Illustration by ReAnn Thompson-Gilbert winner of the CTAC LIVE program art contest.
C CHISHOLM TRAIL ARTS COUNCIL
C
CHISHOLM TRAIL ARTS
C O U N C I L
"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”
~ Salvador Dali
DearFriends,Supporters,andMembers,
As President of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council, I am honored to share with you the meaningful impact our organization continues to make across Southwest Oklahoma throughthepowerofthearts.AtCTAC,webelievetheartsarenotaluxury—theyarea vitalpartofahealthy,thrivingcommunity.Throughourwiderangeofprogramming,we are proud to provide opportunities for people of all ages to connect, create, and be inspired.
OurCTACLiveConcertSeriesbringshigh-qualitymusicalperformancestotheheartof our community, offering unforgettable cultural experiences that are both entertaining and enriching. Each concert is more than a show—it’s a gathering of neighbors, families,andmusicloversunitedbyasharedappreciationfortheperformingarts.
Eachsummer,ourArtsExplosionprogramgivesyouthavibrant,hands-onopportunity to explore their creativity From painting and sculpting to abstract creations, students diveintotheartisticprocessinasupportiveandencouragingenvironment.It’sajoyful celebrationofimagination,andoneofthemostanticipatedeventsofouryear
Our downtown Art Gallery, opened in 2014, is a cornerstone of the local arts scene. Since opening, the gallery has proudly hosted 3,376 Oklahoma-based artists and showcased 7,296 pieces of art. These numbers reflect not only our commitment to supportinglocaltalent,butalsothedeepwellofcreativityfoundhereinourstate.The gallerycontinuestoofferawelcomingspaceforartistsandartloverstocometogether andcelebratevisualexpression.
And perhaps most dear to our mission is our arts education in schools. By partnering witheducatorsandbringingartist-ledinstructionintoclassrooms,CTAChelpsensure students—regardlessofbackground—haveaccesstomeaningfulartisticlearningthat enhancescreativity,criticalthinking,andself-expression.
Theseprogramsareonlypossiblebecauseoftheunwaveringsupportfrompeoplelike you—ourcommunitypartners,members,donors,volunteers,andartsadvocates.Your beliefinuskeepsthecreativespiritoftheChisholmTrailArtsCouncilaliveandthriving.
Aswelookahead,wearefilledwithexcitementandpurpose.Theartshavethepower toconnectusall,andtogether,wewillcontinuetobuildamorevibrant,inclusive,and creativefuture.
Thankyouforbeingpartofourjourney
MatthewDaniel President,ChisholmTrailArtsCouncilBoardofDirectors
Friday,October3
www.bobwillstexasplayboys.com
When Texas Playboys front man Jason Roberts steps onto a stage with his fiddle and utters his first “AH-ha” of the evening, western-swing fans know they're seeing and hearing nothing less than the living embodiment of a tradition that stretches all the way back to 1933, the year Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys was formed. They soon became one of the most popular touringandrecordingactsinthenation.
Today, the Bob Wills sound continues as the newest Texas Playboys aggregation,ledbytwo-timeGrammywinnerJasonRoberts,bringsanostalgic glowtolongtimeWillsfansandthejoyofdiscoverytothosewhomightnothave evenbeenbornwhenBobdied.
sponsored by
Y A C H T
R O C K
F r i d a y
J a n u a r y 3 0 r
Soft Hands was formed in 2016 with a heartfelt mission: to pay tribute to recently departed musical icons Prince and George Michael. The success of those early performances inspired Soft Hands to continue creating immersive live shows, includingtheirnow-iconicYachtRockSpectacularand’80s-themedNeonMixtape.
SoftHandsisdedicatedtopreservingtheintegrityofthemusictheyperform.Their performances are a masterclass in musicianship, paying respect and homage to theoriginalworksandtheartistswhocreatedthem.
SoftHands’connectionwiththeiraudiencegoesbeyondthemusic.Theirshowsare asharedexperiencewhereeveryoneiswelcome—fromfamiliestodie-hardfansof classicrock.Thebandcreatesasenseofcommunitythroughengagingactivities, drawingtheaudienceintoacollectivecelebration.
