, men’s essentials, spectacular gifts … enjoy savings you can’t ignore in every department!
BC Clark’s Anniversary Sale is happening at all three locations: Downtown – Penn Square – Northpark. Get your jingle fix at bcclarkjingle.com.
䘀䤀一䄀䰀䔀 㔀䬀
Portrait of a Generation M.J. Alexander is one of the great chroniclers of Oklahoma’s people, and Portrait of a Generation captures the images and stories of the youngest citizens of our state. Alexander traveled over 11,000 miles, photographing 250 Oklahomans from 50 cities and towns to create Portrait of a Generation – an ode to the land and its people.
㔀 䬀 匀 吀䄀 刀 吀 匀 䄀吀 㐀 倀 䴀 刀 䄀 䌀 䔀 吀 䠀 刀 伀 唀 䜀 䠀 伀 唀 吀 䐀 伀 圀 一 吀 伀 圀 一 伀 䬀 䌀 䰀 䤀 嘀 䔀 䔀 一 吀 䔀 刀 吀䄀 䤀 一 䴀 䔀 一 吀 吀 䠀 刀 伀 唀 䜀 䠀 伀 唀 吀 䌀 伀 唀 刀 匀 䔀 倀刀䔀匀䔀一吀䔀䐀 䈀夀
䄀刀吀匀䌀伀唀一䌀䤀䰀伀䬀䌀⸀䌀伀䴀
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405 magazine • december 2015
“My hope is that this glimpse of the next generation will go beyond stereotypes and show the variety and vibrancy of Oklahoma’s kids. These pages will open the door to people you may never have the change to meet, against a backdrop of place you may never have had the chance to visit, and allow you to hear what they have to say.” – M.J. ALEXANDER
Portraitof a
Generation The Children of Oklahoma
Sons and Daughters of the Red Earth
M.J. ALEXANDER
Independent Publisher Books Award, Best Regional Non-Fiction Oklahoma Book Award Winner, Children/Young Adult and Design/Illustration Hardcover, 288 page, $55
SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE $48
Complimentary gift wrapping available for orders placed before December 20. To reserve your copy, send an email to info@405magazine.com.
405
in the
Comfort Zone While long-term forecasts are espe-
CARLI WENTWORTH
cially dicey prospects in Oklahoma, early indicators hint that we could be in for an especially cold, wet winter. Plus, the month of December has the potential to be one long freeze frame anyway, meaning it’s the perfect time to protect your neck and look sensational doing it by treating yourself to a cozy new scarf – like this purple plaid wrap with fringe by Subtle Luxury, from Kokopelli. And for last-minute shoppers, they also look great underneath (or next to) the tree.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
17
in the 405
TRENDS
Wrapped up in Fashion
While any old scarf will do to keep your neck warm this winter, why should it? The long rectangle of scratchy wool is beyond past. Bigger versions, be they wraps for the women or thick cable knits for the men, are easily found and well worth the effort. Once the cool winds of winter really start to blow, you’ll be happy you took the time to find the right one, and on top of that, you’ll look sharp. - SARA GAE WATERS
(clockwise from top left) Top to bottom: Gray houndstooth scarf and cashmere cable knit by Gran Sasso, from Steven Giles; Gray-and-white and gray-and-plaid wraps by Donni Charm, from On A Whim Tan Knit Scarf by Inis Meáin, from Steven Giles
Chevron brick tasseled wrap by Subtle Luxury, from Kokopelli Green fringed scarf by Project, from On a Whim Left to right: Gray-and-blue cashmere scarf by Gran Sasso and dotted blue scarf by Hartford, from Steven Giles
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405 magazine • december 2015
PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH
Top to bottom: Faux fur infinity scarf, frosted black-and-winter scarf and stretch knit scarf by dylan, from Kokopelli
Season’s Greetings from Your Friends at Cardiovascular Health Clinic The Doctors and Staff at the Cardiovascular Health Clinic are excited to announce our new location; a more relaxing venue conveniently located with easy access. A full spectrum of cardiac and vascular diagnostic and imaging tests are available in this setting, allowing for a complete evaluation for heart and blood vessel health concerns.
DWAYNE A. SCHMIDT, M.D. | JIM G. MELTON, D.O.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
19
in the 405
FAVORITE THINGS
Bright and Beautiful for the Home Located at 2925 W Wilshire Ave., ME (for sisters Mindy Brown and Elaine Price) Home is at once light and airy, inviting and comfortable, and coming in is practically guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. That’s not surprising – since when asked how she would describe the aesthetic of the store, Elaine says, “Happy. We want people to feel welcome when they walk in. We want to help people create homes that feel the same way.” Mission accomplished. - SARA GAE WATERS
Milla Side Table, $980 Combining an elegant and whimsical look that will instantly update your bedroom, the Milla has three drawers and two shelves, and is available in 28 finishes.
Beverly Bench, starting at $1,850 This accent piece is reminiscent of a bygone era and combines a vintage look with modern design touches. Shown in petal pink leather, it can be customized to fit your decorating style.
Pagoda Tower, $875 Standing an impressive 48 inches tall, this hand-painted blue and white pagoda tower is purely decorative and a true statement maker. The elegant lines and impressive size of this chinoiserie-inspired piece are certain to spark conversation.
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Holly Swivel Glider, starting at $1,500 Available in more than 800 fabrics, this versatile handcrafted chair swivels, glides and is basically as comfortable as it is beautiful; so much so it can make almost anyone want to sit a while longer.
405 magazine • december 2015
Quince Velvet Pillow, $195 These down-filled pillows are available in several gorgeous colors and patterns, and even in outdoor fabrics. The sophisticated designs will give new life to your living space.
PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH
Lena Bench, $1,300 This bench – shown here in apple green velvet with a carved Greek key base – adds a touch of modern flair to any space. The Lena can be used as a footrest, for extra seating or in pairs in an entry.
Kupstin Vase, $312 If fresh flowers are your obsession, you know the perfect vessel is key to a beautiful arrangement. Voila – this gorgeous lavender glass vase has a gold rim and is an ideal size for a stunning centerpiece.
“Peek a Boo,” $500 The second in a series by artist Hannah Cunningham, this original mixed-media work is vibrant and full of energy, with just the right pop of color to liven up any space. Felt Sapling, starting at $65 This potted felt sapling is a fun accent that can be decorated seasonally. The handcrafted felt flower ornaments are available in a variety of rich colors.
Apothecary Guild Candles, from $35 Available in many delightful scents, these suspended candle jars are a perfect hostess gift.
ABOUT ME HOME To say that ME Home is a family affair is an understatement. Mindy and Elaine both recall always wanting to have a business together. Mindy remembers the two of them having conversations on this topic in her kitchen as far back as 1998. But until February of this year, the timing was never right. They also credit their beloved grandmother, Gladys Balyeat, with inspiring them with the love of design. And great design it is.
Co-owner Mindy Brown (right) with her daughter Hannah, whose art is for sale in the store, and “shop dog” Hank. Co-owner Elaine Price had to miss Picture Day, but her spirit can be seen throughout the welcoming space.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
21
in the 405
FASHION
Holiday Glam From the office to the after-hours party or soirée, freshen up in fewer than 7 minutes
YOUR HOLIDAY LOOK IN 405 SECONDS
Here’s your holiday guide for not only achieving a radiant and natural look, but also keeping your skin fresh during these extra-cold months. We’ve put together our top five products to prep your face, and our top eight products to achieve that look in 405 seconds. These products will have you looking like the glamorous winter queen you are for all of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy … and stay hydrated, my friends.. - JENNIFER SALYER
MAC Cleansing Towelettes Keep convenient skin refreshment on hand. Available at Dillard’s, $20 (45 sheets)
PREP
Clarisonic Mia 2 Face Cleaning Brush Your secret weapon for glowing skin; keeping dry skin in the distant past. Available at Dillard’s, $149
Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer It’s SPF 18 for protecting and producing weightless and silkysmooth skin. Available at Duncan Brothers Salon, N Penn & Quail Springs Mall, $25
Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector Instantly diminishes the appearance of pores and refine skin texture. Available at The MakeUp Bar, $35
Therametics Rehydrating Lotion A combination of oils and the patented ingredient Therosol keeps your skin moisturized. Available on Therametics.com, $36
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405 magazine • december 2015
Therametics Dermal Repair Serum with Vitamin C Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing visibly smooth skin in days, not weeks. Available on Therametics.com, $136
PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH
NARS The Multiple All-in-one, cream-topowder, multipurpose makeup stick. Available at The MakeUp Bar, $39
CUSTOM DEVELOPMENT Application Architecture Design & Development NARS Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner 12-hour wear with no smearing or caking will make a big impact on your look. Available at The MakeUp Bar, $24
Solution Consulting and Design Legacy Application Transformation & Re-Engineering
UI/UX Production and Implementation RevitaLash Raven 12-Hour Eyeliner This eyeliner saturates the eyelash line with color intensity and definition while conditioning and smoothing for high-impact color that doesn’t fade. Available at Duncan Brothers Salon, N Penn & Quail Springs Mall, $24
RevitaLash Hi-Def Tinted Brow Gel Sculpt, enhance and condition to define the look of fuller, bolder, more beautiful brows. Available at Duncan Brothers Salon, N Penn & Quail Springs Mall, $32
Platforms Native Mobile Applications, Responsive Web, Hybrid, REST/WSDL Micro-services, & Web Applications.
MANAGED SERVICES 1. Server rack space rental in a secure facility 2. VDI: Your desktop in the cloud 3. Total managed infrastructure
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december 2015 • 405 magazine
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RETAIL
Handmade in Oklahoma Keeping it local is easy this holiday shopping season
Gift giving can be a daunting endeavor. If you’re a person who longs to touch the recipient’s heart, then there are all sorts of considerations to take into account about individual preferences and tastes. If you’re a conscientious consumer who wants to buy local, then there is another set of concerns to put on the list. This can all add up to making your holiday shopping a potential drag, instead of the fun element of the seasonal celebration it can be. This collection of local artisans is by no means exhaustive, but it’s intended to be a representation of the sort of diversity in our community’s marketplace. From the fanciful to the practical, there are a variety of options here that can cover a wide range of gift-giving needs. - JILL HARDY
Bravura Case
Instagram: @Bravura_Music_Case Cole Kroutil had some old suitcases lying around their house, and wanted a way to use them that was both decorative and functional. After researching ideas and seeing suitcases used as housing for sound systems, he made his first case through trial and error, and was so pleased with the results (and the reactions of friends), he decided to make it into a business. Bravura cases use high quality speakers and lithium ion batteries that are guaranteed to last 15 hours, but generally endure 24, making them perfect party soundtrack providers. Some are wired to play FM radio, but most designs are simply used for playing music from a personal device (iPad, iPhone, mp3 players and the like). Kroutil tries to be considerate of the limited market in Oklahoma by keeping the cases reasonably priced, and insists that his main priority isn’t to get rich, but just to share the love of cool music cases with fellow Okies. “I want anyone to be able to buy them,” Kroutil says, “not just someone who’s wealthy.”
Autumn Blaze Farm autumnblazefarm.us
Forget Grease. At the family-owned Autumn Blaze Farm, “Goat” is the word. Goat milk is a key ingredient in the handmade soaps the farm produces – an amazing array of products that includes adorable cupcake-shaped soap that looks and smells good enough to eat – and owner Monica Schmidt is happy to tell anyone who will listen about the magical properties of the stuff produced by the family’s Nigerian Dwarf goats. “Goat milk has selenium and vitamin A and D in it,” Schmidt relates. “It’s very nourishing for your skin.” Lotion, lip balm, bath bombs: Soap isn’t the only product the farm produces, and the variety of scents available make their offerings appealing across age and gender lines. (They even have simple soap for the sensitive among us that’s made out of oil and goat milk, nothing else).
Frameworthy Designs frameworthydesigns.com
No matter how paperless our society becomes, there will always be the need for a card or letter that one can hold. If the card or letter is written on an exquisitely crafted piece of stationery, then that only makes it better. The “frameworthy” part of the name of Tara Forth’s Frameworthy Designs is not merely a buzzword; her graphite and watercolor creations are truly hang-on-the-wall level art. Not only that, they’re imbued with a spunky positivity and realism that takes you beyond the saccharine-sweet world of Hallmark cards and lets you express genuine feelings without rolling your eyes. (If you’ve ever spent an hour poring over Mother’s Day cards thinking that you couldn’t possibly sign any of their over-the-top sentiments with a clear conscience, you might appreciate Forth’s design that reads, simply, “I Love You, Mom.”)
Little Rose Jewelry thelittlerosejewelry.com
Every craft fair and street festival has an overabundance of handmade jewelry vendors. Bracelets and necklaces beaded or crafted by hand always have a nostalgic feel, but rarely are they as beautifully elegant as the designs put together by Emily Pierson, owner of Little Rose Jewelry. Emily’s mother passed away in 2013, and the pieces that Pierson creates are both a tribute and a legacy. “She made jewelry during my childhood,” Pierson says. “She had her own business called Trinkets. As a way of dealing with my grief after her death, I took a metalsmithing class. When she passed away, I got all of her beads and everything else that she had … and it’s been a really powerful way for me to work through my grief and honor my mom.” Pierson’s artistic eye flawlessly pairs unique design and materials such as turquoise, Baltic amber and Radraksha seeds, giving her pieces both aesthetic appeal and enduring quality.
Flashy Flasks When daughter Kelsey wanted to give a friend turning 21 a flask as a gift, Kim Ryan couldn’t find any that were feminine. So, she made one. The idea that there could be a market for such a thing led her to make more, and sure enough, the people responded. From the bedazzled to the bedlam-themed (OU and OSU designs are available, of course), Ryan and her daughter do a brisk business customizing flasks for everything from bridesmaids gifts to everyday designs that will look right at home in a Vera Bradley bag. The duo also sells tiny funnels, to make filling those swanky swig-suppliers a breeze.
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PHOTOS BY SHANNON CORNMAN
flashyflasks.com
Suan’s
Darci Lenker Art
etsy.com/shop/DarciLenkerArt
suansfoods.com
Darci Lenker’s offbeat stuffed toys are a surefire kid pleaser, but don’t limit them to children; there’s something about those crazily colorful raccoons, foxes and lizards that’s compelling enough to move adults to want to cuddle them, and they make great conversation pieces. Her creations can be found in the Firehouse Art Center and Dreamer Concepts in Norman, The Okay See on Film Row in OKC and Studio 11 in Emporia, Kansas, but Lenker also appears at other locales and several festivals around the metro, and she has an Etsy shop.
Canadian River Vineyards & Winery
After being introduced to Scotch Bonnet peppers in Jamaica, Suan Grant’s subsequent passion for them and her creative nature led to an experiment using them in jelly. The delicious result led to Suan building a Scotch Bonnet recipe repertoire, and years of hearing “you should sell this” from friends and family eventually culminated in her doing just that. Since 2009, Suan has shared the wonder of the Scotch Bonnet with fellow fans, and created new levels of appreciation in others. While she and her artist daughter Robin Wolf can be found at various shows and markets across the state, you can also order her amazing condiments online. Fans of spice will enjoy the moderate heat left in some of the jellies, but don’t turn down a chance to try them if you’re afraid of the burn one would normally expect from a pepper variety that can be 10 times hotter than a jalapeno; the sweetness of the jelly is a perfect foil and actually allows the Scotch Bonnet’s glorious flavor to be experienced.
Reclaim to Fame
Three Eleven Designs
canadianriverwinery.net
@reclaim_to_fame
If a great gift idea happens to entail a trip to a winery and several tastings to get just the right choice, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Canadian River Vineyards & Winery not only produces several Made in Oklahoma vintages – including Oklahoma Riesling and their celebrated Chocolate Drop – they also have plenty of winethemed accoutrements to go along with them. Red Solo cup and Mason jar wineglasses allow Okies to enjoy our state’s relatively new status as a legitimate wine source, while still giving a nod to our roots, and coasters and T-shirts for wine enthusiasts round out the list of potential gifts.
Although Karli Gribble originally hails from Texas, after eight years in Oklahoma, she’s finally calling it home. It’s a choice reflected in some of the designs she creates through her reclaimed material home décor business, Reclaim to Fame. Oklahoma-shaped wall hangings, either plain or emblazoned with lightning bolts or chevrons, constitute some of the individualistic pieces Gribble constructs from used fencing and other repurposed wood. Whether your tastes – or the tastes of your intended gift recipient – run to the eclectic (a giraffe with the message “Stand Tall”), or purposeful (tiny plant holders hooked onto small boards for easy wall display and watering), chances are there’s something here that will strike your fancy. Touches such as battery-powered LED lighting on the signs (meaning cord-free display) coupled with Gribble’s infectious optimism (shared through decrees like “Be Brave – Awesome You!”) make for some happy home décor.
The need for cake at any given celebration is followed closely by the need for that cake to have some decorative element acknowledging said occasion. Thanks to Hannah Bergman, there’s now a solution other than professional help from a bakery, or a mad scramble to the grocery store for candles and dry candy bits to accomplish that. Bergman’s Three Eleven Designs offers a selection of reusable cake toppers (made from laser cut acrylic), which can be used for events that range from the specific to generic. Exclamations such as “Woo Hoo,” “Celebrate,” “Forever” and “Happy Birthday” are available, as are custom options that allow you to get every member of the family their own personalized topper, say, for the beginning of a new tradition. Three Eleven also has a number of paper goods – weekly lists, notepads, stationery, invitations – that can also be customized, and just like the cake toppers, are both practical and pleasing to the eye.
3elevendesigns.com
Amelie’s Anomalies
AmeliesAnomalies.etsy.com If there’s an edgy friend/niece/ child on your list who defies most gift-giving categories, there may be a quirky tchotchke for them at Amelie’s Anomalies. Local artist Abby Storie crafts jewelry and art out of doll parts, embellished My Little Ponies, and a variety of other items for a style statement that is truly unique. Storie’s pieces are all handmade, and created using several mediums, including natural and found objects. Plastic eyeballs, pictures of threeeyed kittens: Storie’s gift is in finding the wondrous and beautiful in the strange, and she does it magnificently. These are the gifts for people who are hard to get – and get things for.
Robin Wolf
robinwolfstudio.com Artist Robin Wolf was featured in the September 2012 issue of Slice for her beautiful hand-crafted stoneware pottery. Since, she’s expanded into working with copper and mica, fashioning lighting fixtures that will not only illuminate your home, but provide artistic depth to it, as well. (Pieces such as mailboxes are available, too; no one ever said necessary implements need to be mundane). All of Wolf’s copper work, from cutting to tempering, to forming and waxing, is done by hand. “I learned basic sheet metal skills many years ago as the co-owner of a small heating and air business where we crafted our own ductwork,” Wolf says. “I was already crafting copper lids for my pottery, so I knew that I had the basic set of skills needed to create my own patterns and designs for copper and mica lamp shades and lighting fixtures.” Wolf’s fire patina process gives her work its unique coloration, making her items true oneof-a-kind pieces.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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DESTINATION
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HONEY-DO LIST Minco, Oklahoma, is the place to be(e) Dec. 5 for the 25th annual Minco Honey Festival, a citywide celebration of the sweet stuff, along with arts and crafts, a quilt exhibition, of the Ross Honey Company, the state’s largest and producer of Clover Bloom Honey.
Minco native, KFOR/KAUT
personality and self-described “son of a beekeeper” Lucas Ross describes his old stomping grounds (located about 30 minutes southwest of Oklahoma City on US Highway 81) as “one of the last of the Mayberry-type hometowns,” particularly during the honey festival, when thousands swarm into the tiny town.
No trip to the festival
would be complete without a tour of the 80-year-old Ross plant, offered throughout the day by Lucas’ father Jim Ross. Although the celebration spans from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Ross recommends that aficionados arrive early. As the festival’s popularity has grown, the honey has begun selling out early in the day. #buzzkill
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- LAUREN HAMMACK
405 magazine • december 2015
Where the Toys Are Look! Down in Pauls Valley! It’s a figurine ... it’s a maquette ... it’s Superman and friends!
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Growing older is inevitable; growing up is optional. If you’re willing to let your inner child come out and play, here’s the perfect place to do it – the Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley. Housing an array of well over 13,000 figures, the museum is the brainchild of one of Oklahoma’s truly Renaissance figures, Kevin Stark. This dapper gentleman with flowing hair and a neatly trimmed, graying beard and moustache is not only a collector but an accomplished artist, musician and wine maker. His band, Squeaky Burger, is noted for its improvisational performances. Intellectually gifted, he also exhibits an active sense of humor … evidenced by the display of superhero underwear marking the entrance to the museum’s restroom area. This place can be enjoyed on many levels. Little children will love the play area filled with action figures, toys and dress-up clothes. Older children will be fascinated by the collections and variety of action figures – from the Simpsons to the Silver Surfer.
For visitors appreciative of the art and craft of creating action figures, there are a number of displays showing the evolution of the industry. This is something Stark knows a lot about – he actually helped create the first line of figures for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. According to Stark, the granddaddy of all the action figures was probably the 12-inch G.I. Joe, which came out in the 1960s to compete with Mattel’s 1959 Barbie. The creators knew boys wouldn’t want to play with them
THE TOY & ACTION FIGURE MUSEUM PHOTOS COURTESY KEVIN STARK
live entertainment and tours
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Toy and Action Figure Museum 111 S Chickasaw, Pauls Valley Hours of operation 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. General admission $6; $4 for seniors; $3 for military with valid current ID; free for children under 2. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
if they were called dolls, so they called them action figures. Several displays in the museum show the growing sophistication of the figures – from the first examples with moving arms or legs to contemporary items with as many as 20 or more articulation points. Toy companies, anxious to get as much mileage out of each line as possible, often created multiple versions of a character. One display shows four different iterations of Batman: one based on the Batman of comic book pages, another on “Batman: The Animated Series,” a third on the movie Batman and the
View of Piazza Grande in Arezzo, Tuscany (Italy)
fourth labeled “Who Knows What They Were Thinking Version.” Batman actually has his own Batcave in the museum. Since a number of the superheroes originated in comic books, another exhibit salutes some of the artists who created these characters. Artist Jack Kirby was one of the most prolific artists, drawing (and often co-writing text) for popular characters from both Marvel and DC Comics including the Hulk, Darkseid, the X-Men and Captain America. The largest display in the museum is a life-sized diorama titled “The Adult Collector’s Bedroom.” A profile of the person who would
live in this space – wall-to-wall with action figures – reads, in part, “We know it is an adult collector’s bedroom because only a grown man living at home with his mother could afford this many toys and still pay for other things such as food and clothing.” Any mockery in that sentiment is gentle – after all, Stark’s own impressive collection formed the foundation for the museum in the first place. Whether you’re an avid collector yourself or just in the mood to be wowed by a unique destination, it’s worth planning a trip … even if you’re not faster than a speeding bullet. - ELAINE WARNER
ARRIVEDERCI, NORMAN If coal means you were naughty and toys mean you were nice, a trip to Italy must be the result of some very nice creativity indeed. Local artists Douglas Shaw Elder, Tim Stark and Nicole Poole are planning to pack their bags and head for Tuscany this spring, as part of the Norman Arts Council’s Cultural Connections program in Norman’s sister city of Arezzo. The chosen trio will spend about two weeks in Italy finishing their work, and then display it in a May exhibition – a mirror to the one that wrapped up in Norman at November’s end and featured Italian artists Sara Lovari, Massimiliano Luchetti and Enrique Moya Gonzalez. Broader cultural horizons are excellent for fostering creativity. Bon voyage! - JILL HARDY
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Extra Factor Brian Ferrell and growing to love OKC
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It was a little more than a decade ago that Brian Ferrell left his Kansas hometown of Topeka and headed south for Oklahoma City. He had earned a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University, and at the age of 23, he was excited about seeing Topeka in his rearview mirror. Starting a new life is what he had planned, and that new life just happened to be right in the heart of Oklahoma. Ferrell began working for a multimedia event company, where he gained valuable experience and began making a network of connections. Eventually, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as the communications manager for the Future Business Leaders of America. He had been on the board of directors of the organization and served as its national president, but he never forgot his life in Oklahoma. “One day I came home from work and my two roommates sat me down and said they were going to have an intervention,” Ferrell says with a laugh. “They began pouring the wine, and that night, factor 110 was created. They encouraged me to leave my job and follow my passion for planning events. “They had created a business plan template and budget and were there to support me on this endeavor,” he says. “I had the opportunity to move anywhere to launch the company full time, but there was something special about Oklahoma City. I had a network base, and I saw the potential to build something great.” Using the number from his old D.C. apartment – 110 – his new company was born. “We started in apartment 110,” Ferrell says, “but we wanted our name to mean something more than ‘studio 100’ or something like that. For us, it’s been about giving 110 percent and factoring in the difference.” Ferrell started the company with himself and a couple of friends. Today, he has a staff of 20 full-time and 35 part-time employees, and has diversified his company into several different areas.
