18 minute read
Spark Creative Lab
Sparking creativity
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ART COLLECTIVE SPARK! CREATIVE LAB EXPLORES BELONGINGNESS THROUGH A RADICALLY COLLABORATIVE NEW PERFORMANCE PIECE WITH OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY.
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By Evan Jarvicks
The artists of SPARK! Creative Lab are as diverse as Oklahoma City possibly can be, but when they come together to hold a workshop or performance, their attire is entirely uniform.
Wearing bold, red coveralls that recall traditionally blue-collar industries, they emphasize the collective’s unified voice. SPARK! celebrates the differences within its roster while reminding that deep down, everyone shares in the cosmic lifeblood that runs through the veins of humanity. Unity and diversity are not mutually exclusive concepts.
Formed in 2021, SPARK! Creative Lab is a certified non-profit founded by performing artist and live composer Nicole Poole that began engaging with the greater community through improvised pop-up performances during the pandemic. Dancers, musicians, poets, visual artists, actors, filmmakers, and more gathered in outdoor public spaces like Scissortail Park and Film Row’s Paramount exterior to create and document on-the-spot artistic compositions with the public.
The collective’s first major commissioned piece is YIELD: We Belong to the Land for Oklahoma Contemporary, a “ten-week creative investigation into concepts of place and belonging in Oklahoma City” as the organization’s website states. It is co-directed by Poole and SPARK! production coordinator Jessica Ray, the latter of whom specializes in dance, choreography, and film. Taking inspiration from sculptural installation Nature, Sweet Nature by artist Maren Hassinger, the project has been coming to life for weeks through a series of deeply experienced collaborative sessions, some of which are open to public participation.
“YIELD is a huge lesson in collaboration,” Ray said. “We are navigating multiple disciplines and bringing them together to present a work, and while that’s happening, we’ve also committed to hearing the public and listening to community ideas and responses. In that, there is so much to carry, but in that weight and responsibility, there has been so much joy in realizing that the main point to this process is process.”
The process started with an open dialogue between SPARK!, the public, and a prestigious nine-person panel of local anthropologists, historians, and conservators of richly diverse backgrounds including Dr. Elisha Oliver, Dr. Bob Blackburn, and Dr. Henrietta Mann. Considering that famous but rarely dissected line from the musical Oklahoma!, “We know we belong to the land,” the panelists discussed the complex myriad of ways that the people of Oklahoma City coexist with the land. From this raw material of cultural, historical, and environmental meditation came an innovative method of artistic processing.
“The public was asked to contribute real-time written reflections and responses to what they were hearing which ‘yielded’ about 150 index cards of material. Tony Tee & I then got together and curated these into a six-stanza collaborative poem that almost wrote itself,” Poole said, naming the Oklahoma hip-hop father figure better known as DJ Nymasis. “It is a stunning snapshot of who we are as a community and what we hold to be important right now.”
The poem, in turn, is being used to inform the forthcoming debut performance of YIELD, which will be held at Oklahoma Contemporary’s sculpture garden on May 26. Like every other aspect of this project, it will be free and open to public collaboration.
There is still time to join in the cultivation of YIELD. Following recent
The cast of YIELD. Photo Provided workshops centered around dance, music, and theater, Oklahoma Contemporary is holding two more opportunities for the public to work with SPARK!. May 8 will focus on visual artmaking through recycling, and May 14 will bring the piece’s multidisciplinary elements together in a final workshop before the debut. Spaces are limited to 12 participants ages 15 years and older, so advanced signups are strongly encouraged. It may seem intimidating to collaborate with a company of seasoned, A YIELD performance. Photo Provided accom plished artists, but SPARK! is remarkable in its no-barrier methodology. To make a meaningful contribution, participants need not be schooled in any artistic discipline. It may even be better that way. AhKamaye Perry, who creates psychospiritual hip-hop as Changing FrEQencies, creates outside the boundaries of formal music education. “The open creative playfulness drew me in,” Perry said. “Collaborating with the artists of SPARK! has been super fun and educational.” SPARK! provides a unique creative environment where her unconventional artistic process can coexist with the likes of company member J. Cruise Berry, a pianist and composer who thrives in the intricacies of music theory.
The linchpin of SPARK! is Poole’s approach to extemporaneous composition. She is one of the few people in the world who is certified in a technique called soundpainting.
“It’s a specialized sign language that allows instant communication between artists to create or sculpt material on the spot,” Poole said. “It was created by composer Walter Thompson, who I have had the extreme good fortune of working with since the mid-1990s … With over 1,500 gestures, soundpainting allows us to connect on a deeply creative level that transcends [speech].”
Though rich with potential complexities, soundpainting is so intuitive that almost anyone can readily pick up on the basics. While its namesake implies auditory art forms, the framework was designed with dancers, actors, and visual artists in mind. Poole has expanded it to include spoken word and elements of hip-hop.