Once the music starts, Soft Hands invites audiences to let go of daily stress and embracethejoyofliveperformance.Theirconcertsareanescape—acelebration oflife’sbrightermoments,filledwiththemagicofnostalgiaandthepowerofshared song.SoftHandscreatesanatmosphereofconnection,joy,andtimelessmusic.
https://www.aliasbrass.com
ALIAS BRASS ALIAS BRASS March 28
Describedas“theonlynameformusicinnovation”byMartinHackleman,formerly oftheEmpireandCanadianBrass,theAliasBrassCompany,foundedin2013,isa collaborationoffiveuniquelytalentedartistsandeducatorsfromacrossthenation. TheAliasBrassCompany’sperformancesarecomprisedofstandardsandoriginal compositions, along with concepts that blend virtuosic musicianship with a high level of entertainment. From Baroque and Classical, to Jazz and Pop, the Alias Brass Company’s shows are “a sure-fire hit; chamber music of the future with somethingforeveryone!” R
sponsored by
Sponsor in part Taste of Oklahoma
Lou Baggett
2nd Place “Center Stage” (pastel) Duncan, OK
Quanna Parker Burgess
3rd Place “Cuts Off His Enemy” (oil) Indiahoma, OK
OK
MelissaHeilig HonorableMention“TheCalmBefore”(oil) Fletcher,
ProudSupportersofthe ArtsinStephensCounty
CTAC LIVE!
2025-2026 Committee
Cindy Parks: Chair
Cyndi Crook
Matt Daniel
Susan Denard
Nancy Lott
Darcy Reeves
Bruce Ridley
CTAC Scholarship Winners Morgan Middick
SCHOOLS in Education
“Wecanuseartasareplacementforwords,by providinganaudiencewithasenseofemotionand rawnesstounderstandwheretheartistiscomingfrom.”
-MorganMiddick Senior,ComancheHighSchool
Forthepasttenyears,ChisholmTrailArtsCouncil’sArt EducationinSchoolsprogramhasofferedscholarshipsto seniorswhoarestrivingtopursueafutureassociatedwith thearts.Thisyear,CTAC’srecipientforthe2025Visual andPerformingArtScholarshipisMorganMiddick,Senior atComancheHighSchool.
ComancheHighSchoolBandDirector,DalaanBassett,stated,“Morganhasprovenherself asaleaderinourband,takingonvariousrolesthatrequirebothresponsibilityandinitiative. Shehasservedassectionleaderandhasfrequentlyorganizedpracticesessions,ensuring that her fellow musicians feel supported and prepared for performances. Her ability to motivateothersandfosterasenseofteamworkistrulycommendable.”
Her awards and honors include: Honor Roll: 7 semesters (2021-2024), ranked #1 of graduating class, accepted into the Biomedical-Science Program at Red River Technology Center,OKMEAAll-Statefor2years,3yearmedalistforOSSBDAAll-State,6yearmedalist forbothSWOBDAandSCOBDAHonorband,StateSolo&EnsembleSuperiorRatingfor3 consecutiveyears,OSSAASweepstakes2022,placedintheHonorBandatSWOSUBand Camp for 4 consecutive years, slated for HOSA State Officer elections, and won 'The NottinghamSuperiorScientist'award.Morgan’sorganizationandleadershiprolesincluded Comanche High School Band Program, National Honors Society Member (NHS), HOSA (President of organization), National Technical Honors Society Member (NTHS), Business ProfessionalsofAmericaMember(BPA),andStudentCouncil.
“StudentslikeMorgandonotcomealongeveryday.Sheisusuallythefirsttovolunteerhelpin any situation which has made her a huge asset to both her sending school and the RRTC community.MorganMiddickranksinthetoponepercentofallofthestudentsIhaveworked withandIamthankfultohavetheopportunitytoworkwithher,”statedLauraJohnson,Red RiverTechnologyBiomedInstructor
A very committed performing artist, Morgan submitted her scholarship application and, as required,submittedthreesamplesoforiginalartworkormusicalperformance.“Ourplanning committeewasveryimpressedwithherabilitytoplay,notone,butthreeinstruments–French horn, trumpet, and piano. Morgan’s entries were just a sample of the talent that she has brought to Comanche High School Band and we are proud to award her with this year’s scholarship,”DarcyReeves,ExecutiveDirector
Proud to Support the Arts in Stephens County
October 30,202 | 6:30 p.m.