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“It’s all in a day’s work, right?” he says. “We do anything from planning small events to large conferences, entertaining guests in our great city and rentals for all special occasions. Our company is very different, unique. “The event management company is factor 110 – that manages all aspects of events. We also own the first and only destination management company in the state, called Destination Oklahoma, and four years ago, we launched 110 events, an event design and rental company. Now our inventory is available to many of the wonderful partners and planners we work with, and we have a 45,000-square-foot warehouse.” This Christmas, Ferrell is branching out again into the retail business with a new online store dubbed Scissortail Gifts. It features many made-in-Oklahoma products, and will also have a pop-up boutique located downtown at the Winter Shoppes at Myriad Gardens during the holidays. “Scissortail is one additional venue for us to express the love we have for this city and state,” Ferrell says. “We have commissioned, custom Oklahoma ornaments and hope to have one of the largest selections in the state. We also have made-in-Oklahoma gift baskets and products. It is going to be a great addition to the Winter Shoppes, and we are excited to share our products with the many patrons shopping downtown.” Products celebrating and made in Oklahoma abound at Scissortail Gifts. Next February, Ferrell turns 35 and said, looking back, it is hard to believe he started his business at the age of 26. “I have watched the business grow over the past eight years, and it is really an honor to do the work I do every day. We are a three-time Metro 50 winner, named as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Oklahoma City. “I want to remain a trendsetter and continue to try new things and bring new ideas, inventory and designs to our region,” Ferrell says. “There are some dreams in the pipeline that will change the way we see – and visitors see – Oklahoma City as a destination. I want to be the leader in bringing these new businesses to the city. I work with a talented staff and valuable clients in an incredible city, and that is something I value and cherish. ” - MARK BEUTLER
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december 2015 • 405 magazine
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CONVERSATION
Merry Jane More than the front woman for Downtown in December, Jane Jenkins is the marketing guru for all things Downtown
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It’s been more than six years now since Downtown OKC Inc. poached the driving force behind downtown Boulder in Jane Jenkins. The Oklahoma City nonprofit organization created in 2000 to manage and market the Business Improvement District needed someone like Jenkins, who created a buzz in Boulder long before legalized marijuana did. For her organization, Jenkins is a one-woman show and heaps praise on a staff that’s responsible for marketing everything from Automobile Alley and Film Row to hot chocolate and snow tubing during Downtown in December. Knee-deep in planning and fresh off the plane from the International Downtown Association conference in San Francisco, Jenkins took a few minutes to discuss her role in marketing downtown, the long hours involved and her aversion to ice skating. So how much work really goes into a signature event like Downtown in December? “Well, quite a bit. I don’t know how to qualify it, but it’s a major event for us, and it’s more of a coordination event as much as anything because we’re pulling together a lot of different things, a lot of different sponsors and finding out what other people are doing so we can market it together.” Fair to say one of your favorite events? “Sure, I think everyone loves the holidays. Downtown in December is really an umbrella brand for all the events that happen downtown during the holiday season. You get to be part of families building traditions and you get to be part of everyone’s holiday celebrations. It’s just a festive time of year, and it’s great to a part of all that.” If you had to choose between ice skating or snow tubing, which one would you choose? “I probably wouldn’t do either one. (laughs) I’d probably pick tubing because I can’t stand up on ice skates.” What’s been your favorite moment since you’ve had this gig the last six and a half years? “Had a lot of favorite moments, but the first thing that jumped into my mind was at the end of the
Thunder’s first season when they lost the game, and the arena stood up and gave them a 10-minute standing ovation. That was an amazing moment in Oklahoma City.” If you had to describe the vibe of OKC in a few words, what would they be? “Electric. I’m trying to think of a word for this, but it has a vibe of a place you want to be. You’re glad you’re here because you feel like you’re part of something bigger than you.” What’s something hardly anyone knows about what you all do for Downtown? “I think probably the crazy hours that we work. We work a really eclectic schedule because we have to be on-call for events and programming. Because we’re sort of the experts on what’s going on downtown, we have to constantly be ‘on’ representing downtown in both our professional and personal lives.” So you are guardians of all things downtown? “There are quite a few things that the general public probably doesn’t know our organization is responsible for – but we are just fine with that. We keep downtown safe, clean and friendly, and in many cases, when those behind-the-scenes efforts go unnoticed, it’s a good thing.” - BOBBY ANDERSON
Congratulations to Dr. Jerry Steward, now formally invested in office as the 10th president of Oklahoma City Community College. Replacing Paul Sechrist in the big chair, Steward is right in his comfort zone: He’s a lifelong Oklahoman who graduated from UCO and received his Juris Doctorate from OU, and before establishing his own law firm he began his career as a teacher. After serving as the college’s general counsel, a regent and executive vice president, as well as a professor of political science, he’s well poised to lead the institution forward.
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PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH
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december 2015 • 405 magazine
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ON THE SCENE
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OKCMOA Art on Tap Delectables from local restaurants and an array of more than 80 beers to sample give guests ample fuel for celebration at the OKC Museum of Art’s festive fall fundraiser. Cheers! 1. Madison Schultz, Emily Crawford 2. Scott and Susan Skarada 3. Holly Kuhlman, Jason Hammons 4. Grant, Alexandra, Bernadette and David Dube 5. Brianna Brandon, Michelle Lory
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405 Magazine Launch Party A new chapter begins for this premier lifestyle publication chronicling the Oklahoma City area and community – and guests are happy to help celebrate its jubilant beginning. 1. Kyle Dillingham, Lisa Wasemiller-Smith, Ray Cloer 2. Lindsey Pever, Crystal Marie-Herrera 3. Elaine and Harrison Levy 4. Chris Parker, Cecilia Nguyen, Justin Edwards, Frederick Redwine 5. Lance McDaniel, Stephanie Pena
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OKCMOA ART ON TAP, 405 MAGAZINE LAUNCH PARTY, MAESTRO’S BALL AND POOCH PARADE PHOTOS BY JUSTIN AVERA; ALLIED ARTS NEW COMMUNITY VISIONS PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY ALLIED ARTS
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Maestro’s Ball The OKC Orchestra League further enlivens a smashing OKC Philharmonic concert with a lavish gala that would become positively magical during a performance by illusionist Rob Lake.
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1. Rob Lake, Ann Lacy 2. Leadership and patrons of the OKC Philharmonic and OKC Orchestra League 3. Timothy Fields, Kirstin Reynolds, David Leader, Scott Davis 4. Jason Grife, Travis Morelock, Robert Mills, Phil Burke
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Pooch Parade
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Allied Arts New Community Visions Local arts and community leaders welcome top members of Americans for the Arts to a forum on brighter futures for creativity.
1. Wilburn and Marjorie Young, Regina Turrentine, Julie Maher 2. Judy Hatfield, Allied Arts board president Renzi Stone 3. Mayor Mick and Terri Cornett 4. Renzi Stone, Robert Lynch, Deborah McAuliffe Senner, Ken Fergeson
Dogs and dog lovers share a day in the sun as Animal Rescue Friends of Nichols Hills hosts a canine cavalcade. 1. Millicent Embry, Nahla, Alexis Embry 2. Cotton, Dinky Hammam, Pickles, T.J. Jordan 3. Gabrielle Emmerson and Buzz 4. Yung Choe, Caroline McKinnis and Henry
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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WORKPLACE
Rise of the Millennials
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A 2014 headline in The Atlantic said it strongly: “We can all agree that Millennials are the worst.” But what is a Millennial? And are they really “the worst,” or does every generation say that about the youngsters nipping at its heels? Take a deep breath and read on. More than half of the world’s population is younger than 50. More than one in three American workers today are Millennials (adults ages 18 to 34 in 2015), and this year they surpassed Generation X to become the largest share of the American workforce, according to new Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Maybe you manage them, maybe your cubicle is surrounded by them, maybe you’re raising them. They are definitely different from Generation X, but how? And is it a good thing or a bad thing … or both? Two people uniquely positioned to help answer these questions are Cary Pirrong and Kim Neese. Pirrong, director of alumni relations for Oklahoma City University, has the distinction of working with members of the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials. He is an Xer but was raised by members of the Greatest Generation who, in turn, were heavily influenced by the Depression/ Silent Generation. Neese is the second-generation owner of Terry Neese Personnel. Over the course of her career, she and her staff have placed thousands of people into jobs and she, too, has worked with people of all ages. Between the two, common themes emerged, and we’ve culled them down to these five. 1. Millennials easily embrace new forms of technology. “Listing among the top 10 jobs for Millennials now are positions like social media manager or market research analyst, which take advantage of their quick adoption of new technology,” Neese says. Pirrong concurs. “They pick up on technology much faster and are very adaptable,” he says.
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The downside of this willingness to jump into the next big thing, technologically speaking, is that it bleeds into other areas. Pirrong notices a too-quick willingness to toss out tradition and a lack of respect for the experience of those with more, well, experience. 2. Working a standard 8 to 5 isn’t very Millennial. Pirrong admits that he’s not sure if he’s entering the curmudgeonly “get off my lawn” years, but he’s “often very frustrated because time is meaningless. Especially starting time. It may be an age thing, and you may think you’re dependable, but 8:05 is not the same as 8:00. It’s getting worse and worse. Being 30 or 45 minutes late is just accepted.” Neese reports that, while she does not want to seem negative toward anyone, she has received like-minded feedback from some of her clients. “Some younger employees expect to come in on their own timeframe.” 3. All hipsters are Millennials but not all Millennials are hipsters. Marked by a penchant for questionable hats, beards, government-issue clunky glasses and an odd nod to 1920s fashion, hipsters are easy to lampoon, but they’ve always been around in one costume or another. They are the counter-culture types who are fantastic because they challenge the established ideal, and are proponents of clean eating, local produce, Mason jars, urban homesteading, knitting and veganism. These are also the reasons they’re annoying, say some members of elder generations. 4. They will not say “You’re welcome” when you say “Thank you,” and they don’t care that you have 25 years’ experience. What’s up with the “No problem” in response to a thank you? Why would we assume that emailing a document or otherwise doing your job would be a problem? It may just be time
to release our collective umbrage/curiosity/ head scratching over this one. In case you’re wondering, saying something like “Did you mean to say you’re welcome?” won’t help. Conversely, stick to your guns when a degree-wielding 25-year-old needs a little, um, mentoring about things such as experience, institutional history and even respecting his or her elders. “A new diploma does not mean you are on equal footing with someone who’s been working for 20 years,” Pirrong says. “The expectations out of the gate are often unreasonable. There is a real propensity to discount experience, and a sense of entitlement and wanting everything right now, and of course this does not apply to every Millennial. But when I came out of school, I knew I had to work my way up. We all did. A diploma did not and does not mean equal footing.” 5. Millennials genuinely want a better, nicer world and will work together to achieve it. “Millennials have changed the workplace for the better in many ways with their fresh ideas,” Neese says. “They offer a fresh perspective, and their insistence on work-life balance is good for all of us.” Pirrong believes that one place Millennials are ahead of Xers is in their concern for community in general. “They care about the greater good and, on a macro scale, they do care more about everyone else than Generation X typically does.” Millennials. Love them or hate them, they’re here to stay and there are millions and millions of them. They’re innovative, educated, entitled, full of beans and young. And we, dear Xers, are entering our collective curmudgeon years. Maybe that’s the real rub. Get off my lawn! - CHRISTINE EDDINGTON Special thanks to blue seven and our Millennial models Jacob Peregrin and Jaila Hamidi
PHOTOS BY QUIT NGUYEN
Five things Gen X needs to know
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Contribute online at YMCAOKC.ORG/GIVE december 2015 • 405 magazine
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in the 405
LAUGH LINES
These (Were) a Few of My Favorite Things
M
My Christmas list gets harder to make every year. I’m convinced that the retail equivalent of the kiss of death is for me to fall in love with a product; it’s the quickest way to kill an otherwise robust seller. I’ve become so superstitious about loving-and-losing that I hesitate to mutter anything about a fabulous find. “I must never say its name,” I remind myself, or it will go away. When my favorite things show themselves to the door, they always do it quietly and without preamble. First, it only looks like my store is out of whatever it is. Next, I’ll comb the five-county metro, only to find that other stores are also out. Weeks of deprivation will cause me to agonize over not having stocked up when I had the chance. Like a jilted lover who just can’t let go, I’ll do drive-bys of the places where I used to find my product. During the mourning phase, I’ll brood over whether the item is truly out of production or whether the manufacturer is simply redesigning the package. A package redesign is usually the harbinger of a “new formula,” which, in the hair products and cosmetics universe, translates as “Heyyyyy! We took out that one ingredient that made you love this in the first place! SORREEEEE.” (Cough!) Pan- (Cough!) tene (Cough!) Hair products and cosmetics are the most likely to love me and leave me, but no product seems truly safe for the long haul. This year, I kissed Lucky magazine adieu. My favorite pen (product name withheld in hopes of avoiding the fatal jinx) is now only
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available online (read: retail’s version of life-support). My favorite moisturizing cream (sorry – can’t say) also lives online exclusively. I have a friend, a Tab-aholic, who has developed an impressive underground network for locating and purchasing her favorite soda. I’ve put her system to the task of locating 20-packs of Mr. Pibb, which, at press time, exist in a single remote gas station within a half-day’s drive from OKC. My desire to drink Mr. Pibb outweighs my willingness to share the name of the retailer. Sorry. Occasionally, when a product withers and dies, I feel partially responsible. When Twinkies went away, I was inconsolable, reckoning that I should have eaten the sponge cake of the gods at every meal. I felt the same way about Freakies cereal in the 70s and Oreo O’s cereal. I’m still wracked with guilt for driving Jolt Cola into the ground. The product voted “Most Likely to Go the Way of Red Dye #3” is candy. It’s mind-boggling to realize that even sugar (nature’s crack) is not immune to the manufacturer’s chopping block, particularly given its shelf life of at least 75 years. My kids still rail over what has since been dubbed “The Last Wonder Ball Affair,” an incident dating back to Christmas 2003, involving two of my children and the flagrant, unauthorized consumption of one sibling’s prized, candy-filled, chocolate Wonder Ball. Over the din of the victim’s screams of outrage, I promised to replace the treat during my next grocery outing. Tragically, the last Wonder Ball turned out to be the last Wonder Ball; the product was
405 magazine • december 2015
discontinued because the candies inside were considered a choking hazard for younger aficionados.
Convinced that there must
be an underground hookup for contraband Wonder Balls somewhere on the Internet, I went online to locate some in time for Christmas. My search didn’t turn up any, but I did locate several long-lost sweets, including cases of candy cigarettes (training cigs) and a 24-count box of wax fangs (scheduled to arrive any day now).
Scrolling past the gummy
eyeballs and Tootsie Pop Drops (no choking hazard there), I paused to read the description of a candy by a manufacturer called “Toxic
Bid Dining Faux Pas “Adieu” The holidays present the opportunity for many of us to attend a good number of dining events and parties, and since not everyone has had the good fortune of being able to attend charm school, we can occasionally be left in the lurch when it comes to savvy in the manners department. Since there is an entire world beyond “no elbows on the table,” and “use the little fork for the salad,” Rosemarie Burns and Linda Reed have compiled a collection of rules and suggestions to guide us through a range of challenges involving dining etiquette, proper table setting and protocol that goes beyond what comes naturally. Which Fork Do I Use? is an Independent Publisher Book Award winner, and with good reason. It contains illustrations for table settings, formats for invitations, instructions for setting up a home bar and guides to navigating everything from a fondue party to a six-course formal dinner. The slim tome would make a great guide for anyone apt to find themselves attending or hosting a variety of social settings – professionals, homemakers – or a sensible gift for a young person as a crash course in dining with decorum. - JH
Ups and Downs Waste” – Sour Smog Balls. They sounded horrible, but not as bad as the “Box of Boogers” candy.
I’m not making this up.
The Box of Boogers, it turns
out, is a “seasonal” item (probably more abundant during cold and flu season). Next to the product description touting their deliciousness, the website noted, in all caps, “OUT OF STOCK.”
OUT. OF. STOCK. Obviously,
someone who shares my sorcery has loved them right out of business. - LAUREN HAMMACK
Bored with 5Ks? Too chilly for a triathlon? Need an innovative fitness challenge to chase away the winter blues? Try the Little Willie’s Triple Dog Dare at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The full course of this staircase-based race traverses a total of 138 floors across three buildings downtown, and is a one-ofa-kind event that attracts participants from across the U.S. So lace up those sneaks, stretch your quads and get your “dogs” ready – see littlewilliestripledogdare.com for more. - JH
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december 2015 • 405 magazine
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in the 405
PLACES
Keeping Law Local Hall Estill renovates with Oklahoma flair, lending a not-your-father’s law firm feel
A
As John Odgers stepped off the Chase Tower elevator and into the Hall Estill law firm lobby in September, his face lit up. “Humbled and flattered,” Odgers says of himself when he first saw three of his paintings hanging on the lobby walls after a recent eight-month renovation. Up and down the full-service business law firm’s halls, the story was much the same. Oklahoma artists and contractors had left their stamp on a renovation that was fiercely Oklahoman by design.
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“When we did [the 30th floor] we really wanted to focus on our position in downtown OKC,” Hall Estill shareholder Larry Ball says. “We’ve been downtown since this office was opened. We’ve lived through the renaissance of downtown, and it’s something we’re really proud of and proud to be a part of. “We wanted to honor that.” Architect James Kerr, vice president of construction services at Edmond’s Kerr 3 Design Group, handled the project that required demolition of 70
405 magazine • december 2015
percent of the 30th floor and the construction of 10,000 square feet of new office space. Everything had to go either up or down the freight elevator, and some work was done at night to accommodate other building tenants. Oklahoma City designer Vicki VanStavern was asked to channel her 30-plus years of experience into a project that demanded a not-your-father’s law firm feel with an Oklahoma appeal. When Ball picked up a piece of local artwork for Hall Estill at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts years ago, he began the first of the firm’s many investments into the Oklahoma art scene. Ball said the renovation was the first significant overhaul in more than 15 years. Growing pains had shrunk the available
lobby space, which was also beginning to look dated. An expansion to the 30th floor a couple of years prior had helped, but it was clear someone needed to come in with a unifying, updated concept to tie all three floors occupied by Hall Estill together. And while VanStavern was asked to turn up the Oklahoma appeal, Ball said shareholders also agreed to tone down the buttoned-up law firm feel. Ball conceded due to the often contentious nature of legal work, more often than not people arriving at the firm aren’t in the best mood. Depositions are given, mediations and settlement talks are ongoing and nerves can be on edge. A stuffy, intimidating atmosphere does not help.
PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH
Conceived by designer Vicki VanStavern, this sinuous hanging helps enhance the office’s visual appeal.
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“We’re a regional law firm but we practice all over the country. We’re very proud of where we come from. This gave us a chance to both honor that heritage and make sure the dollars stay here.” – LARRY BALL “We wanted to provide an environment that allows us to do the important work we do but also make sure people feel welcome when they are here,” Ball says. “We deal with people, and we hope to do that in an environment that is welcoming.” Oklahoma metal artist Dan Garrett created and installed a pair of pieces for the project. “I really enjoyed the space,” Garrett says. “I think it’s great for companies to invest in local artists and artisans. I felt welcomed and involved during my part of the project. “OKC has a tremendous amount of talent that is underutilized, in my opinion.” In late September, Hall Estill invited community members and clients to an open house. The reviews were resounding. “It’s not what one would typically think of when you go to a law firm, especially of their stature and size,” Odgers says. In addition to Odgers and Garrett, work by photographers Carl Shortt and Don Risi is also featured. The firm took the opportunity to update privacy and security, sealing offices behind a layer of key fob access. Visitors stepping off the elevators have
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access to the lobby, conference rooms and restrooms only. Next year, Hall Estill turns 50, but Ball said the firm no longer looks its age. “We’re a regional law firm but we practice all over the country,” Ball says of the 140-member firm. “We’re very proud of where we come from. This gave us a chance to both honor that heritage and make sure the dollars stay here.” - BOBBY ANDERSON
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december 2015 • 405 magazine
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Back to the Canvas
Developer Richard McKown shows his visual arts side
If you know the name Richard McKown, it’s probably due to his prolific and highly successful real estate developments of late in downtown Oklahoma City. But before he was a developer, he trained and practiced heavily in visual arts, focusing on drawing and sculpting. In the past several years, he has been exploring painting, some examples of which have been revealed at Artspace at Untitled in an exhibition that opened Nov. 20. THE DEV ELOPER Level, Mosaic and the OKSEA project on the hill overlooking Bricktown are all recent, thriving land and building developments of McKown’s company, City Center Development. And on the near horizon is their creative repurposing of the Rock Island Plow Building in Bricktown. That long-vacant building – dating almost back to statehood – will be transformed into an office building called The Plow, which will see its first tenant in place early in 2016. THE A RTIST Before he came home to Norman and joined his family in real estate development, McKown got his undergraduate degree from Kansas City Art Institute, and then a master’s degree in sculpture from Boston University. After spending four years in France “as a starving artist” finely honing his creative gifts in visual art, he returned to Oklahoma and entered the family land development business. At the same time, he opened his studio in Norman and began sculpting works that dot Norman and Oklahoma City. Now his paintings are in the public eye with the current show.
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405 magazine • december 2015
T WO DEPA RTUR ES Contemporary art has purposefully avoided religious themes, McKown says. And he has departed from that expectation by creating a contemporary, yet decidedly Christian two-panel work he has titled “A Last Supper Painting.” The work also departs from the traditional approach that artists over the centuries have taken when they paint or draw their interpretation of the Last Supper: depicting the whole room, or at least complete body figures of Jesus and his disciples. “The Leonardo Da Vinci idea is just overwhelming as the Last Supper,” McKown says about the difficulty of breaking out of artistic tradition that many hold onto tightly. Instead, this work only shows busts of those at the meal, and it is not obvious which one is Jesus and which particular disciples the other 12 are supposed to be. Furthermore, McKown’s work departs from traditional artist’s renderings of the Last Supper in that it’s very dark in its entirety, using deep blues and blacks as the dominant colors. Designed to fit into a large space, such as walls in a sanctuary or the worship area of a church, each of the panels is four feet tall and 10 feet long. And each of the heads of the 12 disciples and Jesus measure about three feet tall. THE SHOW Other paintings in the show depict local individuals who McKown knows personally. He uses the singularity of color in each piece to set the stage for the detailed studies of their faces and unique postures. Laura Warriner, founder of the gallery Artspace at Untitled, pushed for the show because she believed that McKown is a significant artist, yet not often recognized in Oklahoma City due to his heavy real estate activities. “I think he’s a wonderful painter,” says Warriner. She said that she wanted Oklahoma to recognize McKown not just as a real estate developer, but a significant artist, as well. - BRETT DICKERSON
PHOTO BY QUIT NGUYEN
creatives
SUPPER IS SERVED Richard McKown’s art will be on display through Jan. 10 at Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third Street in Oklahoma City. For more information, call 815.9995 or visit artspaceatuntitled.org.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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territory ahead
Under the Mistletoe Inspired by tough times on the frontier, a hardy parasite became – and remained – an unlikely state symbol By M.J. Alexander
I
t was the tale told of dead pioneers, laid to rest beneath the frozen red earth in graves unadorned, that won the argument. Lawmakers of the Second Territorial Congress, meeting in Guthrie in 1893, were debating which flower should represent Oklahoma Territory at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, set for later that year. The event would showcase nearly 50 nations plus all 44 American states (and territories), and be remembered for the innovations introduced to millions: the zipper and the automatic dishwasher, Cracker Jack and Wrigley’s gum, fluorescent lights and the Ferris wheel.
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The Territory wanted to put its best foot forward. What flower would best represent a place that most fair-goers had never visited? Daisies were suggested. So were forget-me-nots. The passion flower. American Beauty roses. But the youngest legislator, a 27-yearold ’89er originally from Tennessee, made the case for a different sort of symbol. John Wimberly of Burbank talked of the bleak first winter after the Land Run of 1889. He spoke of how cold descended on the plains, and how “northers (cold north winds) swept down off the Flint Hills with a sting like a metal filing at the end of a bullwhip; how the soddies (sod houses) trembled and leaked and many folks
died.” There were no flowers to decorate the graves of the fallen. In the frigid winter, mistletoe was a rare flash of color in a sea of gray. Huge clumps perched high on the barren branches of trees, their waxy green leaves forming orbs as big as a bushel basket, some clusters weighing as much as 100 pounds. The mistletoe was used to decorate the graves of settlers that first winter in the former Unassigned Lands. The mistletoe represented Oklahoma Territory’s hardy spirit, appearing brightest when conditions looked grimmest. Wimberly’s poetic recollection convinced his fellow lawmakers to name the mistletoe
LEGEND AND LORE The Oklahoma ’89ers were not the first to weave tales around mistletoe. For centuries, legends of blessings and curses were ascribed to the plant. Shakespeare wrote of “the baleful mistletoe,” alluding to the Norse story of the death of Odin’s beloved son Baldur, god of justice and light, who was felled by a sharpened sprig of mistletoe. In Brittany, the plant is called Herbe de la Croix, after a legend that claims mistletoe was once a tree that provided the wood for the cross of Jesus, and was reduced to living as a parasite in punishment. Others considered the plant sacred. White-robed Druids are said to have followed visions during particular phases of the moon to find mistletoe in sacred oak trees, where it was carefully cut with a golden knife. Some ancients believed the evergreen orbs housed the souls of deciduous trees through the brutal winter. With the coming of spring, the tree’s soul would seep back from the ball of mistletoe and return to resurrect leaves. The plant itself was considered powerful enough to heal diseases, ban evil spirits and make peace between enemies who happened to meet beneath it in the forest. The belief inspired the custom of suspending mistletoe over a doorway as a symbol of good will … and an encouragement for kissing. – MJA
as official “floral emblem,” and Territorial Gov. John Sealy signed the bill into law Feb. 11, 1893. Unlike other blooms chosen for display at the Chicago World’s Fair, the green leaves and white berries remained controversial. It was not just that the plant was less flashy than the Kansas sunflower, the Texas bluebonnet or the magnolia of Mississippi. There was the matter of mistletoe being a parasite, surviving by sinking its tendrils beneath the bark to draw water and minerals from within its host. Its genus name – Phoradendron – translates as “tree thief.” Detractors called it a fitting plant for a land once promised to tribal nations and then taken back and redistributed. Proponents embraced the romance and the legend of mistletoe, and its role in the history of the new territory. In 1906, publisher George Riley Hall of Henryetta waxed poetic about the plant and what it represented, ending his multi-stanza ode to Oklahoma with:
Land of the Mistletoe, here’s to thy glory! Here’s to thy daughter as far as the dawn! Here’s to thy pioneer sons, in whose story Valor and love shall live endless on! But detractors remained. William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray – who would become Oklahoma’s ninth governor, and father of Johnston Murray, the state’s 14th governor – lobbied for the alfalfa blossom to be named the official flower. In 1906, he wrote: “Who, indeed, would desire to adopt for a state flower, a parasite? Let greater Oklahoma be known as the ‘Alfalfa State.’” The Daily Oklahoman agreed, later penning an editorial that argued, “The alfalfa blossoms are pretty; they enrich the scenery. … It is the crop which brings riches to the state; it is a crop which means more to the future than any other crop. Alfalfa blossom – the state flower. It should be adopted.”
But after statehood, Jon Golobie – an ’89er elected to the state Senate – again evoked the memory of mistletoe marking pioneer graves in order to collect enough votes to maintain its place of honor. Over the years, Oklahomans suggested more alternatives. A 1938 report out of Enid recounted, “Miss Laura Crews, pioneer Oklahoma woman, has voiced her disapproval of the mistletoe as the state flower. She proposed to Mrs. J.R. Weldon, president of the Oklahoma Association of Garden clubs, that the yucca be made the state flower. ... The yucca is as typical of Oklahoma as the sunflower in Kansas, and like the hardy pioneers, is unaffected by heat and drouth (drought).” As debate flared now and again at the Capitol, The Daily Oklahoman noted wryly on May 20, 1941, “They tell us that the ‘cowboy rose’ is not a parasite and that our hitherto state flower, the mistletoe, decidedly is parasitic. It is somewhat surprising though that any political body should suddenly become allergic to parasites.” In a 1961 letter to the editor, Mrs. G.H. Hall of Tulsa argued for keeping to tradition. “Surely this lowly mistletoe served well in a time of great need, and let’s see that it is kept as the official state flower of Oklahoma.” Ruby Shannon of Anadarko agreed, noting in 1967, “Few people seem to know the who, what, where, when and why of this emblem, and some Johnny-Come-Lately is forever trying to set the state Legislature to change the mistletoe to a more ‘respectable’ flower. When I read accounts of this, it makes my gorge rise.” As arguments continued over the years, Rep. Kelly Haney – who would go on to sculpt The Guardian statue for the top of the future Capitol dome – introduced House Bill 1649 to name the Gaillardia, aka the Indian blanket, as the state’s official wildflower. The declaration was passed into law in February 1986. Other lobbyists and lawmakers tried and failed to unseat mistletoe as a state symbol. In 2000, a column by the editorial board of The Daily Oklahoman contrasted the lowly mistletoe with the official state tree, the beloved redbud. “When you see mistletoe in December, you are seeing a parasite. When you see a redbud in late March, you are seeing paradise.”
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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territory ahead
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But, more than a century after Wimberly’s speech, a truce was on the horizon for the mistletoe wars. Civic activist Dottie Hart Weissenberger would devote half of her life to campaigning for a new, more traditional state flower. As president of the Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs – and lobbyist for gardeners longing for an official flower to cultivate – she championed a fragrant, dark red tea rose developed at Oklahoma State University by Herbert Swim and O.L. Weeks. The flower was introduced in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Its name: the Oklahoma Rose. For decades she lobbied for the Oklahoma Rose, and spearheaded the planting of 500 bushes of the flower on Capitol grounds. Her campaign would make progress, and then fail time and again. Sen. Gilmer Capps, who sponsored her quest at the Capitol, reached for the hybrid rose’s connections to Oklahoma history, noting that its five ancestor plants “reflect Oklahoma’s Five Civilized Tribes” and that the bloom typically proceeds between 45 and 55 petals, “in line with Oklahoma’s admission as the 46th state in the union.” But the argument that may have helped most was the observation that, when it came down to it, mistletoe wasn’t really the state flower. It was the state’s floral emblem. Officially, Oklahoma did not have a state f lower. With the Indian blanket declared state wildflower and the redbud the official state tree, why not keep the mistletoe as floral emblem and declare the Oklahoma Rose the state flower? And so it came to pass. Gov. Brad Henry signed the bill announcing “The Oklahoma Rose shall be the official flower of the State of Oklahoma” into law on April 13, 2004. He recreated the signing two weeks later, so Mrs. Weissenberger, then aged 80, could be part of the festivities. She died nine years later and was laid to rest at the Hobart Rose Cemetery, near her hometown of Lone Wolf. Under wintry November skies, the official state flower – the Oklahoma Rose – was placed on her grave.
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Double Wedding Ring Quilt, 1940. Pieced cotton plain weave top, cotton plain weave back and binding; quilted. Gift of the Pilgrim / Roy Collection, 2014.1945. Photograph Š 2015 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. .
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L OKC
By M.J. Alexander
Artifacts of the Prairie Palaces The stone carving is frozen in mid-snarl, a trophy head bolted to a wooden plaque above a door on the second floor of the Municipal Building. Below, a hopeful slogan etched onto the brass plate reads: TOWARDS A FINER OKLAHOMA CITY, 1971.
The artifact, said to have been chiseled off the original city hall, today guards the doors to the City Council chambers. It was in this room half a century ago that nine men approved a bold and risky plan: save Oklahoma City by destroying its historic downtown. That decision led to a 12-year spree that flattened 40 percent of downtown in anticipation of creating a “City of Tomorrow” under the flag of Urban Renewal. The dust that swirls and eddies in the Oklahoma wind may still contain remnants of what was lost: 530 buildings, and the collective memories of a city. Only a few shards of what vanished remain.
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The push to change the core of downtown came in the wake of the 50th anniversary of statehood, when old patterns were being challenged in Oklahoma City. Clara Luper began her first sit-in protest against segregation at Katz Drug Store in 1958. Oklahomans voted to repeal Prohibition in 1959, more than a quarter-century after the rest of the nation. With the loss of downtown streetcars after World War II, and increasing reliance on automobiles, development had crept outward from the city center. On March 3, 1960, thousands attended the opening of the 46-store Penn Square shopping center – featuring 4,200 free parking spaces, a welcome contrast to downtown’s parking meters. By 1961, the city limits had expanded from 80 square miles to 475 square miles. To keep up with the times, city officials pondered their options and power brokers – led by Dean A. McGee, president and CEO of Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, and Edward K. Gaylord, owner and publisher of the state’s largest newspaper – formed the private Urban Action Foundation, which paid renowned architect I.M. Pei $200,000 to come up with a master plan to revitalize the downtown area.
Sturdy, ornate edifices designed to stand for centuries were scheduled for demolition. In Born Again, a documentary released in 1977, James B. White Jr., executive director of the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority from 1967-80, dismissed the idea that any structure in Oklahoma could be considered historic enough to escape the wrecking ball. “We are a new country. We are a new state. When you’re talking about one generation almost from its beginning, I get myself a little lost with the terminology of being historical. I may be right, I may be wrong. I think most of what we have revolves around the terminology of nostalgia. I don’t think that we can really call it historical at this particular time in our particular programs that we have, any of the buildings that we have encountered.” As the destruction gathered steam, landmark hotels such as the Lee-Huckins and the Biltmore – neither of which had been on Pei’s original hit list – ended in rubble, as did acres of thick granite, finegrained Indiana limestone, quarter-sewn white oak and marble from the quarries of Vermont and Tennessee. In the rush to the future, vestiges of the past – elaborate stonework, art tiles, fireplace mantels and statues – were crushed and discarded.
“Thousands of citizens turned out to watch as the massive structure was
dynamited on October 16, 1977. Many cried openly, knowing that they were witnessing a singular episode of the destruction of historic Oklahoma City.”
Pei unveiled his concept of a futuristic Oklahoma City, as it would look in 1989, at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in the Persian Room of the Skirvin Hotel on Dec. 11, 1964. News coverage carried on page 15 in the next day’s Daily Oklahoman noted, “The redevelopment project would transform Oklahoma City into one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Hemisphere.” The article avoided mention of demolition, instead using terms such as revamp, face-lift, transformation and redevelopment. The report also noted, “An estimated 600 persons ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ as Pei discussed his ideas.” After much discussion and eventual approval by the City Council, wide-scale demolition of Oklahoma City’s historic core began in 1967. The goal: create a clear canvas to transform the downtown – which had been staked out helter-skelter in a single day during the Land Run of 1889 – into a modern city with dazzling high-rises and planned open spaces. Armed with federal funds, the right of eminent domain and the knowledge that they would have to break a few eggs to make an omelette, planners targeted not only dozens of nondescript structures, but the city’s equivalent of Fabergé: the French-inspired Criterion Theater, the Venetian-themed Baum Building, the ornate Mercantile and Pioneer buildings, the dramatic Patterson Building, the limestone-and-marble Hales Building.
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In their 1982 book The Vanished Splendor, authors Jim Edwards and Hal Ottaway tell of the razing of the Biltmore five years earlier: “Thousands of citizens turned out to watch as the massive structure was dynamited on October 16, 1977. Many cried openly, knowing that they were witnessing a singular episode of the destruction of historic Oklahoma City.” But it was not an isolated event. Crowds turned out to watch the implosion of places including the eight-story Mercantile Building and the city’s first skyscaper, the 12-story Hales Building, razed to make way for the Pei Plan’s Galleria shopping center. A spectator on hand to witness the Hales’ demise noted, “I was here when it was built, and that sure was a while ago. … It sure makes you wonder what we’re doing, a fine old building like that.” It was not the first or the last time the question would be asked. The Galleria failed to materialize and much of the area stood as a parking lot for 35 years. When the dust cleared after more than a decade of destruction, many retail shops had gone out of business or relocated, and shoppers had established new patterns away from the downtown orbit. There were four new malls to choose from: Crossroads, Shepherd, Penn Square and Quail Springs. Even with some projects completed – the Broadway Extension, Santa Fe parking garage, Mummers Theater, the convention center and the new headquarters for Kerr-McGee,
The massive beacons at the top of the Patterson Building, 320 W Main, were a signature feature of the downtown skyline, their beams visible on the approach to the city. The hardware for one of the lights (above) is now at Jack SmithSchick’s Architectural Antiques. A segment of the Criterion Theater ’s ornate stage – picked from the rubble by a sympathetic worker on the demolition crew – is on longterm loan from SmithSchick to the Oklahoma Historical Society, which displays (below, top) the glazed fragment behind glass. A chandelier that once glowed inside the opulent Midwest Theater, 16 N Harvey, now lights the lobby of the Bellevue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Liberty Bank and Fidelity Bank – there were fewer reasons to venture downtown. Visions of Pei’s dazzling metropolis flickered and faded. The City of Tomorrow became a dream deferred. In 1988, city council members admitted the plan had not worked out as they’d hoped. “Downtown is dead,” councilman I.G. Purser said. “And we helped kill it.” Not until the first MAPS initiative in 1993 and the rebuilding following the Murrah Building bombing in 1995 would Oklahoma City begin to resurrect itself. In 2015, a half-century after Urban Renewal was approved, a few remnants of the destroyed prairie palaces survive in Oklahoma City. Chandeliers salvaged from an old movie palace hang in a rehabilitation center. Perpetually angry gargoyles guard a driveway in Heritage Hills. Stone spires squat as median garden ornaments near Mesta Park. The surviving shards of downtown palaces are a tribute to the city’s original builders and to the visionaries who leapt in ahead of the wrecking ball to save a piece of the past. The artifacts stand as totems from the first generation of builders to envision a finer Oklahoma City … and as reminders of what their grandchildren destroyed while in pursuit of the same dream.
Pei on Display
I.M. Pei was considered a master of modern architecture, with a clean, cubist, simple aesthetic, when he was commissioned to design a master plan that would help Oklahoma City transition from the cheek-by-jowl lots claimed in the Land Run to a more open design with parks, plazas and better traffic flow. Born April 26, 1917, Pei – who celebrated his 98th birthday this year – became best known for his 1998 renovation and reimagining of the Louvre and his now-iconic, illuminated, glass-and-steel pyramids outside the museum, a design that fuses the old and new. He told an interviewer in 2000 that he was acutely aware “the history of Paris was embedded in the stones of the Louvre.” His approach with Oklahoma City 35 years earlier was less nuanced. He called for the destruction of 40 percent of the downtown to create a canvas from which to work. He illustrated his concept with a 10-by-15-foot model, which was constructed at a cost of $60,000 and a scale of 1 inch equaling 50 feet. It outlines the area from NW Eighth to SW Fourth, from one block east of the Santa Fe tracks west to just past Western Avenue. The newly restored model, rescued from a storage basement by Oklahoma History Center archivist Rachel Mosman, was reintroduced to a crowd of history buffs on Aug. 27 in the restored Hart Building, 726 W Sheridan Ave, on Film Row. The Pei model is on display, in conjunction with Mosman’s curated collection of pre-Urban Renewal photographs by Z.P. Meyers, through late 2016. The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society is sponsoring free guest lectures on Oklahoma City history from 6-7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month while the exhibit is on display. For details, contact rmosman@okhistory.org.
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Graham Woodson sits beneath the brass ballroom doors to the Biltmore Hotel, on the spot he was born.
The Biltmore Hotel
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The height of luxury in its heyday, the Biltmore overlooked OKC for 45 years before its 1977 destruction.
BILTMORE PHOTOS COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mike Shubin was one of the last people to tread the hallways of the storied Biltmore Hotel. Days before its destruction in the fall of 1977, he and his brother helped remove a marble fireplace mantel and the ballroom’s brass doors, and installed them in a house being built near 104th and S Pennsylvania Avenue. The place is now owned by Mike and Marcy Woodson. They had known the story about the mantel, but had no idea that the brass doors that had caught their eye while house shopping had also come from the Biltmore. The doors, which once folded accordion-style but had been fused together before the Woodsons arrived, have become part of their family history. In September 2010, three weeks before their second son was due, Mrs. Woodson was up in the middle of the night, monitoring contractions on her new iPad. At 4:59 a.m., she realized she was in labor and awakened her husband, who called 911. On the floor of the breakfast nook, beneath the brass doors that had witnessed banquets and weddings and balls, she delivered 6-pound, 2-ounce Graham to join brother Griffin. The delivery made national news when – as media outlets from Time magazine to CNN to the Apple Style Blog reported – while speeding to the hospital with paramedics, “Woodson used the trip to share on Facebook about her unusual delivery. ‘Posting to Facebook from the ambulance. I think that we definitely made use of all the technology, didn’t we, bud?’” As images of the EMTs loading her onto a gurney were shared, the brass doors from the Biltmore could be seen in the background.
The Saga of Centre Theater And Then There Was One
At the stroke of noon on Christmas Day 1947, the Center Theater opened its doors with the double feature of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, with Danny Kaye, and Magic Town, starring Jimmy Stewart and Jane Wyman. The Center was the last of Oklahoma City’s great downtown movie palaces, joining a long parade of elaborate theaters that had entertained for decades: the Criterion, Warner, Midwest, State, Cooper, Palace, Capitol, Majestic, Rialto, The Folly and The Empress. Unlike its predecessors, which fell to Urban Renewal, it would become the only downtown theater to survive into the 21st century, thanks to a change of attitudes that kept the building standing long enough to be rediscovered. Built in the heady days after World War II, the theater’s New Deal-era limestone facades and late deco detailing reflected the style of the surrounding municipal complex. Inside awaited 1,600 seats, a 75-foot proscenium arch stage and full orchestra pit, surrounded by mid-century embellishments including black-light murals of a flying Pegasus amid floating musical instruments and ballet dancers, and an elaborate waterfall contour curtain. An illuminated aluminum-and-Plexiglas staircase led to the balcony. In its heyday, the Center hosted events such a dog-friendly screening of Old Yeller and an on-stage marriage before a showing of Cinderella. In the 1960s and ’70s, the venue was sold and its name changed to the British-styled “Centre.” As foot traffic in the decimated downtown slowed, Centre Theater added events such as square dances, closed-circuit broadcasts of heavyweight boxing and the Indy 500 and live theater and opera performances. It eventually resorted to X-rated movies before its manager was arrested and the place shuttered in the mid-1970s. In May 1997, on the eve of its scheduled demolition and at the urging of the preservationist Project Centre Coalition, officials at the Oklahoma City Art Museum took a serious look at the theater for its new home. The museum had occupied cramped quarters at the state fairgrounds since 1958, and could only display 125 of its 3,000 works at a time. The theater was a mess, but had a great location and strong bones. The museum was intrigued, and Urban Renewal Authority sold the Centre for $61,586. Three years and $40 million later, the building that had dodged the wrecking ball for two decades became the heart of the 82,000-square-foot Oklahoma City Museum of Art, featuring 12 galleries, a museum school, cafe, mezzanine library, gift shop … and 250-seat movie theater, which each year hosts 335 screenings of art-house films.
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Artifacts From Still-Standing Buildings
Some historic Oklahoma City buildings have lost components over the years. STAIRCASE FROM THE HOTEL MARION The wrought-iron spiral staircase that served for more than a century as the fire escape for downtown’s oldest surviving commercial building is now suspended in an alley near the corner of Broadway and 10th. During 2014 renovations to convert the 1904 Classic Revival-style Marion Hotel into luxury apartments, Midwest Renaissance Group partner Chris Fleming collaborated with architect Bryan Fitzsimmons and contractor Stan Lingo to keep the staircase intact, removing the landings and creating a continuous spiral resembling a double-helix strand of DNA. They named the resulting piece “Architectural DNA,” installing it by wire cable between the Buick Building and the 123 Garage, against a patch of ever-changing sky.
CAPITAL FROM THE CAPITOL DOME Facing NE 23rd Street, just across from the Governor’s Mansion, an ornate Corinthian capital holds court on the grounds of the Oklahoma History Center. It looks well preserved enough to be new, but timeless enough to be old. Turns out it is a little of both: The work is a 21st century casting, a test run for the long-awaited Capitol dome based on Solomon Andrew Layton’s original design, unveiled 80 years after its conception, on Statehood Day 2002.
Artifacts Among Us
BAUM BUILDING Two stone spires from the Baum Building are installed in grassy medians off Shartel in Mesta Park and Heritage Hills. A rose bush blocks the 15th and Shartel spire; the one on 18th is partially obscured by enthusiastic plantings at its base. Although both feature plaques listing donors who contributed to have the stonework installed, only one notes the name of the building or its significance.
MERCANTILE BUILDING When Chuck and Renate Wiggin bought John A. Brown’s original house in Heritage Hills in 1990, two grotesques from the Mercantile Building sat unsecured at the top of the low brick wall marking their yard’s eastern boundary. The salvaged pieces, removed before the building’s demotion 14 years earlier, had been purchased for $100 apiece by the house’s previous owner, Marion Beard Dobberteen. “It’s amazing they were not stolen,” Renate Wiggin says. “And it’s amazing the building was destroyed at all. People did not appreciate history.” The Wiggins incorporated the snarling heads into the wall, where they remain as driveway guardians near the corner of 18th and Harvey.
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FEDERAL RESERVE TORCHIERES Two lighted globes set on elaborate claw-foot bronze stands flanked the entrance to the Federal Reserve Bank for 50 years, from opening day of May 1, 1923, to the Urban Renewal era when it was decided they impeded the widening of the sidewalk and should be removed. A contractor working on the project appreciated the torchieres, and installed them in front of his modest ranch-style home in Jones, where they remained until his estate sale. The lights, burnished by a patina of more than nine decades in the Oklahoma sun and rain, are now installed on the grounds of a Norman estate.
Artifacts in Museums
Bill Welge, president of the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and director of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Office of American Indian Culture and Preservation, lectures often on the importance of preserving stories and relics from Oklahoma’s past. Among the items saved: Penn Woods’ plaster-carved, wood-stained face of a man (above) removed from an unidentified downtown building, now in storage beneath the Main Street Parking Garage; the original columns (below left) from the Lee-Huckins Hotel, now on the lawn of the former Museum of the Unassigned Lands; and a perpetually roaring lion’s head from the old Lion Building, now on display at the Oklahoma History Center.
A handful of Oklahoma City architectural remnants have made their way into the collections of museums. Some – such as the Oklahoma History Center’s roaring lion-head ornament from the old Lion Building and an ornamental pastel-glazed fragment from the Criterion Theater – are treated like art, labeled and displayed behind glass. Others, like the three columns saved from the wreckage of the Lee-Huckins Hotel, are obstacles to mow around, left untended and unexplained on the lawn of what used to be the Oklahoma County Historical Society’s Museum of Unassigned Lands, 4300 N Sewell, amid outdoor art installations of the Melton Art Reference Library now at the site. Originally a set of four measuring 16 feet tall and weighing 4 tons apiece, the pillars supported the portico and second-story balcony above the hotel’s main entrance at Broadway and Main. It was the Huckins that became the state Capitol for 30 days when, hours after the June 11, 1910, vote approving the relocation of the capital from Guthrie to Oklahoma City, the state seal was transported to the rooms of Gov. Charles Haskell in the middle of the night. It was the Huckins where members of the state House and Senate held 1927 sessions to impeach the state’s seventh governor, Henry S. Johnston. After Urban Renewal crews leveled the hotel in 1971, the columns were brought to the maintenance yard at Will Rogers World Airport, and remained there for 18 years before being transported to the Museum of the Unassigned Lands. Along the way, one of the columns disappeared, their decorative capitals were stolen and their pedestals went missing. Bill Welge, president of the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and director of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Office of American Indian Culture and Preservation, is hopeful that the columns, the old Baum Building cupola and other artifacts of the city’s history will one day soon be reinstalled downtown, near where the buildings they came from once stood. In the basement of the Main Street Parking Garage, materials that had come from the Museum of Unassigned Lands remain in storage, awaiting a new home. Amid neat stacks of boxed documents are relics from pre-Urban Renewal days: the original brass plaque from the Kingkade Hotel; Penn Woods’ collection of bricks from historic buildings; a colorful sign from John A. Brown Department Store and a glowering wood-stained carving removed from a structure whose name is now long-forgotten. “In history, you know, the past is prologue,” says Welge. “Hopefully, we can educate future generations not to make these same mistakes and get them to think ‘Well, this didn’t work – let’s try something else.’ We would love, in the future, for these things to get out of storage, and for people to see and be able to access them. We can’t stop progress. But building bigger buildings was not the answer. We are now building a friendlier downtown. … Oklahoma City used to be a pass-though community. Now they stop.”
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Artifacts of Mystery Bronze goddesses The origins of the pair of 9-foot bronze statues, glamorously draped and elegantly coiffed, are mysterious. The consensus is that they were installed at the Greek-inspired condo complex on Acropolis Drive in the 1970s, moved uptown from one of the downtown movie palaces before Urban Renewal’s demolition crews moved in. But is it true? None of the residents know the story. None of the accounts of liquidation auctions feature their image. The duo continues to guard the corner of May Avenue at Acropolis, frozen in perpetual silence.
Terra-cotta knights Three terra-cotta knights with shields, treated with a creamy white glaze now crackled with age, have made their way through downtown Oklahoma City’s Architectural Antiques store, through three different sources. Measuring 30 inches tall by 15 inches wide, each piece weighs about 80 pounds. The back is rough, from where the ornament was separated from its installation. It is said they were salvaged from the Baum Building before it was destroyed in 1972, but no interior or exterior shots show the knights as part of the design. The question of their origins remains unanswered.
Survivor Wall Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building
The best-known building no longer part of Oklahoma City’s downtown became famous only after it was destroyed: the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, attacked April 19, 1995, in what was at the time the deadliest attack of terrorism in the United States. The bomb and its aftermath killed 168 people, injured more than 680 others and damaged 312 downtown buildings. Total property losses in 1995 dollars: $652 million. Helen Stiefmiller, collections manager for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, noted some of the granite salvaged from the blast was incorporated into commemorative plaques and awards given to individuals and agencies assisting in the aftermath. The Survivor Wall, on the east end of the complex, stands with portions of the south
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wall as having survived the Murrah Building blast and demolition. Etched onto two large granite panels pulled from the rubble are the names of more than 800 survivors.
Twenty years after the bombing, the Survivor Wall and surrounding memorial and museum complex are part of the National Park System, attracting 350,000 visitors annually.
Artifact Central Oklahoma City’s Architectural Antiques
Over the past three decades, untold numbers of artifacts from bulldozed downtown buildings have crossed the threshold of Jack SmithSchick’s Architectural Antiques warehouse. Today, among the aisles of fireplace mantels, vintage light fixtures, epic doors, salvaged tiles, theater seating, stained glass windows and old columns, few Oklahoma City relics remain. SmithSchick grew up in Louisiana and worked on salvage and demolition crews in New Orleans, Arkansas and East Texas before settling in Oklahoma City in the mid-1970s. He and his wife, Lynda SmithSchick, opened their retail store in Bricktown’s old Mattress Factory building in 1986, later relocating to a 40,000-square-foot space at 1900 Linwood. “My count has been lost of the number of old timers – people that grew up here, had a committed interest in those buildings, tried to save them, were there at their destruction – that I had long conversations with about the buildings, often buying bits from them,” says Jack SmithSchick. “I did go to Europe, quite often for 20 years, made many friends with architectural dealers there. They are fascinated, amused, appalled, et cetera at our tendency toward destruction. What it takes to demo something there compared to here … it doesn’t matter how long it takes, I think, even the nails there are saved. Here, I’ve seen the demo job go not to the low bidder, but to the get-it-down-quicker bidder. We are the most wasteful, throw-away society on the planet. Why should buildings be excluded?” Oklahoma City artifacts in his warehouse include an old neon sign for Harlow Optical and an even older frontier-era wooden sign, advertising Clean Cots for Rent at 308 1/2 W California. The up lights of the ornate Patterson Building were once a signature feature of the downtown skyline, their beams visible on the approach to the city. There were 12 massive fixtures, illuminating the sky from the top of 320 W Main. At least two of the fixtures survived: one was used as a planter and then ashtray in Clarence Ford Park; SmithSchick acquired the other from the estate of a secretary who worked for Mayor George Shirk. The lobby directory from the Hales Building at 201 W Main, removed before its 1979 demolition, is mounted on a wall of the warehouse. The names of former office occupants remain frozen in a Pompeii-like snapshot in time. The warehouse is also home to the largest surviving chunk of the Venetian-inspired Baum Building. Its 13-foot-high octagonal cupola, one of four that marked the corners of Solomon Andrew Layton’s masterpiece, was left behind on the front lawn of 2100 N Lincoln when the Oklahoma Historical Society moved to its new headquarters. The artifact was listed as surplus property by the state, and auctioned online in 2011 for a top bid of $301.40. SmithSchick carefully disassembled the artifact and oversaw its transport to his warehouse, where it awaits installation in the revamped Oklahoma City downtown.
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Artifacts in Use
CRITERION THEATER WINDOW The plants in the sun porch of Sandy Casteel’s sprawling house near NW 10th and MacArthur bask in the green-gold glow of a window removed before the destruction of the glorious Criterion Theater. She spotted the stained glass in an antiques store years ago, where it had been placed on consignment, and kept visiting it every now and then. One day, the owner mentioned the man who had placed it for sale had died, and his family was wrapping up the estate. With a huge drop in price, she happily purchased the window and installed it near a framed sepia photograph of its original home.