Te Ata Memorial Auditorium Chicago Tap Theatre
Unleash the beats
november 20, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
DAVIS HALL LITTLE THEATRE
Grand Ol’
Christmas Show
Christmas Classics and Sketch comedy antics
February 12, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Te Ata Memorial Auditorium Mojo & The Bayou gypsies
All-Orignal american roots music & stories in the louisiana bayou tradition
March 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
te ata memorial auditorium
The Peking Acrobats
Chinese acrobats push the limits with daring maneuvers
*Davis-waldorf Fundrasing show
$40 Adult tickets without season pass
$20 Kids tickets without season pass
O U N C I L
AC CHISHOLM TRAIL ARTS C
Chisholm Trail Arts Council evolved from the Duncan Arts HumanitiesCouncil,whichwasestablishedin1976.Thename waschangedandtheprogramsexpandedin1998,withamission to develop and sustain artistic and cultural programming that serves to educate, enlighten and unite the communities and individualsofStephensCounty
CTACiscommittedtoenhancingthequalityoflifeintheareaby presenting programs that broaden awareness and strengthen communityinvolvement.
Overtheyears,StephensCountyresidentshavedemonstratedtheirsupportforCTACthrough generous in-kind contributions and hours of volunteer effort. Additionally, over half of CTAC'sannualoperatingbudgetisprovidedthroughindividualandcorporatememberships, aswellasadvertisingandpromotionalcontributions.CTACisanot-for-profitorganization, whichmeansyourcontributionsaretax-deductible!
In order to assure future generations will support arts-related events, CTAC is dedicated to providingsubstantialprogrammingforyouthandforfamilyandadultaudiencesthroughthe CTACLIVEconcertseries,whichhelpsfundallofourprograms.
CTACLIVEcoversmusicalgenres,fromjazztoclassical,rocktobluegrass. Therehavebeen dancetroupesliketheAlvinAileyDancers,thelegendaryHarlemGospelChoir,andlegends likeLeonRussellandLeoKotkeaswellasuniqueperformances,theGoldenDragonAcrobats fromChina,theTheSecondCitycomedyteam,andArtrageous!
ArtsExplosionisaweek-longsummerarts campduringthethirdweekofJuly. Professionalartiststeachclassesinseveral differentartisticdisciplinesthatchallengethe participants'creativityandimagination.Arts Explosionrecentlyexpandedtoofferclasses for:
Kindergarten–2ndGrades
3rd–5thGrades
6th-12thGrades
G
CTAC Gallery Art
Inordertoshowcasemorelocalartists, CTACcreatedtheCTACGallery.The galleryislocatedinthebeautiful2-story CTACofficeat810W WalnutinDuncan. Thegalleryfeatureslocalartistsofvarious mediumsandoffersthemtheopportunityto displayandselltheirfineart.Openingnight receptionskickoffeachgalleryexhibit.The CTACGallerybringsnewopportunitiesto thecommunity,oneexhibitatatime.
L TAC E
CONCERT SERIES
CTACLiveoffersliveconcertsyearlywitha varietyofmusicandperformingarts.Itisan affordableopportunitytoseeandheartalentfrom aroundtheworldwithouthavingtotravelalong distance.Inconjunctionwiththeperforming artists,CTACLiveincludeseducationaloutreach programstoareaschoolssuchas:
Matinees
Workshops
MasterClasses
SCHOOLS in Education
ArtEducationinSchoolscurrently encompassesseveralprogramstoourcommunity
Professionalteachingartistscometoschoolsto providehands-onworkshopsforstudents.These workshopsincludetheater,visualartandmusicexposingmanychildrentoartatearlyages. Limitedscholarshipsarealsoawardedto deservinghighschoolgraduateswhoplanto furthertheircollegeeducationinvisualor performingarts.
ReAnn Thompson-Gilbert
PlaybillArtContestWinner
ReAnnThompson-Gilbertisahomeschoolmomandtroop leaderforGirlScoutTroop7306.Shegrewupdoingcrafts withherAuntBean,paintingwithherGrandmaBarbara, sketchingwithhermomDebi,anddecoratingceramics withherGreatAuntWanda.
Artandcreativityruninthefamily,biologicalandGirlScout alike.Inspiredbyhertroop'sparticipationinYouthArtMonth andCTACLiveplaybillcontest,shewasencouragedbyher trooptoenterwiththem.Thisyear'swinningpicturehighlights asmallimageofeachofthetroops'submissions,aswellas otherartthathasbeenondisplayattheCTACArtGallery thispastyear.