MIDWEST THEATER LIGHTS When the contents of the opulent Midwest Theater, 16 N Harvey, went on the auction block before its destruction by Urban Renewal in 1975, Jane Buck Thompson went to bid. Her uncle Martin Reinhart, a founding partner in Reinhart & Donovan, had built dozens of Oklahoma City buildings – from the massive Biltmore and the Commerce Exchange to the neighborhood favorite Plaza Court and Sunshine Laundry. The Midwest Theater was among his creations, and she wanted something to remember him by. She purchased three chandeliers and a pair of sconces. They were then rewired and installed in the lobby of the family-run Bellevue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located on Portland near Lake Hefner, where they continue to glow today under the watch of her son, Norman Thompson.
CARNEGIE LIBRARY CLOCK The grandfather clock in the Oklahoma Room of the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library is one of the few surviving relics of the Carnegie Library at NW Third and Robinson. Opened in 1901, the library was expanded in 1909 and was destroyed to make way for a larger building in 1952.
COLCORD MANSION BUFFET The massive wooden buffet – 8 feet wide and nearly 10 feet tall – now in the Heritage Hills home of Fred and Bethany Neighbors was saved from the nearby Colcord Mansion. The grand 11-bedroom house was built in 1901 at 421 NW 13th Street for Charles Colcord, a frontier sheriff and U.S. deputy marshal who would become an oilman, investor and developer of the Colcord Building and Colcord Hotel. Inspired by the Kentucky plantation home where he was born in 1859, it was bulldozed Jan. 7, 1965, to make way for offices for Standard Life Insurance. The destruction of the Colcord Mansion galvanized the surrounding neighborhood to lobby for historic preservation zoning laws, which were approved by the city council in 1969.
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The Signs on Sheridan
Solomon Andrew Layton
“ We Build Forever”
SOLOMON ANDREW LAYTON PHOTO COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Urban Renewal advocates were not the only men who dreamt of a dazzling future for Oklahoma City. Solomon Andrew Layton, whose life spanned from the Civil War to World War II, devoted four decades to designing and creating timeless neoclassical landmark buildings for his adopted state; including the Capitol, nearly 50 Oklahoma City public schools, 16 courthouses, the Skirvin Hotel and much of the University of Oklahoma campus. He has 22 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, more than any other Oklahoma architect. Layton admired the poet John Ruskin, who wrote eloquently about the importance of constructing lasting buildings with “walls that have long been washed by passing waves of humanity … hallowed by the deeds of men” as a cultural touchstone for generations to build upon: When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight, nor for present use alone: Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for, and let them think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when these stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our fathers did for us.’ The stones of Layton’s iconic Oklahoma City Baum Building, Mercantile Building, Patterson Building and Halliburton Department Store were among those added to the rubble by Urban Renewal.
The Lunch Box restaurant, 423 W Sheridan, closed its doors in 2013 after 65 years at the same location. Founded by the Papahronis family in 1948, the eatery fed generations of politicians, executives and construction workers who came back time and time again for the atmosphere, camaraderie and classic dishes such as corned beef, navy-bean soup and coconut pie. Although its landmark sign was saved, the building was destroyed to make way for the new 499 Sheridan complex.
The Union Bus Station sign was disassembled and trucked away from downtown Oklahoma City on July 30, 2015, after 74 years at the corner of Sheridan and Walker. The Union Bus Station, built for $100,000 and unveiled in a formal “Hollywood style” opening on March 22, 1941, became one of nine buildings in the old Main Street commercial district demolished – over the protests of preservationists – to clear space for the new 499 West Sheridan complex, a 27-story office tower and parking garages. Unlike other architectural icons lost to the wrecking ball, the blue-and-white Streamline Moderne sign will be refurbished, relit and encased in glass on the corner, reclaiming its original place as a downtown landmark.
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culture
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BLURRED LINES
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LA VIDA O
LOCAL Oklahoma City’s growing, changing, strengthening Hispanic population By Ben Felder Photos by Shannon Cornman
Jorge Hernandez with Tango Public Relations stops by the new Supermercados Morelos at 50th and Meridian, which contains a fresh meat counter, abundant produce section, bakery and café (serving traditional Mexican recipes). His plate includes stuffed cactus and tamales, and he is holding Jarritos (“little jug”), a popular Mexican soft drink.
One of the best insights into a community’s unique flavor is found in the grocery store. Whole Foods in Classen Curve is popular among a health-crazed and affluent audience in north Oklahoma City, Uptown Grocery in Edmond offers a large selection of prepared fare that caters to busy suburban soccer moms needing to pick up tonight’s dinner, and Native Roots Market in Deep Deuce is the type of small neighborhood grocer popular in apartment-dominated communities in dense urban centers. At the Buy for Less Super Mercado near S Western and Grand, the southside’s Hispanic community is best seen in the grocery store’s aisle. Near the entrance, a woman is slicing cactus leaves. The tops of shelves are lined with piñatas for birthday parties and balloons for quinceañeras. The beer section includes a life-size cutout of a player from the popular Mexican soccer team Chivas. It’s not just grocery stores where the city’s growing Hispanic community is visible. A variety of restaurants, food trucks, retail stores and auto dealers sprinkle the south side, each representing the changing face of Oklahoma City. “In 1991, when I came to Oklahoma City ... I remember that maybe there were only about two authentic Mexican restaurants in town,” says Jorge Hernandez, a native of Mexico who grew up in Texas and moved to Oklahoma City to attend college. “There were no supermarkets where you could find any true Mexican products. There was definitely no [Spanish] presence on TV or the radio. It was a very small community then.” Since Hernandez first arrived in Oklahoma City, the city’s Hispanic population has more than doubled and now stands near
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El Rancho Western Wear on SW 29th features fashions for the entire family. Pictured is Pedro servicing boots and saddles during the Open Streets OKC Festival.
130,000, according to the latest U.S. Census figures. That’s an increase of almost 100 percent since 2000, putting OKC’s Hispanic population at just over 17 percent of the entire city.
“You can’t just add salsa to sushi and call it Mexican food. That’s just not going to work.” – JORGE HERNANDEZ Of Oklahoma City’s Hispanic residents, an estimated 40 percent are foreign born, according to data compiled by Pew Research. That’s a larger percentage of first-generation Americans than in cities such as San Antonio, Austin or Phoenix. This type of growth can be seen in almost every American city, including those thousands of miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. But in Oklahoma City, which is 622 miles up Interstate 35 from the nearest Mexican city, a Latino community that
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has had roots in the area for many years has entered a new chapter of visibility.
DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS
W
ith the Hispanic community’s growth comes an effort by local companies to reach this new market, an effort that is visible when flipping through the pages of local Spanish newspapers and magazines that feature ads for local law firms, department stores and car dealerships. “A lot of people make the mistake of just hiring people who speak Spanish and think that solves everything,” says Hernandez, who founded Tango Public Relations 10 years ago to help local businesses reach the Hispanic community. “You can’t just add salsa to sushi and call it Mexican food. That’s just not going to work.” One of Hernandez’s clients who has worked to forge a genuine connection is Energy FC, the 2-year-old, semi-pro soccer club that advertises in Spanish and has a regular presence at Hispanic public events, such as Fiestas de Las Americas. “By having Spanish signage, having commercials in Spanish, by having Latino players that help connect with the community, that’s the way the Energy is connecting with the [Hispanic] community,” Hernandez says. While Hernandez is focused on getting businesses in touch with potential Hispanic custom-
405 magazine • december 2015
Clusters of shops, old and new, find opportunity on SW 29th Street between I-44 and I-35.
ers, Emma Kratochwill is trying to organize businesses along a stretch of SW 29th Street, many of which are young Hispanic-owned companies. “Are we going to be the Hispanic corridor? The answer is not entirely,” says Kratochwill, the executive director of La 29, a business improvement district that is still working to officially launch. “There are businesses that have been here for decades that have nothing to do with the Hispanic community. You ask a Hispanic person, and they will say this neighborhood has everything they need, including places to get ingredients for the recipes at home and a place to buy a piñata. But you ask other people who might say, ‘My grandpa used to shop there down on 25th,’ and it has nothing to do with the Hispanic community.’”
A STRONGER FUTURE TOGETHER
T
here are growing pains that come with any growth of a demographic, and it’s not just a reality in south Oklahoma City. There are pockets of Hispanic growth across the metro, and that is especially noticeable when looking at the changing demographics of Oklahoma City Public Schools, which has a student body that is 50 percent Hispanic. “People say this means this city is going to change into a very Hispanic city,” says Kratochwill, speaking about the school district’s growing Hispanic population. “But no; this is going to turn into a very forward-thinking community that has a lot of cultures, that is going to be college-educated. A
“These kids are going to turn into young Latino entrepreneurs, but they don’t see themselves as Latino only. They see themselves as young Latinos who are also American. They see themselves as young professionals who love Oklahoma. ” – EMMA KRATOCHWILL
Diego Pelayo and manager Jose Pelayo Naranjo preparing street tacos for the lunch crowd in the Mister Dolar truck on SW 29th near Western. Third-grade children (right) at Shidler Elementary receiving language instruction from their teacher.
lot of the Hispanic students are thinking of going to college, but they are also thinking of going to college here. “These kids are going to turn into young Latino entrepreneurs, but they don’t see themselves as Latino only. They see themselves as young Latinos who are also American. They see themselves as young professionals who love Oklahoma. These kids are going to be much better prepared to run and own their own businesses than the business owners you see here.” Despite making up half the student body, there is only one Hispanic member of the school board. There is also a lack of
political representation at the city and state level. “The representation is something that still needs to be worked on,” says David Castillo, president of the city’s Hispanic Chamber. “But I think more Latino organizations are taking that on.” One of the challenges when understanding the city’s growing Hispanic community is realizing it is a diverse group. Not only is there a mixture of first-generation Americans and those families who have been in OKC for generations, but not every person of Hispanic heritage is from Mexico. “The majority of the people who are here have been here for
many years,” Castillo says. “I’ve been in Oklahoma for over 50 years, I was born here.” Castillo said the growth of the Hispanic community mostly comes from births in the United States, not migration from another country. Oklahoma City’s Hispanic population is largely from Mexico (84 percent), but there are also sizable populations from Guatemala and Puerto Rico. When asked what attracts Hispanics to Oklahoma City, Hernandez said it’s the same things that attract all types of people to this growing city. “Hispanics are very attracted to Oklahoma City because, first off, there are job
opportunities right now,” he says. “Second, Oklahoma City is a great place to raise a family. You don’t have the expensive housing. The Hispanic community is also a very faith-based community and Oklahoma City is a very strong faith-based city. There are a lot of things that make this a great place that the Hispanic community finds attractive. “But now, there is a larger Hispanic community here in Oklahoma City, so it’s even more attractive because people can come here and not completely lose their lifestyle or culture,” Hernandez says. “It’s a great city for everybody, including the Hispanic community.”
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AR201F5
Thank You Life Savers! Rescue Dog: Arnall Family Foundation Dogs at Large: Acme Dog and Cat Hospital Louise and Clay Bennett Mary Bee Clark Christy and Jim Everest Nancy and Barney Law Legal-Graphics, Inc. Susan Peck Homeless Dog: Ann S. Alspaugh Friday Newspaper Amy Gray Dottie and R. P. Lammerts Katie and Aubrey McClendon Theo and Maddie Palmer Susan and Steve Prescott 405 Magazine Stray Dog: Always Greener OKC Susan Amis Beck's Garage Burn Boyz Richard Dulaney Ferguson Fixtures Dr. Gerry Holland Carol and Carey Joullian John Kennedy Kona Ice Dianne Lane Joan S. Maguire Alice and Phil Pippin David Rainbolt Karen and Mike Samis Zach Seat Pam and Lyndon Taylor Rae and Jerry Winchester
Friends of ARF: Robert Allee Margo and Gary Anderson Carl Archianaco Arlene and Glenn Ashmore Kristine and Pat Bates Mindy and Cory Baze Barbara and Bud Beeler Diana and Jeff Beeler Christy Bennett Peri and Greg Bennett Natasha and James Bennett Molly and Alan Betensley Libby and G. T. Blankenship Debbie Bolding Fanny Bolen Anne Brown Mr. and Mrs. Keith Brown In Memory of Marley Brown Kim and Steve Bruno Candi and Don Bullard Carleen and Jerry Burger Linda Carpenter Donna and Len Cason Graham Colton Barbara Cooper Russell Crain Teresa Daugherty Sam Douglas Thalia Eddleman El Dorado Corporation Nancy and Bob Ellis Greta and F. W. Emanuel Angela and Brian Ferguson Blake Fitzgerald Barbara Fretwell Sherry Furseth Ann Garrett Charlotte Gibbens Julie and Kirk Hall Crosby and Robert Harris Elyse and Jim Hatcher Dr. Summer Heatly, DVM Seyan and W. John Hefner
Nancy and Larry Herzel Liz and Kent Hoffman Susan and Peter Hoffman Lois Holmboe Wiley and William Hugos Vicki and David Hunt Erin and Craig Johnston Dr. and Mrs. J. Michael Kelly Joy and John LaBar Harrison Levy Adelaide and Bill Liedtke Kathy and John Lippert Coe and Bill London Malia and Frank Love Father John Marlin Donna and Robert McCampbell Becky and David McCubbin Marta and Mark McCubbin Mollie and Sam McCurdy Nora Rapp Medley Hedra and Harry Merson Suzy and Chip Morgan Sue and Tom Nix Sara and Robert Northwood Valerie Oakley Chi Chi Plumlee Dr. and Mrs. Garland Porterfield Nikki and Jack Pratt Gene Rainbolt Clare and Travis Rattan Betsy Replogle Cindy and Hugh Rice Mrs. Ran Ricks Roberta and Greg Roush Kathryn and Tim Ryan Sally Saunders Russanne Bull Solomon Rosemary and Mike Stafford Marion and Craig Story Sheryl and David Thompson Marianne Trigg Catherine and James Waldo Anne Wilson
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Fashion + Home Furnishings Beauty + Gifts + Jewelry
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GILTY TREASURES Love Your Home, Guilt Free.
Set an aromatic holiday mood with the scents of New York Botanical Garden Candles by Chesapeake Bay Candle Company. Try “Winter in the Garden” for a whirl of lavender, mint, and frosted bay berries; or the “Juniper Pine” blend of pine needles, wintergreen, cyprus and thyme. They’re made of a high quality soy wax blend, and many more scents are available. $31.99
Whether you’re streaming, spinning records, or watching TV, integrate all your media into this modern console. Connect multiple devices to the builtin amplifier and switch between sources with the push of a button. Enjoy the immersive soundstage from the 4” full range drivers and substantial 8” subwoofer. Customize your console with optional storage bins for LPs and audio components. $4,800
From full-service interior design projects, to assistance in selecting the right fabric for your custom furniture, Interior Gilt's team of professionals can bring your unique décor desires to fruition. Whether you want bold and statementmaking fabrics, or elegant and traditional design, our trained staff has you covered. Interior Gilt's wide selection of over 2,000 unique and coordinating fabrics, from a multitude of top industry designers, is sure to provide you just the right option to make your vision a reality. We relish the opportunity to help you find the perfect piece.
519 N.W. 23rd St., Ste 105, OKC | 608.1923 | interiorgilt.com
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merryAND bright
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Add a little holiday cheer around your house with one of our Cat Studio pillows All kinds of tea towels, petfect for your favorite hostess. Starting at $12
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Y
ukon’s Best
Christmas! Experience Yukon and shop Central Oklahoma this Holiday Season!
Shop Yukon 2015 Join Santa and his elf Nov. 6 – Dec. 13 at participating locations. Shop Yukon, win cash money. Please visit www.shopyukonok.com for details and a list of participating merchants.
Shop Yukon is our “shop local” program designed to help promote and raise awareness of all the fantastic local businesses here in Yukon, as well as keep our tax dollars in Yukon.
Here’s how it works: shop merchants to receive tickets for $10 and $100 purchases, tickets become your chances to win cash money. Cash drawings will take place on Thursday, December 17 and you need not be present to win. Remember: shop and keep your red or blue ticket stub to win cash money.
20
TH
IVERSARY N N A
Christmas in the Park Open from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
A breathtaking illuminated tour of 5 million twinkling lights in Yukon, OK! Located in Freedom Trail, City Park and Chisholm Trail Park. cityofyukonokgov
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TIS THE SEASON
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Adrianna Papell Gown $349
Gucci Bamboo 2.5 oz $115 1.6oz $92
Waterford “Happy Celebrations” Flute Set $135
SIMPLY STUNNING Shopping Perfected
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QUAIL SPRINGS MALL Interest-Free Charge . Free Gift Wrapping . Free Shipping 405.751.1424 | vonmaur.com
ARE YOU IN THE MARKET FOR NEW WAYS TO MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES? Then head downtown to explore the delightful Winter Shoppes at Myriad Gardens. This picture-perfect crystal village, now in its third year, is bursting with boutiques offering only the best of the best, and for a limited time. The Winter Shoppes at Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City is open through December 20th and offers the best holiday backdrop in the metro. Between shopping for your favorite friends and family, take a break and take in the views from the centerpiece, an old-fashioned carousel with old-fashioned pricing ‌ just $1 per ride! Plus, you can enjoy everything else the Myriad Gardens has to offer, such as ice skating, food vendors, and the festive lights of the crystal bridge. For a complete list of vendors and hours, visit wintershoppes.com.
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GREAT GIFTS
Luxe leather Woodstock wrap bracelets by Brighton are transformed with the beads you choose. A perfect blank canvas to express your style. In Your Dreams
STEWART/STAND stainless steel wallets are designed with quality and creativity in mind. These sleek wallets pair stainless steel with a semi-reflective, abrasion-resistant performance fabric called ballistic nylon, guaranteed to protect the wallet from wear. Museum Store at Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Shine your brightest while keeping warm in Beyond Yoga’s peplum back jacket. The blend of feminine silhouette with Supplex fabric for ultimate stretch will take you to your workout and beyond. $154. Von Maur
Celebrate the joy of a lasting love and symbolize the experience with a signature two-stone diamond ring she will cherish this Christmas and every day after. $599. Huntington Fine Jewelers
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is getting everyone on your list a gorgeous mini diffuser for his or her home. It’s the perfect Christmas gift! Red Chateau
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Nancy Price Fragment Series one-of-a-kind artisan pieces incorporating quartz crystals, architectural fragments, furniture details and ornate frames each framed in 10.5" X 10.5" plexiglass boxes; buy one or display grouped as a series. $400 each. 30A Home
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SHOPPING NEWS HEENAN’S HOME FURNISHINGS Dec 10, 5-7pm Cookies and Cocktails - Stop by Handmade in France, these agate-inspired tortoise sunglasses from Anne et Valentin feature a contrasting high gloss front with a matte raw plastic brow line and a rich burgundy temple. $489. TSO Optical
Brave and playful, Model M. is a one-piece molded handbag fabricated from Fashion-Flex with a soft luster. Chiseled to reveal every detail down to the top-stitching, Model M. has an integrated 10" drop handle and tab closure, which both complement its easy-to-wear shape. R Meyers
and enjoy holiday spirits and tasty cookies. Receive an additional 10% off of any one item.
HUNTINGTON FINE JEWELERS Dec 5, 9am-6pm The one-day-only Raymond Weil Trunk Show. Shop limited edition styles and the newest fashion trends. Find the perfect timepiece for that special someone.
NAIFEH FINE JEWELRY Dec 1, 5-7:30pm Ladies Night – Jude Frances
trunk show featuring a personal appearance by Jude Steele. Register to win Jude Frances jewelry. Dec 2, 10am-5:30pm Jude Frances trunk show Dec 15, 5:30-7:30pm Men’s Night Dec 16, 10am-5:30pm Todd Reed trunk show and alternative bridal event Dec 19, 10am-5:30pm Temple St. Clair and Gumuchian trunk shows
PAINTED DOOR Dec 5, 11am-1pm Saturday Lunch~N~Learn
- Come & Enjoy Avis’ Holiday Show (124 E. Sheridan, OKC) including a delicious lunch at West in Bricktown, tips and hints to make your holiday grand. Special guest Mayor Mick Cornett. Limited seating; call (405) 235-4410 to make your reservation today.
Serve up the season in unique style with serving trays made from reclaimed 1930s boxcar wood. Urban Farmhouse Designs
Let it Snow… beautifully detailed snowman porcelain lamp adds warmhearted charm by day and night. Painted Door
R MEYERS Dec 1-2 Kelli Kouri Fun Fur Showing Dec 1-2 Andrea Barnett Jewelry Showing Dec 3, 11am-4pm Arcona Los Angeles Cosmetics Event – The launch of Arcona Los Angeles Purely Beautiful Skin. Call (405) 842-1478 to book your skin care consultation. Dec 3-4 Blue Duck Fur and Shearling Showing Dec 10-11 IRIS Spring 2016 Trunk Show
Angel Tree Now through December 24 Heenan’s Home Furnishings 3841 NW 63rd St., OKC
This CR Laine, Hampton one-arm chaise with acrylic legs is perfect for curling up with eggnog and cookies. This oversized chaise is available as a left or right arm piece. Heenan’s Home Furnishings
In partnership with Other Options’ Family Food Pantry, Heenan’s Home Funishings has placed a special Angel Tree in their store. Stop by and adopt a family or individual, and join them in making sure no one goes without Christmas.
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TRENDSETTER
ALL THAT GLITTERS Gold isn’t the only thing that glitters this Christmas. Experience the sparkle of the season with beautiful brands like Tacori, Hearts on Fire, Le Vian and many more at Huntington Fine Jewelers.
Indulge this Christmas with this decadent Chocolate Diamond and Raspberry Rhodolite pendant from Le Vian. Give a gift that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth this winter. $3099
Celebrate the joy of a lasting love and symbolize the experience with a signature 2-stone diamond ring she will cherish this Christmas and every day after. $599
These Illa diamond Stud Earrings from Hearts on Fire are sure to shine bright at any holiday event. Hearts on Fire uses only the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds- which make these earrings sparkle like you’ve never seen. $3,950
Embrace the wonder of the holiday season with intricate designs destined to become treasured gifts for years to come with PANDORA. Starting at $25
Make the excitement of this Christmas last a lifetime when you pop the question with a oneof-a-kind engagement ring from Tacori. Engagement ring $4990 Wedding Band $6670 (center stone sold separately)
10633 S. Western Ave | Oklahoma City 405.692.4300 | HuntingtonFineJewelers.com
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THE JOY OF US
10633 S. Western l Oklahoma City l 405.692.4300 l www.HuntingtonFineJewelers.com
519 N.W. 23RD ST., SUITE 105 OKLAHOMA CITY // 405.608.1923 INTERIORGILT.COM
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TRENDSETTER
PRECISION MEETS PASSION
ic! berlin’s exceptional handmade frames ic! berlin screwless metal glasses are made of extremely flexible and lightweight 0.5mm spring stainless steel, making them practically indestructible, yet soft enough to adjust by hand to achieve the perfect fit. The revolutionary, patented interlocking hinge system means there are no screws to fall out or break, keeping your lenses and temples from coming apart. Each frame is meticulously handmade with love, ensuring the most comfortable fit and durable quality. $529 (models shown)
3840 S Boulevard, Edmond | 405.341.6941 | tsooptical.com
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RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Given Stylish New Life
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Where Vintage Industrial Meets Farmhouse Charm
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TRENDSETTER
FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
Featuring a few great items you will find in our new kitchen.
NOTHIN’ SAYS LOVIN’ LIKE SOMETHIN’ FROM THE OVEN…
Rhino bookends, salt & pepper shakers, appetizer dish with ramekin, a wide variety of cookbooks, biscuit mix and cherry butter
TIS THE SEASON FOR MAGIC…
Rabbit in the Hat cookie jar, cookie mix and sauce
THIS LITTLE PIGGY…
Momma pig with babies, wooden sign and BBQ sauce
OH, SNAP! DON’T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT A HOSTESS GIFT!
Mouse Trap cheese board with cutter and hand puppet
I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS…
Hippo candy dish and a variety of fudge
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WHERE HIGH PERFORMANCE MEETS HIGH STYLE™
7222 N. Western • Oklahoma City • 405.418.4884 • REGISTRY AVAILABLE
Table the Discussion
CARLI WENTWORTH
It’s not the focal point of the room, but no space that includes seating for a group should be without one. While it’s named for its primary function as an ad hoc storage area for beverages (or conversation-starting picture books, or basically anything else), the coffee table’s utility is matched by its potential as a visual anchor for the room, a design element in its own right. Coffee tables have a consistent use, but the broad varieties in their design and construction – ornate Louis XVI-style wood to modern chrome-and-glass constructs – give homeowners boundless possibilities, and make choosing what to bring home a pleasurable treasure hunt.
home
Parquet-style table from Plenty Mercantile
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home
DECOR
Putting It All on the Table
PHOTOS BY CARLI WENTWORTH
Whether you’re actually placing its namesake beverage atop it is hardly the important part – a coffee table is an established icon of a living room, or any room with collective seating. It’s a staple, a sure thing, a necessity. Think of it as a blank canvas you can redecorate again and again, or a temporary storage space for whatever comes to hand; just take advantage of the abundant varieties to find one you really love. - SARA GAE WATERS
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(opposite page, clockwise from top) Erikson table from Urban Farmhouse Designs, OKC; Wood and steel table made with reclaimed cargo flooring from Urban Farmhouse; Steel coffee table on casters from Urban Farmhouse; Pont table of formed glass, by Ligne Roset from BD Home, OKC; Ponton table in walnut and glass with a steel frame, by Ligne Roset from BD Home; Momentum table, combining a glass structure with walnut sliding trays, by Ligne Roset from BD Home; Plowman wood farmhouse-style table from Urban Farmhouse (this page, clockwise from top) Round jigsaw teak table from Plenty Mercantile, OKC; Round steel table with marble top from Plenty Mercantile; Toluca round table from Urban Farmhouse; Pebble table, solid walnut top on a tubular steel base, by Ligne Roset from BD Home
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HABITAT
405 magazine • december 2015
The Art of Homemaking The Sanchez family combine creativity and joy for colorfully inviting life
BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON PHOTOS BY DAVID COBB
L
Lin and Ernesto Sanchez have created a life and a home together that is equal parts romance, artistic expression and fun, with a splash of gracious family tradition. Married 14 years, the pair met when Lin agreed to host a party for Ernesto – at that point the artist worked for MARCO, the contemporary art museum in Monterrey, Mexico, which had brought part of its permanent collection for an exhibition at City Arts Center. She remembers, “When they asked me to host a party for a visiting artist from Monterrey, I said sure. I guess I had him visualized as an old man, and then when I was introduced to him, he turned out to be … Ernesto! And that was it. We knew we had to be together.” Ernesto’s recollection is sweetly similar. “As much as I wanted to meet other people, I just wanted to be near her to talk and feel her presence.” On their first date, as the two were making small talk, Lin mentioned that she’d seen a suspended daybed while traveling and that it had really captured her imagination. Shortly thereafter, Ernesto had to return to work in Mexico, but on his next visit, he built her bed. Their collaboration had begun.
Step inside the Sanchez home and a glance to the right will reveal a riot of color and pattern in a compact space. This is the game room, which has served as the headquarters of Lin’s Monday Mah Jongg group for more than 15 years. A huge painting by her son, Miles Kolliopoulos, dominates one wall; Mah Jongg-tile cabinet doors add a cheeky touch to the bookshelves. A game table anchors the room, surrounded by four striking needlepoint chairs that are a beloved source of pride and triumph for Lin: Her grandmother, Katherine “Topsy” Hartgrove, was a prolific needlepoint enthusiast, whose work can be seen around the Sanchez home in various forms. Topsy had completed three of these chairs before her death, and they’d found their way into the homes of Lin’s mother, an uncle and a family friend. Over a period of years, Lin herded the three chairs into her own home and began work on a fourth – which she completed in October, just in time for what would have been Topsy’s 100th birthday.
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home
HABITAT
(clockwise from top left): Ernesto is a painter and sculptor, and serves as head of exhibition design and installation for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. His work fills the house and the garden, and this curvaceous piece, “Mujer d’Oro (Gold Woman),” was created for an art exhibition two years ago at Studio Six in Oklahoma City. It is a section of a tree trunk, felled by weather in the back yard. About his artistic process, he explains, “It’s pretty simple: start carving the wood until the piece reveals itself on what form or shape will appear. Obviously, I had a preconceived idea of what I wanted it to be. It is an homage to Lin.”
A richly hued painting by Rebecca (Freidman) Wheeler tops an antique buffet chest. The equine sculpture standing on the buffet is another family treasure – it came from a ceramics show in San Angelo, Texas, and belonged to Lin’s grandmother. The chest houses a portion of Lin’s extensive collection of table linens, dishes and antique serving pieces. “My current prized pieces are these Limoges custard cups,” Lin says. The Sanchez home is genteel. “My mother’s never used a paper napkin in her life. What’s the point of having beautiful things and not using them? It’s an art, as well.” To that end, the family has china for Thanksgiving, a Christmas set and lots of bright, hand-painted Talavera pottery to mix and match for everyday dining.
Past meets present in the corner of the family room. An original painting by Ernesto perfectly balances a needlepoint chair in a Flame Stitch pattern created by Topsy.
Topsy Hartgrove herself greets people at the top of the stairs. Seated in one of the spectacular needlepoint chairs, she watches over her granddaughter’s home, somehow simultaneously stern and mischievous.
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Lin and Ernesto have transformed a small yard into a lush series of gardens and outdoor living spaces that now total nearly an acre in size. The couple was able to purchase easement land from the county, which gave them space to unleash their creativity. “The transformation is ongoing,” Lin says. “It really began when some friends wanted to use the space for their wedding reception. So we fenced it in on the east and west. Then we did the north and south. The pool was next, and we used the dirt from the excavation to create the planting beds.” They’ve created a studio for Ernesto, a beach area complete with sand and chaise lounges and a shaded cantina used for outdoor dining. Throughout each of their many projects, a small team of experts has been key, including David Gipson Design, John Fluitt and Garden Design Associates. Lin does all of the maintenance, and it is a full-time job. Fortunately, three dogs and Sunshine the chicken are generally on hand to lend their expertise. “Our next projects are finishing a shade structure and an awning for the south deck,” she says. “And at the east end of the Way Back, we are going to build a much larger studio for Ernesto. And, in a perfect world, we’d add a functioning fireplace in the living room, knock down the current studio and add a storm shelter.” And so it goes at the Sanchez home, a colorful, welcoming surprise in the heart of Oklahoma City.
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2015
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
Allied Arts
Working Together to Create a Better Community
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eaching troubled youth through traditional means can be ineffective. When the arts are introduced, amazing things can happen. In an alternative school with high truancy rates, the use of live theatre makes classic literature relevant and encourages higher student attendance. Art therapists are helping change the behavior of mentally ill teens. And in-school dance instruction is teaching life skills to at-risk youth while decreasing bullying incidents and discipline referrals. These examples are just a few of many that showcase the impact of the arts. The arts matter to every segment of our community’s well-being – including inspiring our children, bolstering our economic development and enhancing quality of life. Allied Arts understands this fact and strives to advance the arts in central Oklahoma. With community support of Allied Arts, arts education can remain in our schools, local arts organizations can be strengthened and in turn drive economic
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growth, and access to the arts can be made available to more people in the community. Allied Arts has been working for that cause for 44 years. Since its founding in 1971, Allied Arts has infused over $57 million into the community and helped fund 65 different arts organizations. Annually, the arts agencies that receive funding from Allied Arts touch the lives of more than one million people, including more than 428,000 arts experiences for schoolchildren. Allied Arts supports the arts and invests in our community in a number of ways: providing unrestricted dollars to its 26 member agencies; expanding youth educational programming through educational outreach grants; and strengthening the cultural community through capacity-building grants and emergency assistance. But Allied Arts does more than just raise money. Allied Arts also provides promotional, technical and organizational management support to cultural organizations; raises awareness of the impact of the arts in our schools, communities and state; and helps convene arts agencies to work together. The arts change lives, enhance communities and boost the economy. A big impact can be made when the entire community comes together – and Allied Arts provides an easy way for everyone to get involved and invest in the arts in central Oklahoma. For more information or to give today, visit alliedartsokc.com.
405.278.8944 | @AlliedArtsOKC | alliedartsokc.com
2015
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre The Power in a Play
L
ocated on the campus of Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre is a program that produces theatre for children, and theatre by children. Their season usually boasts eight productions, with at least one co-produced with TheatreOCU and two that tour to rural and underserved communities throughout the state. Aimed primarily at children (although adults are welcome to enjoy them, too), seven of the productions are geared toward children in PreK through 5th grade, with one designed to appeal to 5th graders and up. OCT’s primary purpose is to present amazing live theatre and interactive educational experiences for young audiences. Classes and camps offered throughout the year give kids the chance to discover the power of a play to transport and inspire, and charitable giving ensures that children across a spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds can enjoy the chance to see characters come to life before their eyes. In addition to the educational opportunities provided on site by the talented staff of the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (and OCU student mentors), OCT provides scholarships for underserved children to attend camps and classes, offers free tickets for economically challenged schools and com-
munity programs and facilitates a free afterschool theatre arts program for local elementary schools. OCT also provides an in-school literacy program to second and fourth grade students in underserved and Title 1 schools called “Page to Stage.” Classes participate in a series of workshops designed to enhance reading for meaning followed by a live performance. Each child receives their own copy of the book featured in the workshops and performance. Outreach programs are brought to schools and children at no cost. Lyn Adams, executive director for Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, encourages patrons to look at a gift as a way to encourage creativity and empowerment through art. “Children’s Theatre empowers young people to explore and imagine a future of opportunities in a safe and encouraging environment. Your support comes with the knowledge that you have given this gift to children who otherwise would not have an opportunity to dream, to explore and to smile.”
2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City 405.606.7003 | oklahomachildrenstheatre.org
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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2015
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Telling Oklahoma’s Story Through Its People
T
he Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum may be a new name, but the organization has a long history–one that follows only a couple of decades behind our statehood. Founded in 1927 as the Oklahoma Heritage Museum, the purpose of the newly re-christened Oklahoma Hall of Fame remains the same as it was back then; honoring individuals who have served our state in an outstanding way during their lifetime. “Our organization’s mission is to tell Oklahoma’s story through its people,” says Shelley Rowan, Oklahoma Hall of Fame director of marketing and communications. “We induct people into the Hall of Fame during their lifetime to honor them, but also to inspire others.” The list of honorees is significant–over 600 so far–and includes a wide-ranging variety of people, from Gene Autry to Kevin Durant. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the state, and visitors to the Hall of Fame will see portraits and busts of individuals who have received it, from the famous to not-so-well-known. Beyond showcasing achievements of individuals who benefit our state, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame also actively seeks to form Oklahoma’s future by offering more than $4 million in scholarships to Oklahoma high school students as a way to encourage continued education and residence in the state. Free field trips are also available for Oklahoma student groups, and Heritage Week competitions give 3rd through 12th graders a way to celebrate their history through poster, essay and video competitions and be awarded cash prizes. The publishing arm for the Hall of Fame–Oklahoma Heritage Association Publishing–is also an important part of their education program. With more than 160 titles published to date, the OHAP is the leading publisher of books about Oklahoma history and heritage. A gift of support for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame not only preserves heritage, it encourages the future. Shelley Rowan
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stresses that this is the biggest function of the Hall of Fame; a means for encouraging growth, as well as state pride. “It connects the generations. Our goal is not only to tell stories, but inspire.”
1400 Classen Dr, Oklahoma City 405.235.4458 | oklahomahof.com
2015
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
All Access Arts
Sharing Creativity With the Whole Community
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rts Council OKC is dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together – it’s right in the nonprofit’s mission statement – and while realizing that goal takes many forms from the massive celebration of Opening Night to the smaller pleasures of daily Art Moves installments, one of its most inspiring programs, and one with a huge potential impact on the future, is All Access Arts. The arts education program provides music, dance and visual arts education to under-served schools, libraries, OKC parks and community agencies – all buoyed by the belief that everyone should have available interactive arts education. When younger residents have this kind of creativity in their lives, both they and the entire community benefit for years to come, because the arts help kids succeed in schools and in life. Students who are involved in the arts are: 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement 3 times more likely to be elected to a class office Furthermore, students from low-income families who are highly engaged in the arts are more than twice as likely to graduate college as their peers who receive no arts-based education. That’s a pretty impressive step on the road to future success. All Access Arts is currently operating in-school and after-school programs in 16 schools across Oklahoma City; providing interactive education in visual arts, theater, music, dance, graphic design and creative writing. At the end of each semester, students showcase their art in a cumulative event. When summer rolls around, All Access Arts partners with the city of OKC Parks & Recreation to provide arts in summer day camps, and with the Metropolitan Library System to bring live performances in all 18 libraries. All Access Arts even serves senior citizens: teaching artists in 18 senior sites across the city provide weekly programming that reaches those with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other physical and cognitive challenges.
The program reaches approximately 20,000 Oklahomans, annually – and hopefully that’s only the beginning. Just $15 can provide a student with art supplies for a full semester, and contributions are gladly welcomed. To donate or learn more, visit artscouncilokc.com/allaccessarts and help enrich your whole community.
400 W California Ave, Oklahoma City 405.270.4848 | artscouncilokc.com
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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2015
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
NONPROFIT GIVING GUIDE
Norman Arts Council Helping Culture Thrive
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hristmas carols. The smell of sugar cookies baking. Lighting the menorah. We each have those things that make the holiday season special to us. Those things that make the holiday uniquely ours. So what makes a town special? More than safe streets, great schools and strong leaders, it is those little touches that make it different. The what is in the picture. The fabric of the community. Its unique culture. For 30 years, the Norman Arts Council has served as the cultural organization, supporting 19 arts agencies and advancing a vibrant community. A flourishing arts environment with art walks, music and shows means people coming together to share experiences and ideas. It means people from all walks of life finding connection and understanding. Public art such as bike racks, duck statues and murals means a community that has its own unique sense of style and beauty. This holiday season, honor your loved ones by giving a gift to the Norman Arts Council in their name. Receive an artist-created card that notifies them of your thoughtful tribute and shares how your gift helps keep 122 E Main St, Norman Norman special. For more informa405.360.1162 | normanarts.org tion visit normanarts.org.
Sooner Theatre
Engaging the Community With Performing Arts
T
he history of Norman’s Sooner Theatre is a rich one; built in the Twenties as one of the region’s first movie theaters designed to show “talking pictures,” Sooner’s life as a single-screen movie theater ended in 1975 with the advent of multiplexes. Its re-opening in 1982 as a community arts center was due to the dedication of local citizens who wanted to preserve the landmark building and also create an entity that would provide a place and a means for engaging in the craft of theater and sharing it with the community. Sooner Theatre has certainly done that, and more.
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From year-round performing arts classes offered at The Studio, to hosting events that include a full season of musical theater productions and concerts by nationally touring groups, the Sooner Theatre is a vibrant part of the cultural landscape for Norman and the region. Some support for Sooner Theatre’s mission comes through grants and sponsorships, but they depend on the gifts of private donors to continue giving the gift of performance to the local community. Protecting opportunities for local theaters such as the Sooner to flourish is necessary for a vibrant community. Providing opportunities for children to explore their own creativity through the arts is imperative to a thriving culture.
101 E Main St, Norman | 405.321.9600 The Studio | 227 E Main St, Norman soonertheatre.org
dining Something Old, Something New ... and
PHOTO BY SIMON HURST
all of it delicious, in terms of the menu at Chae, the new restaurant just west of OCU on NW 23rd. Proprietor Daniel Chae explains that once his team decided on a Korean concept, they were divided about whether to hew to traditional dishes or celebrate the worldwide adaptation of Korean elements into more modern and diverse cuisines – so they did both. Whatever you order (like this Duck Jook, an enormous bowl of slivers of duck confit in a rich, creamy parmesan-laced rice concoction – basically, spicy duck risotto), it’s going to be flavorful, visually appealing and worth your exploration.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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dining
LOCAL FLAVOR
A Culinary Canvas
Chae blends influences for a senses-pleasing feast BY STEVE GILL PHOTOS BY SIMON HURST
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The space along NW 23rd Street that houses Chae’s modern Korean cuisine is a good one – airy, lots of natural light, wood and stone, two patios, several TVs and an inviting bar. And an orchid. That single cluster of blossoms is the only decorative element so far, but far from the only source of visual appeal for diners: The kitchen’s creations are gorgeous collocations of color in addition to being thoroughly delicious, so it’s doubly rewarding to focus on your plate. This is true from the beginning of the meal: The pickled sampler’s mix of textures and vibrant colors includes thinly sliced red onions, batonnet-cut beets and cross-sections of cucumber with a nice lingering pop of flavor thanks to being laid in a piquant chili sauce. The pork egg rolls have that perfect crackle and snap under the teeth, and the creamy drizzle of sizzling spicy sauce helps elevate them to stardom. The shrimp buns are divine: Tempura shrimp with a few flecks of jalapeño and a dab of sauce, folded into a soft, slightly chewy strip of bread like a tiny pillowy taco. Their cousins that come with pork belly inside are fine, but the shrimp are downright dangerous; you’ll be tempted to order more, and then more after that, and then some to cram into your pockets for the road. As far as I can testify, you should get good results from any entrée, but I’ll happily make three particular recommendations: Iron Bibimbap – a bowl of varied vegetables and short ribs on a bed of toasted crunchy rice, designed to be stirred together with the
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accompanying egg so it’s all blended and delicious – especially when you add some gochujang, which is a sort of fermented chili sauce (you so rarely encounter “pungent” used as a compliment). Braised Short Ribs – this is a beauty of a dish; the namesake miniature slabs of beef are delectably tender, and share space in the rich gravy with small potatoes, Brussels sprouts and carrots, all on a bed of kimchi-flavored sweet potatoes (I’m not usually a kimchi fan, but it’s a background player in this blend, merely adding
CHAE
1933 NW 23rd St, OKC 405.600.9040 facebook.com/chaeokc
LIBATION INFORMATION If you’re in the mood for a beverage, Daniel notes that he and his chef de cuisine chose the menu’s dishes based on how well they pair with soju, the Korean rice liquor he calls “our national treasure.” Get set up with a Jinro-laced cocktail and enjoy.
a little extra savor and lingering tang at the back of the palate). Pajeon – an enormous fritter with a fairly light, airy consistency that mostly serves to hold together and provide a little extra dimension to a tasty heap of shrimp, squid and mussels, topped with egg, bacon flecks and fresh greens. It also smells fantastic, thanks in large part to the zesty lime aioli. One note about execution: If you only eat in places that are completely consistently perfect, you’re going to go hungry – a lot. Restaurants have many moving parts, and a number of things that can (and eventually will) go wrong; what’s more important is how the staff reacts. At our lunch, the waitress apologized that they happened to be out of tofu that day. One of our party – just a random group off the street as far as they knew – is a pescetarian, and when she made a pouty face in disappointment, the waitress asked about her diet, went to talk to the chef and came back with his offer to whip up some flaky and delicate tempura snapper tacos. (Which were delicious, by the way. We suggested they be added to the menu, so if they’re on there by the time you read this, you’re welcome.) And within a few minutes, both she and he individually stopped by to make sure the substitution had turned out all right. That’s the kind of customer care it’s impossible not to appreciate.
By the end of that first meal, we were already talking about how soon we would come back. When I was visiting solo for the third time in a week and a half (Research! Honest!), as I sat polishing off a family-sized pajeon by myself (Research!) I heard the waitress ask the next table, “Is everything delicious over here?” One of the foursome replied, “Mmm, yes. Does anyone ever say no?” The waitress blinked for a moment and said, “Oh, um … No!” I hope that remains the case; I’d really like to see this place take off and become a local fixture. It’s absolutely worth trying, whether or not they ever hang a painting on the wall.
Some of Chae’s many highlights: (facing page) the colorful Iron Bibimbap (this page, clockwise from top left) tender Shrimp Buns, a Pickled Vegetable sampler, the view along NW 23rd from the front patio, the Pajeon’s seafood feast, chef and Coach House alumnus Taylor Desjarlais, a plate of zesty Egg Rolls.
december 2015 • 405 magazine
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dining
CHEF’S TABLE
Sweets for the Season Holiday desserts with Brianna Shear
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Christmas dinner features many of the same dishes found on the table at Thanksgiving; it’s about the presents, after all, not the meal. One major exception is quite possibly a cultural axiom: Thanksgiving is about savory, but Christmas is about sweet. Yes, if your parents were teens in the 1950s or before, they also put unroasted nuts in your stocking: Brazils, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts. Smashing them – the nuts, not the parents – with a hammer or nut cracker (especially one shaped like a Nutcracker) is a perfectly reasonable and enjoyable thing to do, but we all know we were digging for candy and tossing aside fruits, socks and nuts. Sweet makes it to the table at Christmas, too. Oklahoma tradition almost demands homemade candy, cakes and pies – especially divinity, fudge, fruitcake and pumpkin pie. For the families with a skilled baker, homemade cheesecake is another holiday treat. Brianna Shear’s is a cheesecake family, and the sous chef at Packard’s, who is a dessert expert in her own right, has tips for enhancing your holiday baking. And because it is a worthy tradition, we asked for her help with pumpkin pie, too. “I love the way rich dishes take over the house around the holidays,” Shear says. “Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and warm chocolate from very dark to white are the aromas and flavors of Christmastime.” - GREG HORTON
Shear got married this summer, and now that she is choosing her own family traditions to pass on, her favorite holiday cheesecake is a chocolate mocha or espresso flavor. She points out that this advice works for chocolate cakes, too, and because family recipes have that status for (hopefully) good reasons, she offers these tips to enhance your desserts. CHOCOLATE MOCHA CHEESECAKE Add a teaspoon of instant coffee, cooled brewed coffee or ground espresso to the mix. It will deepen the flavors and enhance the chocolate. To keep the flavors consistent and provide a range of chocolate notes, use a homemade chocolate
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piecrust, not the standard graham cracker crusts. A mixture of sour cream (one cup) and brown sugar (two Tbsp) added to the top of the cheesecake will kick up the richness considerably. Apply for the last 10 minutes and increase temperature to 425 degrees. For an interesting holiday variation, add a handful of peppermint chips to the mixture. It will provide textural variety, as well. “Remember, with cheesecake, it is very important to allow a good window of time to cool at room temperature before refrigerating,” she says. “Too drastic a temperature change can cause the center to fall.”
405 magazine • december 2015
“Before Thanksgiving every year, my mom would send out an S.O.S. to our family all over the state who were trying to figure out what to do with their leftover fall decorations: hand over your pumpkins. The reward was a homemade pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving or Christmas. I love pumpkin pie so intensely, I had it on the cake table at my wedding.” PUMPKIN PIE PREP Use a quality food processor. Many squashes are stringy even after cooking, and this stringiness will make it into your pie if you don’t process it well. Cube the raw pumpkin before boiling. It also breaks down the strings, and helps it boil faster.
Homemade crust really makes the pie. Don’t skimp here. Make the crust yourself; it will be totally worth it. In addition to the traditional spices – nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and cloves – try ground ginger or anise to change things up. But take it easy; a little goes a long way with those two. “I prefer it served cold with fresh whipped cream, but it’s acceptable warm, too,” Shear says. “Fresh whipped cream, not the stuff in a bucket.” - GH
PHOTOS BY SIMON HURST
DELIVERING THE (BAKED) GOODS Tips for Creating Homemade Marvels
SHOW THEM YOU’VE GOT
GREAT TASTE
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food drink Symbols $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $10 to $25 $$$ most entrees over $25 outdoor dining reservations accepted valet parking new or updated entry
American A NCHOR DOW N Sip a beer or specialty cocktail and munch on a selection of gourmet corndogs in this fresh Deep Deuce concept housed within repurposed shipping containers. 30 NE 2nd, OKC, 605.8070 $ C A FÉ 501 Rustic stone oven pizzas, fresh salads and specialty sandwiches on house-made artisan breads. Add welcoming atmosphere and enjoy. 501 S Boulevard, Edmond, 359.1501; 5825 NW Grand, OKC, 844.1501 $$ COOLGR EENS This healthconscious establishment has a menu, but customization is encouraged; every available component in their salads, wraps and even the frozen yogurt is naturally delicious. 3 metro locations, coolgreens.com $$ DEEP FOR K GR IL L Crisply elegant atmosphere complements the menu of superb seafood (woodgrilled cedar plank salmon is a house specialty), steaks and accoutrements. 5418 N Western, OKC, 848.7678 $$ FL IN T Approachably casual style, plus the kitchen’s impeccably serious attention to detail in the outstanding contemporary cuisine, winningly combined in the Colcord Hotel. 15 N Robinson, OKC, 601.4300 $$ GU Y U TES The vibe is definitely and deliberately mellow in this Uptown watering hole; the diverse and musically named collection of pizzas and wraps and such have a ton of flavor to offer, adding more temptation to the loaded drinks menu and incredible patio. 730 NW 23rd, OKC, 702.6960 $ HEF NER GR IL L Upscale fare of hand-cut steaks and seafood plus a tempting brunch to boot, enhanced by a live piano and a spectacular view overlooking scenic Lake Hefner. 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 748.6113 $$
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INTERURBA N Great food (and prices) in casual comfort – while there are plenty of options for the healthconscious on the menu, visitors really should try the chicken-fried steak and anything with honey-pepper bacon. 4 metro locations, interurban.us $$
THE R&J LOUNGE A ND SUPPER CLUB A sentimental dining experience with vintage recipes and atmosphere. Seating is limited but the patio is a year-round treat, and the drinks menu is a thing of beauty. 320 NW 10th, OKC, 602.5066 $$
K A ISER’S DINER A venerable Midtown location is back in business, offering juicy burgers, sandwiches, tempting entrees and a vintage sodafountain experience. The handmade shakes are a summertime must. 1039 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7632 $
REDROCK CA N YON GRILL Rotisserie chicken, enchiladas, pork chops and steak by the lake in a casual, energetic, hacienda-style atmosphere of stone walls and mahogany beams around an open kitchen. 9221 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 749.1995 $$
KITCHEN NO. 324 A seasonally inspired café and craft bakery serving spectacular rustic American cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, and a thorough treat for breakfast or brunch. 324 N Robinson, OKC, 763.5911 $
SATURN GRILL A star of the lunchtime stage in Nichols Hills Plaza, its rotation of daily specials and tasty twists on pizza, sandwiches and salads keep it crowded on weekdays. Calling ahead is recommended. 6432 Avondale, OKC, 843.7114 $
MEATBALL HOUSE Round, robustly flavored and right up your preferred taste alley given the menu’s customizability. This Campus Corner restaurant’s variety in ingredients, sauces and presentation in salads/sandwiches/ pizza/pasta gives a surprising breadth of satisfying dining options. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 701.3800 $$ PACK ARD’S NEW A MERICA N KITCHEN They’re not kidding about the “new” – the entire lunch and dinner menus are filled with innovative tastes for a distinctive dining experience. 201 NW 10th, OKC, 605.3771 $$ PARK HOUSE The view of the Myriad Gardens adds extra savor to a carefully curated menu of contemporary American tastes. Rotisserie chicken is a specialty, and don’t overlook brunch. 125 Ron Norick Blvd, OKC, 445.7080 $$ PICASSO CAFÉ Their neighbors in the Paseo are painters, potters and sculptors, so it’s apt that creativity abounds in these zippy sandwiches, salads, pizza and surprises, including plentiful selections for vegetarians. 3009 Paseo, OKC, 602.2002 $ POPS The incredible profusion of soda varieties will dazzle visitors – and the sandwiches, salads, burgers and diner fare are certainly worth careful, repeated examination. 6447 Avondale, OKC, 928.7677 $ PROV ISION KITCHEN The concept sounds promising: fresh and local meals for the taking. This Nichols Hills Plaza locale offers chef-prepared portion-controlled meals and salads in a seasonally rotating menu of organic and locally sourced ingredients; perfect for taking a healthy lunch or dinner to go. 6443 N Western, OKC, 843.2310 $
405 magazine • december 2015
SCR ATCH Isn’t that the best place for food to come from? Top-of -the-line ingredients are combined into entrees and sides that are carefully concocted in-house, as are the bevy of wondrous craft cocktails. 132 W Main, Norman, 801.2900 $$ SYRUP The most important meal of the day is also the most enticing at this unique breakfast boutique serving a heaping helping of signature dishes (the crunchy French toast is something special) and Stumptown coffee. 123 E Main, Norman, 701.1143 $ VAST Keeping your attention on the steaks, seafood and other temptaitons might be difficult; the view from atop the Devon Tower is truly unparalleled in Oklahoma, making this a fantastic date spot. 280 W Sheridan, 49th floor, OKC, 702.7262 $$$ V ICEROY GRILLE Opulent décor, comfortable environs and some outstanding cuisine make a strong recommendation for the Ambassador Hotel’s in-house restaurant; don’t overlook the brunch options. 1200 N Walker Ave, OKC, 600.6200 $$ WAFFLE CHA MPION A food truck that expanded into a brick-andmortar location in Midtown, its gourmet flavor combinations use waffles as the foundation for sweet and savory sandwich treats. 1212 N Walker, OKC, 525.9235 $ WHISKEY CAKE High-quality locally sourced ingredients, prepared using slow cooking techniques that’s a prime recipe for outstanding dining. Enjoy – and don’t forget the namesake dessert. 1845 NW Expressway, OKC, 582.2253 $$
Asian CHAE Found near OCU, this pancultural treat puts a delectable emphasis on embracing traditional Korean cuisine and showcasing its versatility by blending its ingredients with dishes from around the world. 1933 NW 23rd, OKC, 600.9040 $$ DOT WO GARDEN With an elegantly appointed location, Dot Wo continues its crowd-pleasing legacy of over two decades by pairing classics of Chinese cuisine with fiery, fresh sushi. 6161 N May, OKC, 608.2388 $$ GR A ND HOUSE The takes on Asian classics are quite delectable, and this venerable Chinese restaurant goes the extra mile to provide enjoyable ambiance alongside its excellent cuisine. 2701 N Classen, OKC, 524.7333 $$ GUERNSEY PARK A hidden treasure on an Uptown back street, reflecting traditional Asian flavors expertly fused with a hint of French influence. Try the chicken lollipops and curry salmon. 2418 N Guernsey, OKC, 605.5272 $$ O ASIA N FUSION Sublime quality in a span of culinary influences – freshly rolled sushi to fiery curry – in cool, vibrant digs. Call ahead for dinner; it becomes a packed house in a hurry. 105 SE 12th, Norman, 701.8899 $$ SA II With a dark, rich ambiance that elevates it over its surroundings, the captivating Saii serves expertly done Japanese, Thai and Chinese fare plus an extensive and adventurous sushi menu. 6900 N May, OKC, 702.7244 $$
Bakery CUPPIES & JOE The name is only part of the story: the Uptown nook also holds cupcakes and coffee and pie and live music and a cozy, trendy vibe and more. Park around back and take a peek. 727 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.2122 $ L A BAGUETTE Comfort and exquisite baking make a tres chic destination for brunch and beyond. They supply pastries throughout the metro, but the source is especially delicious. 1130 Rambling Oaks, Norman, 329.1101; 2100 W Main, Norman, 329.5822 $ PIE JUNKIE A haven for serious pie aficionados. Call ahead to order a whole pie or quiche or walk in and choose from what’s on hand; the flavors are incredible, and you may never find a better Key lime. 1711 NW 16th, OKC, 605.8767 $
SCHWAB & CO.