Totroop7306,keepcreatingandinspiring!Weentered separately,butwewintogether
PlaybillArt Contest
CTAC holds an annual art contest for the front cover of the CTAC Live playbill. We encourage all ages and levels of experience to submit their artwork. First place will have their art on more than 2,000 playbill covers and close to 3,000 mail out concert brochures. Call for artists beginsApril of each year, and is due by mid July Contact CTAC for how to enter!
In memory of Jeff Kaley
In September 1985, Jeff Kaley walked through the doors of The Duncan Banner, thinking of it as a temporary stop before moving on. Over the next 30 years, he made an indelible mark in Stephens and Jefferson counties.
Jeff was the sports editor at The Banner for 17 years. At The Banner, Jeff earned eight individual awards for his writing, including Columnist of the Year in the Best of CNHI contest. His sports department won nine awards for collective entries. Banner won four Sequoyah Awards, the Oklahoma Press Association’s highest honor while Jeff was on staff.
Along the way, Jeff was able to feed his love of music as a volunteer for Chisholm Trail Arts Council (CTAC). As programming vice president, Jeff worked on the annual live concert series. He brought a wide variety of artists to Duncan: acrobats, monks, blues singers, comedy troupes, tribute bands, rock, bluegrass and country swing bands. A high point for Jeff was when he brought in one of his own personal favorites: Leon Russell. In 2020, CTAC honored him for his nine years of service with a Tribute Award during the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame presentations.
SCHOOLS in Education
Scholarships. ArtEducationinSchools
WhyprovideArtEducation inSchools?
BecauseALLchildrenshouldhave“art”includedintheirschoolcurriculum.Artismuch morethanputtingapaintbrushorpencilinachild'shandandwaitingtoseewhatheor shedrawsonthepaper.Itinvolvesideas,plans,imaginations,decisions,colors,words, sounds,andcreativity…andevenlearninghowtoovercometheoccasional“oops”.
CTACprovidesseveralopportunitiesforstudentsofallagestoexperience“art” throughouttheseason.Forexample,CTAC'sArtEducationinSchoolsprogrambringsin Artists-in-residencetoschoolsinStephensCounty.Theseteachingartistsprovidehandsonartprojects,demonstrations,andeventheaterordanceexperiencestostudentsofall ages.StudentsalsohaveanopportunitytolearnaboutmusicthroughCTAC'sLive ConcertSerieswheretheyattendlivematineesfreeofcharge.Thiseducationaloutreach hasthepotentialtoreach750studentsinaprofessionaltheatersetting.Anothergreat opportunitywherestudentsofallagescanparticipateandenterartworkisCTAC'sYouth ArtMonthattheCTACArtGallery Thegalleryhasevenbeenadestinationplacefor schoolfieldtripssothatstudentscanexperienceandappreciateartexhibits.
TheArtsAreMotivating.Theartshelpourstudentsto:
SucceedinSchool.
Studentswhoareinvolvedintheartsare:
4timesmorelikelytoparticipateinamathandsciencefair
3timesmorelikelytowinanawardforschoolattendance
4timesmorelikelytoberecognizedforacademicachievement
3timesmorelikelytobeelectedtoclassoffice
SucceedinWork.
72%ofbusinessleaderssaycreativityisthenumberoneskilltheyareseeking whenhiring.*(Navigator:Facts&Figures,AmericansfortheArts)
“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of being more like everyone else.”
~ Author unknown
WhyArtsExplosion?
Because children don't always have art programs available to them. It's as simple as that! Arts Explosion provides memorable experiences to children, by teaching them new art mediums and techniquesdukringthisweek-longcamp.
Since 1991, AE has been touching the lives of childrenofallages.Currently,therearethreeage groups: K- 2nd grade, 3rd-5th grades, and 6th12th grades. Guest artists provide children hands on art projects of various mediums and techniques. The week long program ends with a funfamilynightreceptionwherealloftheartworkis ondisplayforviewing.
Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Scholarships are made available through sponsors and donations from the community. If you would like to sponsor a child next season, pleaseletusknow!
Arts Explosion is a very popular program held the third week of July at the Stephens County Fairgrounds.