~ NATURAL HICKORY SMOKED HAM
MADE IN
~
SINCE 1912
VZD’S A revamped menu yields a new dining experience in a classic locale on Western – soups, sandwiches and salads can be found in plenty, plus a few special touches and gourmet twists as well. 4200 N Western Ave., OKC, 524.4203 $
NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. It’s only open for lunch and the lines are often long, but the colossal burgers are easily among the metro’s best. Don’t forget, it’s cash-only. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $
Barbeque
S&B’S BURGER JOINT These burgers’ exquisite flavors - including such showcase ingredients as peanut butter or a coffee crust - come as sliders too, the better to sample more kinds. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $
EARL’S RIB PAL ACE A popular choice among locals in a genre that’s hardly lacking in options, the local chain pounds out hit ribs and turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $
Seafood Stunner Classic flavors and a warm welcome
The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro opened near NW 63rd and Western in 1988, and ever since has been quietly, skillfully impressing diners with an atmosphere of casual class and dishes like this colorful beauty. The Saffron Risotto features shrimp and Maine diver scallops sautéed to perfection and combined with sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, green beans and a little ginger, all enlivening a creamy rice dish that practically glows with the yellow color distinctive to its namesake spice. Ask your server about a wine pairing – their selection, like their dining experience as a whole, is impeccable.
SA R A SA R A CUPC A K ES The ambiance and milk bar make great additions to the variety of specialty cupcakes - selections range from traditional chocolate to blueberry honey and even bacon, egg and cheese. 7 NW 9th, OKC, 600.9494 $
OAK & ORE A Plaza District port of call built with repurposed rustic materials, it offers more than a handful of creative sandwiches that practically require a knife and fork, as well as a tantalizing selection of lovingly chosen craft beers. 1732 NW 16th, OKC $
Bar & Pub Food
O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE Beloved by students, alumni and townies alike, it’s served up killer burgers, beer and festive atmosphere since 1968. 769 Asp, Norman, 217.8454 $
T HE BA R R EL The menu is wellstocked with intriguing and delicious twists on pub cuisine like shepherd’s pie and shrimp and chips, but the equally ample bar makes it a great spot to relax over drinks as well. 4308 N Western, OKC, 525.6682 $ BLU F IN E W IN E & FOOD Just south of Main Street, this sleek bar stands out due to quick, courteous service and a menu with gourmet range from mojitos to barbeque chicken pizza to fresh hummus. 201 S Crawford, Norman, 360.4258 $$ T HE MON T While the food should tempt palates inclined toward a Southwestern zing, it’s beverages like the beloved Sooner Swirl and the primo patio (with misters) for which this landmark is justly renowned. 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, 329.3330 $
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PUB W Multiple sections provide a choice of atmosphere, but the menu filled with choice beer and “new classic” fare from barbeque wings to pork chops is a constant pleasure. 3720 W Robinson, Norman, 701.5844; 3121 W Memorial, OKC, 608.2200 $$ REPUBLIC GASTROPUB Part beer bar and part upscale eatery, this noisy, amply attended Classen Curve locale pairs a vast selection of quality brews with tasty menu items, including a great burger selection. 5830 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 286.4577 $$ SIDECAR The fully stocked “barley and wine bar” (including wine on tap and plentiful spirits) keeps Automobile Alley patrons fueled, with delicious tidbits to boot. 1100 N Broadway, OKC $$
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IRON STAR URBA N BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, Iron Star specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” While its entrees are excellent, the sides here are equal players as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder its ribs and brisket are favorites among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $
Burgers & Sandwiches COW CALF-HAY This tempting burger spot offers ample flavor combinations, and the delicious neverfrozen patties are mmmmmassive. Don’t forget the onion rings. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333; 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ THE GAR AGE BURGERS & BEER It can get noisy in the sports-bar atmosphere, but even so your focus will likely be on savoring the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ HILLBILLY’S There’s mighty appealing flavor in their tasty sandwiches, and the licit thrill of moonshine cocktails is a bonus. Kicking back on the shady patio is a genuine pleasure. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Handcut fries, hand-breaded onion rings and simply great burgers, especially withNo Name Ranch patties - lean and flavorful thanks to a local breed of cattle. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $ LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are, these popular bar-type hangouts excel at inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and pizzas - and there’s probably one right nearby. 12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $ THE MULE Solid beer and beverage selection plus a delectable array of gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs) fill the menu at this relaxation destination in the Plaza District. 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $
TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS With one burger, one side (fries) and one salad, the menu’s simple - and the execution makes the meal unforgettable. Add a shake and enjoy. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $
Coffeehouse & Tea Room ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in a cheerful atmosphere; the food options are worth investigating as well. 3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N Western, OKC, 840.7725 $ CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee drinks and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; if patrons wish to stick around to sample soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets, so much the better for their palates. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it has become a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts, especially during its periodic educational sampling seminars. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - the passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process augmented with locally sourced salads, breakfast options and other treats. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle surroundings encourage curling up for conversation over great coffee, baked treats, vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch specials and live music. It’s highly recommended. 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, A N URBA N TEAHOUSE Proving that an establishment’s focus can be at once narrow and broad, these retreats offer over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 511 NW 23rd St, OKC, 7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $
Continental BIN 73 Think of it as a wine bar but don’t overlook the tasting menu - diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying libations and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$
PHOTO BY SHANNON CORNMAN
GOOD TASTE
BL ACK BIRD A Campus Corner gastropub pairing succulently creative dishes like pot roast nachos with a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. There’s little on the menu that won’t tempt palates. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ CHEEV ER’S Southwesterninfluenced recipes (the chicken-fried steak is a house specialty) and love of seafood drive the contemporary comfort food in one of the city’s finest dining destinations. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ THE COACH HOUSE Definitively among the metro’s most refined, elegant, upscale dining experiences, the rotating menu’s specialties are prepared with classical perfection. Dress up and prepare to be dazzled. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$ LOTTIN V ILLES Rotisserie chicken and wood-grilled salmon are the featured players among a host of Southwestern-influenced entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is sincerely pretty epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$ LUDI V INE The menu adjusts constantly to reflect availability of elite-quality, locally sourced ingredients - but every dish is the result of genuine culinary artistry. 805 N Hudson, OKC, 778.6800 $$$ THE M A NTEL Marvelous steaks, seafood and other specialties combine with a refined atmosphere and outstanding service to set the stage for a truly memorable meal, especially if you have a date to impress. 201 E Sheridan, OKC, 236.8040 $$$ THE MELTING POT Special occasion? Here’s where to make a meal into an event. Specializing in fourcourse fondue dinners, this Bricktown restaurant rewards a time investment with delectable memories. 4 E Sheridan, OKC, 235.1000 $$$ THE METRO A perennial favorite that feels comfortably upscale without exerting pressure to impress on its clientele, the far-reaching menu covers culinary high points from vichyssoise to crème brulée. 6418 N Western, OKC, 840.9463 $$ MICH A EL’S GRILL Thoroughly urbane dining in an intimate setting: the steaks, seafood and pastas are all reliably excellent, and the Caesar salad prepared tableside is the stuff of legends. 2824 W Country Club, OKC, 810.9000 $$$ THE MUSEUM CA FÉ A setting as inspiring as the OKC Museum of Art warrants something special in cuisine: delicately light or delectably robust, its European-inspired menu delights for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 415 Couch, OKC, 235.6262 $$ PA RK AV ENUE GRILL A oneof-a-kind dining experience inside the luxurious Skirvin Hilton, blending
traditional steak and seafood with the high style of its 1930s setting. 1 Park, OKC, 702.8444 $$$ PASEO GRILL Quiet and intimate inside, cheerful and comfortable out on the patio, with an award-winning menu filled with distinctive flavors inspired by the cuisines of Europe in both areas – try the duck salad. 2909 Paseo, OKC, 601.1079 $$$ ROCOCO An “East Coast-style” restaurant with diverse international dishes, all set off by carefully selected wines to create the perfect dinner pairing. 12252 N May, OKC, 212.4577; 2824 N Penn, OKC, 528.2824 $$ SEVEN47 A Campus Corner hotspot boasting sleek, swank décor, a broad menu including a tantalizing brunch and a consistently celebratory vibe - in toto that makes this a winner. 747 Asp, Norman, 701.8622 $$ SIGNATURE GRILL Unassuming locale; magnificent culinary rewards. The expertly considered menu mixes French and Italian flavors to present a wide spectrum of amazing flavors in a few select dishes. 1317 E Danforth, Edmond, 330.4548 $$$ WEST The staff is swift, the décor sleek, and the entrées - like bucatini with meatballs or roasted salmon and ratatouille - are wide-ranging but elegantly simple. 6714 N Western, OKC, 607.4072; 1 Mickey Mantle, OKC $$
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French BONJOUR Make your morning tres bien with marvelously executed breakfast and lunch classics in this petite café - biscuits and gravy to salmon linguine, the menu isn’t vast but the execution is sublime. 3705 W Memorial, OKC, 286.9172 $ L A BAGUETTE BISTRO Les Freres Buthion have deep roots in the city’s culinary landscape, and this flagship combines fine dining with a great bakery, deli and butcher on site. 7408 N May, OKC, 840.3047 $$
German DAS BOOT CA MP Longtime fixture for Deutsch festivities Royal Bavaria has brewed up a second round of exceptional cuisine and magnificent beer in a less expensive, faster-paced location in downtown Norman. 229 E Main, Norman, 701.3748 $ FASSLER HALL Bringing festive German flavor to Midtown via housemade sausages, warm soft pretzels, duck fries and a heftig beer menu, plus a weekend brunch – what’s not to love? 421 NW 10th, OKC, 609.3300 $ INGRID’S Authentic German fare at its best, including outstanding Oklahomamade bratwurst. Join weekend regulars for breakfast, and remember the bakery counter. 3701 N Youngs, OKC, 946.8444; 6501 N May, OKC $$
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HUMBLE PIE PIZZERI A There’s really no need to be humble about this true Chicago-style pizza, boasting perhaps the best crust known to man. It’s one of our favorites; choose your toppings and think deep thoughts. 1319 S Broadway, Edmond, 715.1818 $ JOEY’S A creative pizzeria on Film Row, Joey’s serves first-rate appetizers and salads along with its pies. Try to budget room for both, but remember to come back for a sandwich or pasta. 700 W Sheridan, OKC, 525.8503 $$
A Taste of the Tropics The R&J Lounge goes Hawaiian
See if you follow this THE BLUE HAWAIIAN train of logic: The Blue Hawaiian is found at The R&J El Dorado Rum Lounge, which is a tribute Blue Curaçao to the supper clubs of the Pineapple juice late ’50s and early ’60s, Cream of coconut which was (1961) when Garnish with cherry and pineapple Paramount filmed “Blue Hawaii,” which starred Elvis, who sang “Blue Christmas.” Clearly, the universe is trying to tell you that you should sample one of these blue beauties this month. Mele Kalikimaka!
ROYA L BAVA R I A Superb takes on traditional dishes like Weinerschnitzel, Jagerbraten and sausages, plus fantastisch house-brewed beers. The time spent is a worthy investment. 3401 S Sooner, Moore, 799.7666 $$$
Indian GOPU R A M - TA ST E OF IN DI A A full-service restaurant whose richly appointed interior and attentive staff accord patrons the feel of fine dining, even during the inexpensive and plentifully stocked lunch buffet. 4559 NW 23rd, OKC, 948.7373 $$
Italian & Pizza BELLINI’S Tasteful in décor and Italian offerings alike, this romantic nightspot quietly, confidently exudes elegance. It’s worth a visit even if only for a couple of the namesake beverages on the shady patio. 6305 Waterford, OKC, 848.1065 $$ BEN VENUTI’S Subtly flavored minestrone to rich, hearty ragouts, the splendid menu keeps the booths full and diners planning return trips to this vintage building by the railroad tracks; don’t overlook Sunday brunch. 105 W Main, Norman, 310.5271 $$
KNUCK’S WHEELHOUSE Homemade daily with sauces from scratch and local beer in the crust, it’s a tasty and varied stopover for Bricktown wanderers as well as a pizza-lover’s destination in its own right. 103 E California, OKC, 605.4422 $ MONI’S Handmade, New Jersey-style brick oven pizza and authentic pasta recipes from Southern Italy in a casual, comfy ambience (ideal for dates). 17200 N May, Edmond, 285.5991 $$ PEPPERONI GRILL Pizza, salads, seafood and plenty of pasta-powered classics fill both locations of this local favorite; even the bread is a pleasure. 1901 NW Expwy, OKC, 848.4660; 1000 W Covell, Edmond, 285.5454 $$ PIZZA 23 The tempting selection of specialty pies on especially buttery, flaky crusts is available for takeout, but dining in is recommended; the good beer selection and crisp, urban décor add savor to the flavor. 600-B NW 23rd St, OKC, 601.6161 $$
V ITO’S RISTOR A NTE Homestyle Italian cuisine in an intimate setting where the staff and management treat customers like guests in their home. It’s a small space, so calling ahead is recommended. 7521 N May, OKC, 848.4867 $$ THE WEDGE Wood-fired pies crafted from fresh ingredients (the possibilities range from pepperoni all the way to figs or truffle oil) and made-from-scratch sauces. 230 NE 1st, OKC, 270.0660; 4709 N Western, OKC, 602.3477 $$
Japanese & Sushi CAFÉ ICON Tempting sushi, Japanese specialties and delicious spectacles like steak cooked at the table on a sizzling stone fill the menu to bursting with visually splendid and palate-pleasing treats. 311 S Blackwelder, Edmond, 340.8956 $$ MUSASHI’S Exquisitely flavorful Japanese cuisine prepared with genuine artistry, thanks to the skilled chefs executing culinary performance art at tableside hibachi grills. It’s a great spot for a special occasion. 4315 N Western, OKC, 602.5623 $$ SUSHI NEKO An established OKC favorite combining style (sleek, brisk, classy) with substance (in the form of an especially wide-ranging and creative sushi menu). 4318 N Western, OKC, 528.8862 $$ TOK YO It’s neither huge nor lavishly appointed, and the menu focuses on tradition rather than creativity; but it’s palpably fresh and routinely cited as among the metro’s best sushi. 7516 N Western, OKC, 848.6733 $$
Mediterranean
PIZZERI A GUSTO Neapolitan-style pizza (which harnesses an extremely hot fire to quickly cook superfine flour crusts and quality ingredients) stars alongside Italy-inspired salads, pastas and appetizers. 2415 N Walker Ave, OKC, 437.4992 $$
H A IGET’S Vegan-friendly – and friendly in general, due to the influence of the warm, patient namesake owner – this gem rewards the adventurous with Ethiopian and Kenyan specialties to explore and share. 308 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 509.6441 $$
STELL A MODERN ITA LI A N CUISINE A luscious spate of legitimately Italian tastes for a casual lunch, or romantic dinner, amid stylish scenery. The weekend brunch offerings are especially superb. 1201 N Walker, OKC, 235.2200 $$
MEDITER R A NE A N IMPORTS & DEL I The menu is stocked with authentic, quick and savory options from Greek salad to eye-watering cabbage rolls, and there’s even a minigrocery stocked with select staples. 5620 N May, OKC, 810.9494 $
M ISA L OF IN DI A A Norman institution for over 30 years, specializing in tandoori-cooked delicacies and healthy, natural, delicious cuisine served amid splendid ambiance. 580 Ed Noble Pkw y, Norman, 579.5600 $$
CAFFE PR A NZO The atmosphere raises first-time diners’ hopes; the execution exceeds them. Classic dishes, as well as less ubiquitous options, are elevated to greatness. 9622 N May, OKC, 755.3577 $$
TOMM Y’S ITA LI A NA MERICA N GRILL An old favorite returns to the metro to provide fresh, plentiful doses of primo pasta and pizzas, always served with plenty of ambiance. 5516 W Memorial, OKC, 470.5577 $$
QUEEN OF SHEBA Practically the definitive example of a hidden treasure, the spicy, vegan-friendly menu of Ethiopian delights awaits the bold. Bring friends and be prepared to linger. 2308 N MacArthur, OKC, 606.8616 $$
TA J A tremendous set of Indian staples and delicacies - the menu has sections for vegetarian, tandoori, South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties - plus full lunch and dinner buffets. 1500 NW 23rd, OKC, 601.1888 $$
EMPIR E SL ICE HOUSE Reigning over the Plaza District in New York style (that means thin, flexible crust with a lot of surface area to cover in cheese and tasty toppings), it offers whole pizzas or slices, a full bar and a primo patio. 1734 NW 16th, OKC $
UPPER CRUST A chic, contemporary pizzeria and wine bar specializing in wood-fired, thin-crust New York-style pies complemented by a full menu and wine list. 5860 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 842.7743; 1205 NW 178th, Edmond, 285.8887 $$
ZOR BA’S For well over 20 years, Zorba’s has satisfied appetites and pleased palates. Serving dishes from recipes passed down through generations, they proudly share flavors of Cyprus, Spain, Greece and Morocco. 6014 N May, OKC, 947.7788 $
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PHOTO BY CARLI WENTWORTH
HIDEAWAY PIZZA If you’ve served a devoted following for over 50 years, you’re doing something right. In this case, that’s incredible pizza in jovial surroundings. 7 metro locations, hideawaypizza.com $$
AT THE BAR
REFINED DINING INTRODUCING PAR K AVE N U E G R I LL’ S SOUTHERN TABLE MENU Park Avenue Grill’s new Southern Table menu concept was created to evoke the food memories of generations past. A simpler time when folks came together to cook, converse, and consume.
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Our farm-to-fork fare is handcrafted from local, organic sources and is equally satiating, whether enjoyed with a night on the town or over a quick business lunch.
702.8444
PA R K AV E G R I L L . C O M
LUNCH WITH US
will make your day
NW 23rd & Walker | 405.605.3399
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Mexican & Latin American
Creole-inspired fare provides a nice backdrop for a a meal alongside the canal and a night out in Bricktown. 100 E California, OKC, 232.6666 $$
1492 Authentic Mexican cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, combining its caliente flavors with fusion decor to make an ideal spot for a romantic evening ... including perhaps the world’s best mojitos. 1207 N Walker, OKC, 236.1492 $$
L A ND & SE A Chef Sean Cummings harnesses the delicious possibilities of multiple biomes in this savory concept. Look closely; it’s pretty small, but the sea bass will make you a convert. 7523 N May Ave, OKC, 755.2622 $$$
BIG TRUCK TACOS It’s nearly always standing-room-only at lunch, but don’t let that deter you; spend a bit in line and get an ample reward in the form of fast, fresh, imaginative taco creations. 530 NW 23rd, OKC, 525.8226 $ CA FÉ DO BR ASIL It’s a long way from OKC to Rio, but the savory menu in this Midtown hot spot covers the distance in a mouthful. Even brunch is a spicy, inimitable treat. 440 NW 11th, OKC, 525.9779 $$ CA FÉ K ACAO A sunlit space filled with bright, vibrant flavors from the zesty traditions of Guatemala. Lunch possibilities beckon, but it’s the breakfast specialties that truly dazzle. 3325 N Classen, OKC, 602.2883 $ IGUA NA MEXICA N GRILL Unique Mexican flavor in a fun atmosphere at reasonable prices - a treat from the house-made salsas to the handcrafted cocktails, and all the tastes between. 9 NW 9th, OKC, 606.7172 $$ M A M A ROJA MEXICA N KITCHEN A festive atmosphere on the shores of Lake Hefner sets off a menu loaded with hand-rolled tamales, tacos and signature dishes . 9219 E Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 302.6262 $$ TAR AHUMAR A’S Beloved by locals, this airy ristorante serves huge, tasty TexMex classics plus less ubiquitous fare like carnitas de puerco and mole poblano. 702 N Porter, Norman, 360.8070 $$ TED’S CA FÉ ESCONDIDO The universal standard of OKC Tex-Mex comparisons - fast, fresh and amply portioned, it’s often very crowded and always supremely delicious. 4 metro locations, tedscafe.com $$ ZA R ATE’S In addition to enchiladas and the like, the chef’s Peruvian heritage shines in dishes featuring plantains, yuca and imported spices. Try something different; find something tasty. 706 S Broadway, Edmond, 330.6400 $$
Seafood THE DR AKE The Good Egg Group’s flagship and a standard-bearer for diners who crave excellent seafood, it supplies a passel of chef’s creations featuring the sea’s finest, plus an oyster bar and righteous cocktails. 519 NW 23rd, OKC, 605.3399 $$ JAZMO’Z BOURBON STREET CAFÉ Its upscale yet casual environment boasting Cajun- and
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PE A R L’S CR A BTOW N A huge Bricktown warehouse where the Cajun Crab Boil is a favorite, guests are encouraged to “leave the silverware at home and dig in,” and taste is king. 303 E Sheridan, OKC, 232.7227 $$ PE A R L’S OYSTER BA R Always an OKC favorite for its flavorful seafood and spicy Creole-inspired dishes: Shrimp Diablo, Tabasco-infused Caesar salads, Andouille omelets at Sunday brunch and more. 5641 N Classen, OKC, 848.8008 $$ THE SH ACK SE A FOOD & OYSTER BA R A massive selection of nicely spiced Cajun and Creole cooking, plus fried and grilled seafood, in an atmosphere that’s not shy about being as casual as it can be. 3 metro locations, theshackok.com $$
Soul Food THE DRUM ROOM March your own drumsticks in for a heap of crispy, juicy fried chicken (among the city’s best) starring alongside fried okra, waffles and a fully loaded bar. 4300 N Western, OKC, 604.0990 $$ JA X SOUL K ITCHEN The team behind Blackbird and Blu dishes up big ol’ helpings of jambalaya, pork ribs, fried catfish and many more deep South classics for OU-adjacent crowds. 575 S University, Norman, 801.2828 $ K D’S Sleek ambiance, down-home inspiration, pork chops, stuffed catfish, shrimp and grits and more of Kevin Durant’s favorite foods, served with skill and vim – and a dose of star power. 224 Johnny Bench Dr, OKC, 701.3535 $$
Steakhouse BOUL E VA R D STE A K HOUSE Perfectly soigné ambiance down to the last detail and cuisine easily in the metro’s elite – a sumptuous, if pricy, masterpiece. 505 S Boulevard, Edmond, 715.2333 $$$ BROA DWAY 10 Cruise into Automobile Alley’s Buick building in to savor steak supremacy or seafood selections (even sushi) in a cozy enclave amid urban bustle. 1101 N Broadway, OKC, 212.3949 $$$ C AT TL EMEN’S Almost as old as the state, this institution’s huge cornfed steaks and matchless atmosphere are history served anew every day. 1309 S Agnew, OKC, 236.0416 $$
J. BRUNER’S AT THE HAUNTED HOUSE Renowned for its spooky past (its name is no accident), it’s a must for its steak, lobster and enduring charm. 7101 Miramar, OKC, 478.1417 $$$ JUNIOR’S Its classic decor sets the perfect stage for hand-cut Angus steaks and lobster to fight for attention with knockout fried chicken. 2601 NW Expressway, OKC, 848.5597 $$$ MAHOGA N Y PRIME STEAKHOUSE The ambiance and service are sublime, but fine aged steak broiled to perfection is the star. 3241 W Memorial, OKC, 748.5959; 100 W Main, OKC, 208.8800 $$$ MEAT MARKET REFECTORY Well-aged steaks to fresh seafood, Hatch green chili crab cakes to champagne sabayon, the carefully selected flavors pop and sparkle in this prime dining experience. 2920 NW 63rd, OKC, 608.8866 $$$ MICKEY MA NTLE’S This lushly atmospheric social spot in Bricktown serves powerhouse entrées and sides with a full complement of amenities destined to impress. 7 S Mickey Mantle, OKC, 272.0777 $$$ OPUS PRIME STEAKHOUSE It aspires to the ultimate in upscale dining via hand-cut USDA Prime Black Angus
steaks, a vast wine selection and intimate ambiance. 800 W Memorial, OKC, 607.6787 $$$ R A NCH STEAKHOUSE Effortless opulence, custom-aged hand-cut USDA Certified Prime tenderloins and ribeyes, served amid warm Southern hospitality. 3000 W Britton, OKC, 755.3501 $$$
Serving You
the
perfect
HOLIDAYS
RED PRIMESTEAK Visionary design and atmosphere house superpremium steaks, vibrant, imaginative flavors and amenities to make some of the state’s best dining. 504 N Broadway, OKC, 232.2626 $$$
Thai SAL A THA I Pineapple curry, basil squid, fried rice with crab, cinnamon beef ... the variety is exceptional, making this Midtown diner a popular midday option. 1614 NW 23rd, OKC, 528.8424 $ SWEET BASIL The enormous aquarium adds to the cozy ambiance; with its outstanding curries and specialty dishes, it makes a great venue for a dinner date. 211 W Main, Norman, 217.8424 $$ TA NA THA I There’s a lot to like about the food in this little spot, from red snapper filet to pad thai. Pay special mind to the varied soups, and do not play chicken with the spice level. 10700 N May, OKC, 749.5590 $$
Open à 5
CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY
Open à 5 NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND
Savor our full menu including our famous prime rib or your favorite selections from our menu this holiday season. Reservations Recommended 405.478.1417 | www.jbruners.com
Book Your Holiday Parties Now 7408 N May Ave Oklahoma City • 405-840-3047 labaguettebistro.com