Special thank you to BancFirst, our 2025 Arts ExplosionSponsor!
What do the arts mean to Oklahoma?
• strongereconomy
• enrichedculture
• improvedacademics
• revitalizedcommunities
• creativeworkforce
G CTAC Gallery Art
Promoting Visual Arts in Stephens County
August7–October17,2025
KICKOFF–MEMBERSHIPDRIVE
OfficialCallforArtistsinJune
July25–EntryDeadline Aug4–Dropoff Aug7–OpeningNightReception Oct17–ArtPickUp
November7–December19,2025
HolidayArtShow&Sale
OfficialCallforArtistsinSeptember Oct16–EntryDeadline Oct17–Drop-off Nov7–OpeningNightReception&Awards Dec19–ArtPickUp
January–February2026 “FiberArtShow”
DuncanArtists:GlendaCobb,VickiGildon,LindaHeilman
KathyDickerson(Nocona,TX),IrmgardGeul(PaulsValley),KathySmyers(Holliday,TX)
March2026
YouthArtMonthExhibit
OfficialCallforArtistsinJanuary
April–May2026
AlyssaBethCoxandMentors
ArlynBrantley,JackCrouch,ChristenHumphries,
June–July2026 th6 Annual“StarvingArtistSale” CTAC Members Only
Entry fee discounts for members
Opening night receptions will be posted on https://chisholmtrailarts.com/calendar/ director@chisholmtrailarts.com • 580.252.4160 • 810 W. Walnut, Duncan OK
Please contact CTAC if you would like to be added to our mailing & email list 810 W. Walnut, Duncan OK
G CTAC Gallery Art
Promoting Visual Arts in Stephens County
ART GALLERY COMMITTEE:
FrontL-R:LouBaggett,DarcyReeves,SharonBanks,SharonBurum
BackL-R:DebbieDuggar,ClayCole,BamaWhite,DonCase, EveCornejo,MarkSlagle,MarthaBurger
Opportunities to enter yourARTWORK:
The CTAC Art Gallery hosts up to six exhibits within a year Featured artists are selected throughaprocessoftheCTACArtGallerycommitteeandbookedatleastoneyearout.There are opportunities for artists of all levels of experience to submit their works for consideration,including Youth Art Month in March for children of all ages. Call for artists areposted 2-3 months in advance through Chisholm Trail Arts Council's Facebook page andwebsite.IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationabouttheCTACArtGalleryandhowtosubmit yourartwork,pleasecontactus!
Chisholm Trail Arts Council
would like to thank the following people and organizations for their efforts with CTAC LIVE.
grantors
OklahomaArts Council
National Endowment for theArts
McCasland Foundation
Oklahoma SectorARPAGrant
Major Sponsors
Arvest Bank
Bank of Commerce
DRH Health
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Sponsors in Part
Dreamteam Prosthetics
Edward Jones
First Bank & Trust
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Community Supporters and Volunteers
Cindy Parks, CTAC Live Chair
Michael Harris, posters, playbill ad layout/design
KCCU Radio
KFXI Radio
Simmons Center Foundation
CTAC Live Committee
CTAC Volunteers
Andaspecialthankyouto CTACMembers,CTACLiveplaybilladvertisers, corporateandbusinesssupporters, andfriendsofthearts.
C CHISHOLM TRAIL
Board of Directors 2025-2026
President
Matt Daniel Arvest Bank
Vice-President
Nate Schacht City of Duncan
Secretary
Susan Denard
Touchstone Counseling Center
Treasurer
Bruce Ridley First Bank and Trust
Directors
Don Case
DRH Health
Glenda Cobb
Retired Educator/Artist
Debbie Duggar
DD Visuals Photography
Mark Slagle
Artist/Retired
Cova Williams
Retired
Kristen Webb
DRH Health
VP Chief Nursing Officer
Teresa Young
Realtor/Artist
Executive Director
Darcy Reeves
Assistant Admin.
Alyssa Cox
Please contact Darcy Reeves if you would be interested in serving or volunteering on one of CTAC's committees.
Seated(L-R):BruceRidley,CovaWilliams,NateSchacht,GlendaCobb,MattDaniel
Standing(L-R):DebbieDuggar,DarcyReeves,MarkSlagle,SusanDenard,TeresaYoung Notpictured:KristenWebb,DonCase,AlyssaCox