6305 Waterford Blvd, #100 Oklahoma City • 405-848-1065 bellinisokc.com
GREAT NEW LUNCH MENU SPECIALS STARTING AT $8
LIVE MUSIC MONDAYS 6-9PM
BRUNCH
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:30-3PM
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 3-7PM
5516 W. MEMORIAL RD.
405.470.5577
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travel
HITTING THE ROAD
are no restaurants in the park either, although basic groceries are available. Not to worry: most visitors stay in nearby towns, and there are plenty of accommodations and eateries there. THE THREE Ss: SUPPIN’, SLEEPIN’ AND SHOPPIN’ Enterprises catering to these fundamental needs stretch from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge to Sevierville, and it’s hard to tell where one town ends and the next begins. You’ll find high-end galleries and some gourmet restaurants, but the best choices in the area are homecooked or home-created. The level of crafts and folk arts you’ll find here is unparalleled. You’ll discover artists
A Smoky Mountain Winter Cider, snowflakes and more in a national treasure
W
Winter in the Smokies: the idea conjures up images of snow-covered cottages, smoke curling from chimneys – a veritable Christmas card scene. Colored lights sparkled; silver snowflakes glittered; Christmas carols floated on the chilly air … but Santa would have needed wheels rather than runners when I visited the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee last November. AMERICA’S MOST VISITED NATIONAL PARK Approximately 70 million people visited national parks last year – 10 million of those visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Covering more
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than 800 square miles of North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is known for stunning scenery and the characteristic blue haze that gave the mountains their name. Oh, and its biodiversity: with possibly as many as 100,000 kinds of living organisms, the park encompasses the largest collection of undisturbed old-growth trees east of the Mississippi, and animals abound, including more species of salamanders than any other place in the world. The symbols of the park and its most iconic residents are the black bears. In the fall they participate in what is known as the “shuffle.” At this time, the bears
405 magazine • december 2015
(above) Chicken and dumplings like you wish grandma could have made are a warm treat on a cold day at Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant. (left) Don’t count on snow for Christmas, but when it happens, photographers grab their cameras.
feed almost non-stop, stocking preserving traditional crafts up for hibernation, gaining from – people such as Pastor Jimmy three to five pounds a day. (More Morrow, a snake-handling Penlike the “stuff-full!”) tecostal preacher, who creates With 150 trails in the park folk dolls, makes kudzu baskets, covering 800 miles (including paints in primitive folk style and 70 miles of the Appalachian tells amazing stories in a dialect Trail) and 384 miles of mountain that has almost disappeared roads – there’s plenty of territory from the country. I met him to travel. in Cosby at Maria Holloway’s The park has 10 campCountry Home Quilts. grounds and more than 100 Maria’s shop is a rainbow of back-country sites, but the only fabrics but the highlight is a bed lodging within its borders is Lepiled high with quilts; most are Conte Lodge – and that’s strictly machine-pieced but hand-quiltfor the sturdy, as it ed by a select group HELPFUL LINKS can only be reached of women who mypigeonforge.com by hiking at least meet Maria’s high tnvacation.com five miles. There standards and have
WINTERFEST PHOTO COURTESY PIGEON FORGE CVB
nigh-infinite patience. Among the beauties on the bed were a Postage Stamp quilt with more than 8,000 one-inch pieces, and a stunning Cathedral Window quilt that took more than 2,000 hours to complete. Black bears do live in the mountains, but they aren’t alone. Hundreds of trolls can be found high on Rocky Top Trail at Five Arts Studios, where the Arensbak family creates figures with roots in Danish folklore. Ranging in height from 5 inches to 5 feet, these friendly forest folk are made primarily from natural materials found in the mountains. Not far from Five Arts is the Carver Orchards with its 40,000 apple trees. Through the season, the market there will have 126 varieties of apples for sale. Do visit the Carver Applehouse Restaurant for home cooking accompanied by apple fritters and apple cider. Another popular spot is the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville. Like Carver’s, you’ll find apple-inclusive favorites but lots of other good things, as well. For baked specialties, stop at the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. Try their biscuits and other delicious treats made from grains stoneground in the 130-year-old mill next door. Prepare to stand in line at all three restaurants, a testimony to tastiness. All sorts of accommodations are available – from the swanky Blackberry Farm (Walland) to very affordable motels. For bed and breakfast fans, the Buckhorn Inn (Gatlinburg) also offers gourmet dinners. For aerie elegance, check out Gracehill B&B (Townsend) – spectacular view. Also near Townsend, Richmont Inn B&B offers a great view, as well as an homage to Sequoyah and the Cherokees who once called this area home. Traveling families will enjoy Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel
During Winterfest (Nov. 10 through Feb. 26 this year), Pigeon Forge Parkway (U.S. 441) glitters with snowy lights.
and Waterpark Resort in Sevierville. Between the waterparks (indoors and outdoors) and the mega-arcade, it may be hard to get the kids out of the hotel. MORE THAN MOUNTAINS There are, however, more attractions in the area than you can shake a stick at. Top of my list is Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, rated in the world’s top five aquariums. This isn’t Colorado, but you’ll find skiing, snow tubing and ice-skating at Ober Gatlinburg. For grown-ups, there are wine tastings at Sugarland Cellars and moonshine tastings at Old Smoky Moonshine in Gatlinburg, with more at Old Smoky and Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge. Introduce yourself to Dolly Parton’s statue in Sevierville, then head for Pigeon Forge for her magnum opus, Dolly wood. The big seasonal special, “Smoky Mountain Christmas,” runs through Jan. 3. Four million lights trim the buildings and trees, and a variety of shows feature holiday themes. Don’t miss the musical adaptation
Hologram ghosts haunt Scrooge in Dollywood’s musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.”
of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with holographic sprits including Dolly as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Her brand-new hotel, DreamMore Resort, is nearby – be sure to ask about special packages including theme park tickets. For a cool Christmas drive-thru, visit Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland north of Sevierville. Hundreds of thousands of lights dance and twinkle to music, from pop songs and carols to the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
In addition, there are a number of theaters in the region – much like you’d find in Branson. So why not just go to Branson? There are many subtle, small distinctions, but the biggest difference is those gorgeous Smoky Mountains. I loved the area so much, I went back in February. No Christmas lights – but this time I found snow. And I found that – no matter what the season – this Smoky Mountain region is wonderful. - ELAINE WARNER
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IN-STATE TREASURE
King Tut’s Tomb of the West Exploring the Spiro Mounds
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scene, as indicated by what was discovered at the site centuries later. In the 1930s, excavations revealed one of the greatest collections of artistic and utilitarian prehistoric Native American artifacts in the United States. The treasures included conch shell engravings, exotic stone, fabric and copper. Widespread looting of the site led to Oklahoma passing state laws in 1935 to protect antiquities – it became one of the first states to preserve and research archaeological sites – and despite the looting, the discovery was immense and extraordinary. “It is the King Tut of the West,” says Peterson. “It gives us an incredible look at their lifestyle.” One three-dimensional piece, called the “Smoker,” is an effigy pipe made of red flint clay and is more than a foot in length. Made at the Cahokia site near St. Louis in the 1100s, it was brought to Spiro as part of an exchange between chiefdoms. The art, Peterson explained, gives us a view of what it was like 1,000 years ago, just like a photo album. Although many questions about the Native Americans and their lifestyle have been answered, there are still riddles to be unraveled. “It opens our eyes as to how complex this system was,” says Peterson. The Spiro Mounds site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has 150 acres, including 12 mounds, the elite village and a segment of the support city. To schedule a tour, contact Dennis Peterson at 918.962.2062 or spiro@okhistory.org. - GINA A. DABNEY
A Winter Welcome
Peterson will lead guided tours of the Spiro Mounds site during three Winter Solstice Walks on Monday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m.; 2 p.m. (this sunset tour sees the sun set with the alignment of the mounds); and 7 p.m. The tours will last 1 1/2 - 2 hours and require about a mile of easy walking. On the tours, visitors will learn about: the reason the mounds line up with the sun the elaborate ceremonies that took place the festivities that occurred in the plaza area the local environment and wildlife during 800-1450 the spiritual and political connections of the Spiro Mounds people why the people of the Mississippian period were smaller than people today the age people lived to be during the 9th-15th centuries
PHOTOS COURTESY M.J. ALEXANDER
A
Ancient civilizations created statues and temples that still have mysteries to be solved. In Oklahoma, we have the Spiro Mounds. Located seven miles outside of Spiro in southeastern Oklahoma, the mounds were built by prehistoric Native Americans. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, it is one of the most important Native American sites in the nation and Oklahoma’s only state archeological park that is open to the public. “There is no other place like it,” says Dennis Peterson, manager of Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Over the previous 8,000 years, people had camped nearby while passing through the area, but it was not until later that the location became established. During the Mississippian period, 800-1450 A.D., the site formed as a permanent settlement, and the Spiro leaders developed political, religious and economic ties with those as far away as the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes. This powerful and influential group shared horticulture, mound building, ceremonies and an iconographic (picture) writing system with more than 60 tribes. With the site located on a bend of the Arkansas River, the group could travel any where from coast to coast within five weeks. This gave them great economic power, and from 900 to 1300, the residents prospered. Peterson explains that the Native Americans who inhabited Spiro Mounds were major players on the national
events
PHOTO BY KEITH RINEARSON
Spirit Quest It might be the ultimate measure of a classic: It’s practically impossible
now to imagine the holiday season without Charles Dickens’ tale of acerbic miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly Christmas Eve encounter. Lyric Theatre has made its own extremely pleasant tradition of sharing this seasonal classic – “A Christmas Carol” returns to the Plaza Theater Dec. 2-27. “This play has delighted and touched thousands of Oklahoma families over its five-year run,” says Michael Baron, Lyric’s producing artistic director. “We’re thankful to Devon Energy for their continued support of this production, and excited to bring back many of the adult cast for this year’s edition.” Former cast members returning to reprise their roles include Christopher Bloch as Scrooge, Tom Huston Orr, Mateja Govich, Lexi Windsor and more. While Lyric’s presentation boasts a ghost gliding above the heads of the audience, snow falling on stage and in the audience and glorious traditional carols sung by the cast, the play’s enduring popularity rests as much with its perennial promise that we all have it within ourselves to become better people, just by deciding to be. Visit lyrictheatreokc.com for showtimes, and relish the spirit of the season.
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PRIME PICKS
All Is Bright Through Dec. 31 Shannon Springs Park They’ll hardly be silent nights, and all won’t be calm, but that’s the natural result of having hordes of people heading southwest of the metro to throng into the 43-acre park for the celebration of candlepower known as the Chickasha Festival of Lights. Anybody can plug in a couple strings of illuminated icicles; this community effort boasts more than 3.5 million bulbs, covering bridges, archways and the central 172-foot Christmas tree and forming a festive backdrop for extra entertainments such as food trucks, horse-drawn carriage and camel rides, laser tag and a live nativity scene on select nights. Light up your life!
Hark! The Massive Chorus Sings Dec. 6, OKC Civic Center
The Land of Mice and Snow Dec. 12-22, OKC Civic Center
Traditions can remain familiar while still being fresh and exciting. It should come as no surprise that the OKC Ballet is presenting “The Nutcracker” as its December show, but the imagination and execution filling the Civic Center stage should still leave audiences breathless. The wonder of the land of sweets and sugar plums, the menace of the Mouse King, the heroics of the titular toy and, most of all, the extraordinary skill of the dancers and musicians from the OKC Philharmonic accompanying them make this Christmas marvel not to be missed. 118
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Music is one of the most uplifting aspects of the holiday experience, and one of the most sublime presentations of the season’s songs is right around the corner. Canterbury Christmas puts an immense outpouring of familiar carols, hymns and standards into the mouths of the experts of the Canterbury Choral Society for a joyous concert that features an invigorating performance of beautifully expressive fiddle playing from special guest Kyle Dillingham, and makes sure to leave room for the audience to join in during a sing-along section. It’s an annual treat for the ears.
N ove m t h ru
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HOLIDAY EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY DEVON ICE RINK DEVON'S SATURDAYS WITH SANTA SANDRIDGE SANTA RUN BRICKTOWN TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL FREE HOLIDAY WATER TAXI RIDES SONIC SEGWAY SANTA AUTOMOBILE ALLEY LIGHTS ON BROADWAY SNOW TUBING WINTER FESTIVAL LITTLE WILLIE'S TRIPLE DOG DARE SANTA’S ADVENTURES ON THE OKLAHOMA RIVER
DELUXE WINTER MARKET HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS AT MIDTOWN GLITTER BALL SKIRVIN HOLIDAY EVENTS WINTER SHOPPES AT MYRIAD GARDENS LYRIC'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL MYRIAD GARDENS HOLIDAY EVENTS DOWNTOWN HISTORIC HOLIDAY CHURCH TOUR HOLIDAY SIP ‘N’ SHOP HARKINS TUESDAY NIGHT HOLIDAY MOVIES
DOG HOLIDAY PARTY AT MIDTOWN MUTTS OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER OKC PHILHARMONIC'S CHRISTMAS SHOW RED EARTH HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & TREEFEST CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS AT THE CIVIC CENTER REDUXION THEATRE HOLIDAY SHOWS BRICKTOWN CANAL LIGHTS OKC ARTS COUNCIL'S OPENING NIGHT
For a full list of event details, visit DowntownInDecember.com
events
ON FILM
Deck the Screen
Have yourself a merry little video binge What are the holidays without that most venerable of entertainments, the Christmas movie? For many of us, quality time with the family goes only so far before you remember why you limit these excursions to but once a year. In such cases, there is something to be said for the simple pleasure of having family members pile around the TV instead of listening to Uncle Jerry’s continued dissertation on how this isn’t the America he grew up in.
But what to watch? The two reigning seasonal champs, It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street (the original black-and-white version, that is), are deemed classics for good reason. Both were made shortly after the end of World War II, and both reflect that singular time when post-war cynicism was beginning to tug at the corners of American sentimentality. Miracle on 34th Street tweaks that cynicism in the forms of Maureen O’Hara and 9-year-old Natalie Wood as a mother and daughter unmoved by Edmund Gwenn as an amiable oldster claiming to be that Kris Kringle. Sharply written and unfussy in its telling, this 1947 comedy rightly set the gold standard for Christmas cheer. It’s a Wonderful Life is heavier stuff. Writer-director Frank Capra’s fantasy illustrates the outsized positive impact of a single life, but not without exploring the despair and desperation that can entail. James Stewart was never better as George Bailey, our allotted Everyman. 1946 movie audiences weren’t sure what to make of its bleakness, but the ensuing decades have seen It’s a Wonderful Life receive its rightful due as a masterpiece. The 1980s brought A Christmas Story, which cable TV has helped make a seasonal mainstay. Directed by exploitation filmmaker Bob Clark – who was able to pursue the project after he made a bundle with the risqué teen flick Porky’s – it follows a boy’s quest to secure the Christmas gift of his dreams: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time. A Christmas
Want more recommendations? devolved into mean-spiritedness is never less than deliriously fun.
A LITTLE SCARY The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop-motion animated musical from the febrile imagination of filmmakers Tim Burton and Henry Selick, blends Christmas cheer with a generous helping of Halloween fright. But what easily could have
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A LITTLE FUNNY Plenty of movies have taken a spin at “A Christmas Carol,” but 1988’s Scrooged is one of the
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more memorable. In this go-round, the Ebenezer Scrooge-type is Bill Murray as a money-mad TV executive in the midst of making his own uber-crass version of the Charles Dickens classic. While too uneven to be completely successful, Scrooged still boasts enough ho-ho-hos to make it worthwhile. A LITTLE MELODIC It just isn’t Christmas without the requisite yuletide songs, and you won’t find better seasonal musicals than 1942’s Holiday Inn or 1944’s Meet Me in St. Louis.
TREASURE YOURSELF WITH Story has some wonderful moments, but I have a personal preference for Clark’s more psychopathic effort, 1974’s Black Christmas, in which a mad slasher terrorizes a sorority over Christmas break. In recent years, two other pictures have entered the pantheon of yuletide movies. Elf, from 2003, is family-friendly in the best sense of the term, buoyed by Will Ferrell’s irresistible man-child shtick. 2011 unveiled the terrifically entertaining and criminally under-seen Arthur Christmas. Made by Aardman Animation (the studio behind Wallace & Gromit), its considerable wit emerges from conjuring up high-tech explanations as to how Santa carries out his yearly mission. - PHIL BACHARACH
SIP | SHOP | SPARKLE
The former features Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby in the picture that introduced Irving Berlin’s ubiquitous “White Christmas” (less endearing is Crosby in blackface crooning about Abe Lincoln). The latter is the lovely MGM musical that gave us Judy Garland singing the gorgeously melancholy “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” A LITTLE NAUGHTY Crooked, vulgar and thoroughly scuzzy, Billy Bob Thornton hits misanthropic gold in Bad Santa. This sleazy black comedy isn’t for the
With Kokopelli and Sooo Lilly this Holiday Season Shop late til 8 on Thursdays in December!
Clothing | Accessories faint of heart, but moviegoers who like their eggnog heavily spiked are sure to enjoy the nasty buzz. - PB
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SPEAKERBOX
The Sounds of Specters TSO’s annual Ho-Ho-Ho shows recall “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” In what’s become an annual Christmas tradition, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or TSO, is returning to Oklahoma City for two shows Dec. 23 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Called “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” this year’s TSO tour tells the story of a young runaway: on Christmas Eve, the girl breaks into an abandoned theater seeking shelter, where she experiences ghostly visions from the concert hall’s past. It’s a theme that allows for new songs from the group’s “Letters from the Labyrinth” album alongside their older favorites. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is one of the most remarkable success stories in contemporary music in the past decade. After years as a successful musician and producer, Paul O’Neill was offered a recording contract to start his own band in 1996. O’Neill assembled a team that included Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli – both from Savatage, once an awful heavy metal band from Florida that morphed into a progressive power rock group after O’Neill came aboard to helm the band’s “Hall of the Mountain King” in 1987. That record included O’Neill’s stamp of orchestration and keyboards, virtuoso instrumentation and dark, evocative lyrics. Working as a team, they began drafting concepts for musical operas and a trilogy about Christmas. The act grew in popularity after filming a television special in 1999 (Hint: It was a movie starring Ossie Davis called The Ghosts of Christmas Eve). TSO also blew up on YouTube when the Clark
Griswolds of the world started choreographing their front yard Christmas light shows to TSO soundtracks. When O’Neill put together the group’s stage show, he imagined a show “as over the top as we can make it. Pyro, lights and lasers. I want people to walk out of our shows speechless.” The live extravaganzas have become a winter franchise made possible by TSO’s full roster of talent, which now comprises almost 100 different musicians, two different touring groups and an itinerary that canvasses the country. From mid-November to the end of the year, the twin TSOs will hit 59 cities in the United States and Canada, with most of the cities getting two shows a day. Kudos to their traveling secretary! When TSO plays in the 405, their clones will be rocking the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. There are two shows (4 and 8 p.m.) scheduled for Oklahoma City on Dec. 23. Tickets are available at the Chesapeake Energy Arena box office, by phone at 800.745.3000 and online at ticketmaster.com. - JERRY CHURCH
FIVE FROM ’15 December usually brings with it end-of-year reflections. Normally, this would be a great place for a Top 10 list, but since 405 Magazine is only 2 months old, I thought it might be presumptuous. So, with that, here are five records from 2015 that I particularly fancied. -JC
Leon Bridges “Coming Home”
Muse “Drones”
Ryan Adams “1989”
Kacey Musgraves “Pageant Material”
Darlene Love “Introducing Darlene Love”
Bridges’ debut record feels like a throwback to mid-1960s Memphis, with its retro cover and old Columbia logo, Bridges’ persona and attire – and most of all his fine vocals that reflect and recall the gospel and soul of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.
A rarity these days: an actual rock and roll record, released by a rock and roll band. And it’s topical. It’s about mind control, remote control and big machines and losing our souls and selves to mechanization. Scary and loud.
Adams came out of left field with this song-forsong reinterpretation of Taylor Swift’s pop masterpiece. Adams stays true to the lyrics, but re-arranges most of the songs to a minimalist low-fi that emphasizes his blunt guitar and lonely voice.
Quirky, clever and cute to boot, Musgraves is often regarded as the “next” Taylor Swift, but on her second major label set, she’s more a throwback to classic country like Loretta Lynn. This album invites you to listen closely to her worldly wit.
A legendary singer finally gets her due thanks to wonderful new songs contributed by Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen and Joan Jett. Produced by Steven Van Zandt, this is a (ahem) lovely Christmas gift.
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on the radar
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National Anthems
A Broadway tale of American dreams
America is a big country founded on big concepts … like liberty and justice for all. But while the story of the nation is filled with big events – Civil War, Seneca Falls Convention, walking on the moon – at its core, it’s the story of individual people with hopes and dreams, trying to make their ways the best they can – ideally by working together. And sometimes there’s music. American dreams are at the heart of “Ragtime,” a tale of three disparate but interwoven families living in New York at the turn of the 20th century. The musical won rave reviews and multiple Tonys on Broadway, and now it’s coming to Oklahoma City Community College as a national tour rolls in Dec. 13 and 14. It’s a landmark event for OCCC – this is the college’s first time hosting a nationally touring Broadway production – and should be a rewarding experience for audiences. The mini-epic follows a Harlem musician, an upper-class matriarch and a Jewish immigrant as they navigate a rapidly changing city, forging connections with each other and interacting with a diverse cast of original characters and historical figures (for example, OKC native Jeff Johnson plays Booker T. Washington).
Dance THE N U TCR ACK ER Dec 4-13 Merry Christmas, OU campus and fans of an all-time classic alike - Clara, Herr Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King, holiday bliss. OU Reynolds PAC 560 Parrington Oval, Norman, 325.4101, ou.edu/finearts/dance HOME FOR THE HOL IDAYS Dec 10-13 The American Spirit Dance Company at OCU reprises its holiday spectacular, gaily costumed and with marvelous energy and skill. OCU Kirkpatrick Center 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu. edu/dance THE N U TCR ACK ER Dec 12-22 The classics never go out of style, and the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without this Devonsponsored dream unfolding before metro families. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 848.8637, okcballet.com
Events ONGOING A TER R ITOR I A L CHR ISTM A S CEL EBR ATION Through Dec 19 Downtown Guthrie 212 W
Oklahoma St, Guthrie, 282.1947, guthrieterritorialchristmas.com W IN TER SHOPPES Through Dec 20 Myriad Gardens 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 218.9300, wintershoppes.com EDMOND OU TDOOR ICE R INK Through Jan 10 1501 W Covell Rd Edmond, 274.1638, edmondoutdooricerink.com DOW N TOW N IN DECEMBER Through Feb 1 Downtown OKC 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 235.3500, downtownindecember.com CHICK A SH A FESTI VA L OF L IGHT Dec 1-31 It’s not purely about volume, though there are over 3.5 million lights in this festive mass illumination. With horse-drawn carriage rides, tasty refreshments and even live nativities on select nights, it’s a community outpouring of spirit. Shannon Springs Park 2400 N 9th St, Chickasha, 224.9627, facebook.com/ chickashafestivaloflight Y WC A WOMEN W HO C A R E SH A R E Dec 2 Help the YWCA aid women and children in need by sharing an emotionally rewarding meal featuring a story from a survivor
“This musical is a timeless celebration of life, with story themes of immigration and racial relations that makes it as relevant today as it ever was,” says director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who also was nominated for a Tony for this revival. It’s potent stuff thematically, but an all-ages show with a bright, buoyant soundtrack. Get tickets at occc.edu/pas/, and get ready to add this moving experience to your own story. - STEVE GILL
of domestic violence. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 951.3333, ywcaokc.org SA M NOBL E HOL IDAY H A PPENING Dec 3 Santa shares the spotlight with saurians as the museum celebrates the holidays. Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, 325.4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu TER R ITOR I A L CHR ISTM A S Dec 3 Deck the halls pre-statehood style at a carefully preserved frontier estate in the heart of the city. Harn Homestead 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 235.4058, harnhomestead.com 1ST FR IDAY GA L L ERY WA L K Dec 4 The historic arts district’s name means “stroll,” which happens to be the preferred form of locomotion while taking in its wonders during a monthly display of arts and culture. Paseo Arts District 3022 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2688, thepaseo.com UCO W IN TERGLOW Dec 4 Kick off the holiday season Broncho-style, with games, crafts, singalongs, wintry treats and more in an annual party. UCO Campus 100 N University Dr, Edmond, uco.edu/winterglow
A L N HOL IDAY HOME TOUR Dec 4-5 You don’t have to carol (though you can) to get a look at Norman residents’ holiday décor, just take the Assistance League’s tour of cozy beauty. Throughout Norman Norman, 321.9400, assistanceleaguenorman.org BOYS R A NCH TOW N CHR ISTM A S PAGE A N T Dec 4-6 Residents and volunteers from the juvenile residential facility present a reverent living nativity for visitors to drive through. Boys Ranch Town 5100 SE 33rd St, Edmond, 341.3606, obhc.org CHR ISTM A S COMES TO EDMOND Dec 5 Come for the Electric Parade of Lights; stay for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting complete with carols - the spirit of the season starts here. Downtown Edmond 10 S Boulevard St, Edmond, 359.4630, edmondok.com GREG FITZSIMMONS Dec 5 An Emmy-winning writer for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” who’s frequently found on radio waves, podcasts and TV shows (you may remember him from “Best Week Ever”), his smilingly sarcastic commentary will make this stand-up set sincerely hilarious. ACM @ UCO
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SPOTLIGHT
OKC’s Sweet ’16 Party
Everything auld is new again at Opening Night At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, the new century will be old enough to drive, and Arts Council OKC is getting ready to hit the gas on an evening of outstanding entertainment. Want to end 2015 on a high note and start the new year off with a bang? Get downtown for Opening Night. A few laughs, a touch of magic, masses of music, the company of tens of thousands of your friends and neighbors and a pyrotechnic spectacle to top it all off … it’s no wonder this is one of the metro’s favorite celebrations, as seen when more than 75,000 Oklahomans of all ages shook off the winter chill to revel and ring in 2014. The festivities are slated to run from 7 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, filling the year’s final hours with entertainment for all. Kids can create festive art projects inside the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors; live performances include a magic show, unicycle stunts and the impromptu comedy of OKC Improv; and some of the city’s most enthralling musicians such as Edgar Cruz, Tequila Azul, Urban Addiction and Shortt Dogg are set to rock out the clock. As the midnight hour approaches, OKC will brace itself for jubilation as the traditional Opening Night ball rises into the sky and one of the state’s largest fireworks shows sets the night alight. An Opening Night wristband allows attendees into all the venues; it’s $8 in advance or $10 at the event, with children 5 and younger admitted free. Find out where to get one and more about the event (including details on the preceding Finale 5k race) at artscouncilokc.com, and get set to ring in 2016 right. - SG
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Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, okccomedy.com
Automobile Alley 1015 N Broadway Ave, OKC, 235.3500, automobilealley.org
V ICTORY CEL EBR AT ION Dec 9 Help the United Way of Norman celebrate an outstanding year of philanthropic aid for the community in this convivial gathering. OU Memorial Union 900 Asp Ave, Norman, 329.2025, unitedwaynorman.org
COW BOY CHRISTM A S BA LL Dec 18 A deliberately old-fashioned yuletide dance and get-together led by special guest country troubadour Michael Martin Murphey. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org
2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART Dec 11 A monthly community-wide celebration of creativity, focused on historic Downtown Norman. Norman Arts Council 122 E Main St, Norman, 360.1162, normanarts.org
PREMIERE ON FILM ROW Dec 18 The downtown OKC street festival is family-friendly, pet-welcoming, free to wander through and filled with treats for the ears and taste buds. Film Row 706 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 232.6060,
LIVE ON THE PL AZA Dec 11 Vendors, artists, residents and passerby unite for a monthly fiesta. OKC Plaza District 1618 N Gatewood Ave, OKC, 367.9403, plazadistrict.org
SHEN Y UN Dec 23-24 Music, dance and pageantry combine to weave a dazzling portrait of Chinese history and culture. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 297.2264, shenyunperformingarts.org
SCIENCE OV ER NIGHT: STA R WA RS Dec 11 Kids don’t need high midichlorian counts to enjoy special activities including a live science demonstration and sleepover in this space-themed event. Science Museum OK 2100 NE 52nd St, OKC, 602.3760, sciencemuseumok.org GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST Dec 12 Architecture was never so delicious - builders in various age brackets make confectionary constructions for the Edmond Historical Society’s contest. Edmond Historical Society, 431 S Boulevard, Edmond, 340.0078, edmondhistory.org GLITTER BALL Dec 12 Let yourself sparkle at this high-spirited gala featuring live music and plenty of spectacle - it benefits deadCENTER and Sunbeam Family Services. Dunlap Codding on Film Row 609 W Sheridan Ave, OKC, 546.5365, NOR M A N M A IN STR EET CHR ISTM A S HOL IDAY PA R A DE Dec 12 The name is a mouthful; the skinny is that everything you could want in a Christmas parade is about to cruise down Main Street - including Mr. Claus. Downtown Norman 911 W Main St, Norman, 366.8095, visitnorman.com SECOND SUNDAY POETRY Dec 13 Spend a pleasant afternoon in appreciation of rich verse, as Seminole State professor and Oklahoma Book Award winner Jessica Isaacs visits the Depot. Santa Fe Depot 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org SA NTA DELIVERS Dec 14 Hey, the Zoo’s animal inhabitants have been nice this year, too. Rendezvous with Mr. Claus and enjoy free hot chocolate and doughnuts while supplies last. OKC Zoo 2101 NE 50th St, OKC, 424.3344, okczoo.com AUTO ALLEY SHOP HOP Dec 17 Discounts, giveaways, special mini-events and have-to-be-there fun fill this monthly mercantile excursion.
OPENING NIGHT Dec 31 Ring in the new year with thousands of your neighbors at the Arts Council of OKC’s annual bash; hello, 2016! Downtown OKC 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, 270.4848, artscouncilokc.com
Film CL A SSICS SERIES Dec 1-29 Catch a masterpiece you missed the first time around or just want to reexperience on the big screen: Christmas Vacation Dec 1, Elf Dec 8, A Christmas Story Dec 15, The Polar Express Dec 22 and Goodfellas Dec 29. Harkins Theatres 150 E Reno Ave, OKC, 321.4747, harkinstheatres.com NOBLE THE ATER SHOWS Dec 3-27 The OKC Museum of Art screens overlooked treasures and unsung independent films for cineastes who want to step outside the multiplex. OKC Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr, OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com
Galleries ONGOING HOLIDAY GIFT GA LLERY Through Dec 24 Firehouse Art Center 444 S Flood Ave, Norman, 329.4523, normanfirehouse.com HOLIDAY SM A LL WORKS Through Dec 24 Kasum Contemporary Fine Art 1706 NW 16th St, OKC, 604.6602, kasumcontemporary.com CHRISTIE OW EN Through Jan 31 Verbode OKC, 604.7947, christieowen.com THE SECRET LIFE OF THE CIT Y Through Feb 12 The Underground OKC, 235.3500, downtownokc.com BRENDA K INGERY Through Feb 29 Exhibit C OKC, 767.8900, chickasawcountry.com/exhibitc
DECEMBER AT THE ELMS Dec 2-26 The cozy gallery in the Paseo is home to intriguing art, inside and out: this month it celebrates the season with its annual Christmas at the Elms show of small, collector-friendly works. JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N Walker Ave, OKC, 528.6336, jrbartgallery.com FINE ARTS INSTITUTE Dec 3-23 The FAI hosts a collection of holiday art provided by Alzheimer’s Association students. Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards St, Edmond, 340.4481, edmondfinearts.com FURIES A ND GR ACES Dec 4-Jan 23 The community art space for public exploration of art welcomes an engrossing collaboration from local artists Jenny Bell and Hugh Meade. The Project Box 3003 Paseo St, OKC, 609.3969, theprojectboxokc.com ARTISTS ASSEMBLED Dec 4-19 The arresting gallery in the Paseo Arts District closes out a wonderful year by displaying collected works from throughout its roster of artists. Here’s to a creative 2016! In Your Eye Gallery 3005 Paseo St, OKC, 525.2161, inyoureyegallery.com BR AZEN WOLF L AUNCH Dec 12 Oklahoma-born Jamie Pettis has been a creative force all her life, and her paintings hang across the country; the next phase of her work begins here with the launch of a new clothing line.
Graphite Elements 1751 NW 16th St, OKC, 919.0578, graphiteokc.net
Oklahoma Hall of Fame Museum, OKC, 235.4458, oklahomahof.com
DECK THE WA LLS Dec 18 This cheerful fundraiser and art collection encouragement event turns buyers loose amid a sea of contributed canvases that are each 4 inches square. SixTwelve 612 NW 29th St, OKC, 208.8291, sixtwelve.org
ENTER THE MATRIX: INDIGENOUS PRINTMAKERS Through Jan 17 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma
Museums ONGOING IMMORTALES: THE HALL OF EMPERORS Through Dec 6 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Norman, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma SH A RED SPACE Through Dec 18 Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, 951.0000, oklahomacontemporary.org JA MES SURLS Through Jan 3 Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave, Nichols Hills, 325.3272, ou.edu/fjjma COW BOY CROSSINGS Through Jan 3 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org BERT SEABOURN: A MERICA N EXPRESSIONIST Through Jan 9
QUILTS A ND COLOR Through Feb 7 OKC Museum of Art OKC, 236.3100, okcmoa.com COL L ISION A ND CR E ATION Through Feb 21 Sam Noble Museum, Norman, 325.4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu NAVA JO W E AV INGS FROM THE PA R R ISH COL L ECTION Through May 8 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, 478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org THE ART OF CL A NCY GR AY Through Dec 30 Red Earth Museum OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org GA L IL EO’S WOR L D Through Aug 31 Across the OU Campus 401 W Brooks St, Norman, 325.4142, galileo.ou.edu RED EARTH TREEFEST Dec 1-30 It’s a new event for the downtown art space, one decked with interest for viewers: seven Christmas trees will be adorned with handmade ornaments
representing individual tribes in the state’s diverse heritage. Red Earth Museum 6 Santa Fe Plaza, OKC, 427.5228, redearth.org
Music BLUE DOOR SHOWS Dec 1-20 Self-billed as “the best listening room in Oklahoma,” it certainly has some of the best music, including Julie Christiansen Dec 1, Trout Fishing in America Dec 4, Mama Sweet Dec 10, Ian Moore Dec 11, John Moreland Dec 16, Travis Linville Dec 19 and Jon Dee Graham Dec 20 - check online for updates. The Blue Door 2805 N McKinley Ave, OKC, 524.0738, bluedoorokc.com OU MUSIC Dec 2-13 Join the OU School of Music for stellar performances: Hornsemble and the Brass Chamber Ensembles Dec 2, New Horizons chamber recitals Dec 3 and 10, a Holiday Pipes concert Dec 11 and Christmas at OU Dec 13. OU Catlett Music Center 500 W Boyd St, Norman, 325.2081, ou.edu/finearts/music E X ULTATIONS ON A W IN TER’S NIGHT Dec 3 Conductor Brian Lamb leads the UCO Wind Symphony in a magical evening of atmosphere and musical artistry. UCO Mitchell Hall Theater 100 N University Dr, Edmond, 974.3375, uco. edu/cfad
Cool Snow Globes An art object, a grown-up’s toy, or a soothing source of stillness, Cool Snow Globes offer a fresh spin on an old favorite. $42 – $46 Muse, Museum Store inside the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art The University of Oklahoma
555 Elm Ave., Norman, OK 73019–3003 ou.edu/fjjma
For questions and accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4938. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo
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POPS: THE CHRISTM A S SHOW Dec 3-5 Jingle all the way to partaking in the OKC Philharmonic’s own Christmas tradition, as special guest Michele Ragusa helps enliven the song-and-dance showcase of seasonal entertainment. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 842.5387, okcphilharmonic.org NOON TUNES Dec 3-17 Free lunchtime serenades to sonically spice up your Thursdays: the Eric Louman Duo Dec 3, Steelwind Duo Dec 10 and the Pierce-Hart Trio’s Celtic Christmas Dec 17. Downtown Library 300 Park Ave, OKC, 231.8650, mls.lib.ok.us JA ZZ L A B SHOWS Dec 3-27 A mass of music for UCO students and the community as a whole: a musical theater Christmas show Dec 3-12, the OKC Jazz Orchestra Dec 7, Souled Out Dec 18, the Jeremy Thomas Quartet Dec 19, Big G Dec 26 and Mountain Smoke Dec 27. UCO Jazz Lab 100 E 5th St, Edmond, 359.7989, ucojazzlab.com OCU CONCERTS Dec 4-9 Musiclovers mingle with students for the award-winning program’s shows: it’s a short slate this month, but you can still catch a Project 21 Concert Dec 4 and the flute choir Dec 9. OCU Petree Hall 2501 N Blackwelder, OKC, 208.5701, okcu.edu/music
Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts Dec 15, Hinder Dec 18 and Cody Johnson Dec 19. Diamond Ballroom 8001 S Eastern Ave, OKC, 866.977.6849, dcfconcerts.com THE SOONER THEATRE’S HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dec 9-13 Holiday favorites and a few new joys fill this ebullient musical revue; season’s greetings from the Sooner’s crew. Sooner Theatre 101 E Main, Norman, 321.9600, soonertheatre.org RIVERWIND SHOWS Dec 10 The Casino hosts Nashville quintet Old Dominion, celebrating the release of their first studio album, and Jana Kramer during the Jake Jingle Jam. Riverwind Casino 1544 W Hwy 9, Norman, 322.6464, riverwind.com CHRISTMAS VESPERS Dec 11-12 A sonorous seasonal tradition continues thanks to the combined choirs of OCU and the accumulated hymns of the Christmas holiday. First Presbyterian Church 1101 NW 25th St, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Dec 17 The OKC Philharmonic heads west to help share the holiday spirit with an appreciative audience in this 18th annual Christmas concert. Yukon Fine Arts Center 850 Yukon Ave, Yukon, 350.8937, cityofyukonok.gov
ACM @ UCO SHOWS Dec 4-17 Find some seriously fine musical mastery via the downtown sounds of Will Hoge Dec 4, Pokey LaFarge Dec 8 and The Sword Dec 17. ACM @ UCO Performance Lab 329 E Sheridan Ave, OKC, 974.4700, acm-uco.com
AFTER HOURS FRIDAY Dec 18 Relax after a long week over a glass of wine - and get cozy, because the evening features the soothing sounds of star musician John Calvin. Native Spirits Winery 10500 E Lindsey St, Norman, 329.9942, nativespiritswinery.com
89TH ST COLLECTI V E Dec 4-20 A variety of jams in a local hotspot: Baroness Dec 4, Aaron Gillespie Dec 8, the 25th Hour Tour Dec 13, Invent Animate Dec 14 and Intronaut Dec 20 - check online for the latest. 89th Street Collective 8911 N Western Ave, OKC, 89thstreetokc.com
SISTERS OF SWING Dec 20 Five singers, two instrumentalists, lots and lots of harmony from a group that celebrates the classics and remembers that ‘tis the season to be jolly. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org
CA NTERBURY CHRISTM A S Dec 6 Special guest Kyle Dillingham lends his virtuosity on the fiddle to Canterbury’s annual celebration of the season and its music. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 232.7464, canterburyokc.com
WINTER WIND: CL AUDIA SCHMIDT Dec 20 A frequent guest during the early days of “A Prairie Home Companion,” Schmidt’s a skilled musician but also an engaging presence on stage, making this live show a true treat. Santa Fe Depot 200 S Jones Ave, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org
W INTER W IND: MICH A EL FR ACA SSO Dec 6 A new month of the Depot’s Winter Wind series begins courtesy of Austin-based Fracasso’s distinctively high-pitched and often lonesome-sounding vocals. Santa Fe Depot 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Norman, 307.9320, pasnorman.org
TR A NS-SIBERI A N ORCHESTR A Dec 23 Pyrotechnic spectacle is the order of the evening as the massively merry band shares its latest show, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 800.745.3000, chesapeakearena.com
A MELINDA DOOLITTLE CHRISTM A S Dec 8 “American Idol” ingenue Doolittle visits the OCCC campus to lift her rich, soulful voice in holiday song. OCCC Theater 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas
A VERY BR ASSY CHRISTMAS Dec 24 The sterling voices of OKC’s Ambassadors Concert Choir combine with special guests the Frontier Brass Band for a magnificent outpouring of memory-making seasonal music. St. John Missionary Baptist Church 5700 N Kelly Ave, OKC, 602.3866, ambassadorschoir.com
DI A MOND BA LLROOM SHOWS Dec 8-19 Crank it up on the south side with Wreck the Halls Dec 8, Slay Bells Dec 9, Charles Kelley Dec 11, Reckless Kelly (no relation) Dec 12,
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ROBERT EARL KEEN Dec 29 It’s been three decades since his debut,
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and the Houston native is still delighted to be sharing his sound on the endless road. Catch a seasonal show in “Merry Christmas From the Fam-O-Lee.” Hudiburg Chevrolet Center 6000 Trosper Ave, Midwest City, 297.2264, okcciviccenter.com
Sports ONGOING NRHA FUTURIT Y Through Dec 5 State Fairgrounds OKC, nrhafuturity.com OKC BLUE BASKETBALL Dec 1-20 The Thunder’s D-League affiliate brings its a-game to battle Idaho Dec 1 and 3, Westchester Dec 5, Santa Cruz Dec 12, Reno Dec 15 and Austin Dec 20. Cox Center 1 Myriad Gardens, OKC, 208.4667, oklahomacity.dleague.nba.com OSU MEN’S BASKETBALL Dec 2-29 The season rolls on for the Cowboys as they host Tulsa Dec 2, Missouri State Dec 5, Longwood Dec 15 and UKMC Dec 29. Gallagher-Iba Arena 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com OU WOMEN’S BA SK ET BA L L Dec 2-30 The Sooners’ house should be packed as they square off against UALR Dec 2, the University of Texas at San Antonio Dec 13 and Kansas Dec 30. Lloyd Noble Center 2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com OU MEN’S BASKETBALL Dec 3-19 The Sooners’ house should be packed as they square off against Central Arkansas Dec 3, Oral Roberts Dec 12 and Creighton Dec 19. Lloyd Noble Center 2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman, 325.2424, soonersports.com OSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Dec 5-30 The season rolls on for the Cowgirls as they host Texas-Rio Grande Valley Dec 5, North Carolina Dec 14, Savannah State Dec 27 and Baylor Dec 30. Gallagher-Iba Arena 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, 877.255.4678, okstate.com THUNDER BASKETBALL Dec 6-31 Another push for the Finals is underway - Thunder up! OKC faces Sacramento Dec 6, Atlanta Dec 10, Utah Dec 13, Portland Dec 16, the Lakers Dec 19 Chicago Dec 25, Denver Dec 27, Milwaukee Dec 29 and Phoenix Dec 31. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, 208.4800, nba.com/thunder BIG 12/SEC CHALLENGE Dec 20 Conferences collide in a women’s college basketball showcase as OU battles Texas A&M and Texas faces Arkansas. Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, OKC, chesapeakearena.com
Theater ONGOING THE FOURPOSTER Through Dec 6 Jewel Box Theater OKC, 521.1786, jewelboxtheatre.org
PETER PA N Through Dec 6 St. Luke’s Poteet Theater OKC, 609.1023, poteettheatre.com JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMA N SMELLS Through Dec 18 Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, OKC, 951.0011, oklahomachildrenstheatre.org GREETINGS! Through Dec 19 Carpenter Square Theatre OKC, 232.6500, carpentersquare.com A T ER R I TOR I A L CHR IST M A S C A ROL Through Dec 30 Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, 282.2800, thepollard.org LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 2-27 Devon Energy proudly supports this annually rejuvenated holiday tradition about the power of deciding to become a better person. Lyric’s Plaza Theater 1725 NW 16th St, OKC, 524.9312, lyrictheatreokc.com ALCOHOLIDAYS Dec 3-20 OKC Theatre Company presents the Oklahoma-penned comedy of enduring the holidays with a little help from your friends like Jack, Jose, Johnnie Walker and Mrs. Peppermint Schnapps. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 626.6605, okctheatrecompany.org THE MA N WHO CA ME TO DINNER Dec 4-12 An accidental injury keeps a famous but quicktempered writer convalescing in his hosts’ home long past the wearing-out of his welcome. It’s a burst of farcical comedy that should go great with your holidays. OCU Kirkpatrick Center 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC, 208.5227, okcu.edu/music JA NE AUSTEN’S CHRISTMAS CR ACKER Dec 11-19 Share in a refined but joyous holiday treat as theatrical characters welcome audiences into their celebration. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker, OKC, 297.2264, reduxiontheatre.com FRUITCAKES Dec 11-20 The holidays are a stressful time, and it’s easy to miss the forest for the tinsel-covered trees - but as a young runaway discovers in this warm comedy, just because people seem haphazardly distracted doesn’t mean they can’t come together and make a greater good. Stage Door Theater 601 Oak St, Yukon, 265.1590, stagedooryukon.com R AGTIME Dec 13-14 OCCC welcomes a touring Broadway production of the multicultural musical examining the downs and ups of pursuing the American Dream. OCCC Theater 7777 S May Ave, OKC, 682.7576, occc.edu/cas BEAUT Y A ND THE BEAST Dec 26-27 Celebrity Attractions rolls out a lavish adaptation of the much-loved musical romance, singing furniture and all. OKC Civic Center 201 N Walker Ave, OKC, 800.869.1451, celebrityattractions.com
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
ANTERBURY
It’s more than a concert. It’s an experience.
Immerse yourself in one of the holiday season’s most-anticipated traditions: Canterbury’s annual Christmas concert. Canterbury Christmas Sunday, December 6, 7 PM Civic Center Music Hall
It’s a joyous experience of holiday singing at its finest to share with friends and family! The familiar carols, hymns and standards are likely to awaken happy memories in most listeners, so it’s no surprise the traditional Canterbury sing-along that accompanies the performance is such a hit year after year. The concert will be followed with a Holiday Reception in the Civic Center lobby as a special thank-you to the public for the continued support of Canterbury performances. Don’t forget to have your picture made with Santa and Mrs. Claus by the atrium tree!
Special Guest, Kyle Dillingham
World-renowned fiddle sensation and Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador Kyle Dillingham has performed his magic in over 30 countries, electrifying and energizing audiences around the world. The Oklahoma native picked up the violin when he was 9, and eight years later, he gave two featured performances with Roy Clark at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He later toured with western-swing legend Hank Thompson. He has been a featured performer for the King of Malaysia, the Princess of Thailand, Singapore’s National Day Celebration, and has been televised throughout all of China. A frequent visitor to Washington D.C., he has performed for the Japanese, Thai, Romanian, and Saudi Arabian Ambassadors, to name a few. He also regularly travels and performs as part of local Heartland Acoustic band Horseshoe Road. As the University of Central Oklahoma’s Ambassador-in-Residence, Kyle uses his “musical diplomacy” to help develop and strengthen new overseas relationships for the university.
CONCERT SPONSORS Hobby Lobby • Bank of Oklahoma • St. Anthony • Hall Estill • Williams For individual or season tickets, call 232.SING or visit canterburyokc.com.
backstory
B
Before they could go Christmas shopping in their PJs via Amazon, Oklahomans often prepared for the holidays at TG&Y. In 1928, Raymond A. Young opened his first five-and-dime store in Kingfisher. By 1935, he partnered with Rawdon E. Tomlinson and Enoch L. Gosselin, and based on the founders’ initials, TG&Y was born. Soon, the retailer became a large chain with more than 900 stores in 29 states. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, TG&Y generated more than $2 billion in annual sales and was one of the state’s largest employers. “I worked there in the mid-1970s,” says Karol Miller, who is now an administrative assistant with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “It was so much fun, and a great company to work for. Christmas was a special time of year – all the bright lights and decorations. Some of my fondest memories are from that time.” Miller said she began working in the music department when vinyl was still all the rage. “Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt and ABBA – they were all big then. And at Christmas, we always sold a lot of traditional holiday records from Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee,” she says. Local radio air personality Greg “The Egg Man” Moore said his father, Bill Moore, worked as an artist for a company called Central Sales, and that was where TG&Y obtained all of their point-of-sale artwork. “Dad did some great Christmas designs for TG&Y,” Moore says. “He was creative director and was their sole supplier. What I remember
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405 magazine • december 2015
BY MARK BEUTLER
most as a kid was shopping at the TG&Y near our house, which was at 23rd and Council in the DeVille Shopping Center. I would get money from my grandmother or parents and scour the aisles until I found something to buy. At Christmas, with the weather being so much colder, my brother and I would hit the TG&Y store in Shepherd Mall. We would always wind up there prowling the aisles and mentally making additions galore to our Christmas lists.” TG&Y’s slogan was “Serving Families Coast to Coast,” and they did that until the late 1980s when the franchise was bought by the McCrory Corporation. That chain filed for bankruptcy in 2001, signaling the final demise of one of Oklahoma’s most fondly remembered stores.
(top) Midwest City TG&Y store opening, 1977; A young 405 Magazine writer on Santa’s lap at Edmond Plaza TG&Y
PHOTOS TG&Y COURTESY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, SANTA CLAUS COURTESY MARK BEUTLER
A One-Stop Shop for Christmas Cheer
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