While the nonprofit has made great strides to tear down cultural and economic walls in the arts, SPARK! Creative Lab never does so at the exploitation of its artists. Everyone involved earns a living wage through the work that goes into each session. In this light, the collective’s industrial red uniforms make perfect sense.
are events recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members
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HAPPENINGS
Bert Kreischer Bert Kreischer is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and host who, performs to sellout crowds across the country., Wed., May 11. The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-308-1803, bertbertbert. com/bertyboytour. WED, MAY 11
Coffee & Cars Coffee and Cars OKC is the largest monthly gathering of car enthusiasts across the state of Oklahoma! Head to Chisholm Creek on the first Saturday morning of each month to share your passion for automotives. The event will be held at the property just north of Pawnee Drive and Cabela Road. Everyone is welcome and there are no fees!, first Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Chisholm Creek, 13230 Pawnee Dr., 405-728-2780, chisholmcreek.com. SAT, MAY 7
Early Explorers Toddlers and preschoolers explore science through hands-on, come-and-go activities that can be easily replicated with everyday items found at home. Early Explorers is perfect for young scientists with short attention spans. Included in general admission - $18.95 adults/$14.95 children/seniors, Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. through July 27. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. WEDNESDAYS
Farmers Market at Scissortail Park Park guests will be able to choose from close to 60 market members each Saturday from 9am to 1pm from April through October. Customers can expect to see options
for local, pasture-raised meats, fresh produce and cultivated mushrooms, plants, eggs, raw honey, breads and baked goods, assortments of specialty prepared food and beverage producers, as well as high-quality artisans. Make this market part of your weekly routine to procure your locally-sourced grocery items., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 29. Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St., 405-445-7080, scissortailpark. org. SATURDAYS Granville Community Sale The Granville Community Music School is holding a community sale at Stockyards Central to raise money for the program. Much like a garage sale, there will be household goods, toys, furniture, sound equipment, and more available for purchase at a low price. There will also be a concession stand open daily, serving nachos, hot dogs, and fresh homemade tamales! All proceeds will benefit the Granville Community Music School, an after-school music program for kids from lowincome families. Where students can take vocal and instrumental lessons for just 50 cents per lesson. All instruments, music, and accessories are provided to students Free, Thu., May 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri., May 6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., May 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Stockyards Central, 2312 Exchange Ave, 4052979773, rodeoopry. ticketspice.com/granville-community-sale-5. THU-
SAT, May 5-7 Historically Local Speakers Series: Montford
Johnson, The Chickasaw Rancher Montford Johnson is a historical WesTen/Council Grove resident and the inspiration for the Chickasaw Nation’s feature film “Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher” available on Netflix. Johnson is also the topic of our next Historically Local Speaker series with Chickasaw Nation historian, Jeannie Barbour on Thursday, March 12, 7PM-8:30PM at Castle Falls Venue, 820 N MacArthur. Light appetizer and cash bar available., There is no charge but registration required: https://historicallylocalmontford.eventbrite.com No Charge, Thu., May 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Castle Falls Restaurant & Event Center, 820 N. MacArthur Blvd., 405.942.6133, http:castlefalls. com. THU, MAY 12
Life, Love & Lashes RuPaul’s Drag Race sensation Alyssa Edwards embarks on a cross-country US tour. Slated as a “love letter from Alyssa,” the show chronicles her yellow brick road to fame, laced with intimate anecdotes of a young boy with big dreams to the adventures of a budding superstar, and every glitterfilled moment in-between spanning across her 25-year career. The 90-min show is a comedic and campy recital - packed with audacious reveals, gag-worthy costume changes and powerhouse performances by the “Dancing Queen” and her troupe of bodacious backup dancers., Wed., May 11. Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St., 918-584-2306, dragfans.com. WED, MAY 11
LIVE! on the Plaza Join the Plaza District every second Friday for an art walk featuring artists, live music, shopping and more, 6-10 p.m. second Friday of every month. Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 405-426-7812, plazadistrict.org. FRI, MAY 13
Norman Pride Weekend 2022 Norman Pride is thrilled to present Rupaul’s Drag Race Allstar Miss Alexis Mateo as this year’s Pride Festival headliner! The festival will host nearly 100 vendors, artists, and nonprofits, foodtrucks, live entertainment, inflatables, and other family-friendly activities. Vendor hours are 12-7pm., The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with the Parade in Downtown Norman at 7pm. There will be prizes! Kids and teens ages 11-19 (LGBTQ2SIA+ and allies) are invited to participate free of charge as part of the Youth March (normanOKpride.org/youth)., Visit normanOKpride. org/get-involved! free, Sat., May 7, 12-10 p.m. and Sun., May 8, 7-9 p.m. Andrews Park, 201 W Daws St., 405349-3449, normanOKpride.org/prideweekend. SAT &
SUN, MAY 7&8
Of A Mind: Oklahoma City Guided by a live narrator and set to a score of local voices, stories, sounds, and music, the participants gather as a group for an outdoor sitespecific walking experience. Using your own mobile device and headphones, come for a one-mile journey through parts of OKC often missed in an exploration of mindfulness, urban ecology and social interactions. Of A Mind: Oklahoma City is an original commissioned project made specifically for Oklahoma City Repertory Theater. This work is a collaboration with artists from Ireland, New Orleans, New York, and Oklahoma City., Thursdays-Sundays. through May 29. Downtown OKC, 211 N. Robinson Ave., 405-235-3500, okcrep.org/of-amind-oklahoma-city. THROUGH MAY 29
OKC Brew Tours Join us every Friday evening and Saturday day on OKC Brew Tours! The ultimate craft beer experience. Take a ride in the bus as we visit three local breweries within the OKC metro area where we will try and explore multiple tasters at each stop as well as take a behind the scenes tour and learn how beer is made. Its a perfect way to get to know new people and drink OKC’s tastiest beer offerings! $69.50, Fridays, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. through Jan. 31. Core4 Brewing, 7 N. Lee Ave, 405-822-0285, okcbrewtour.com. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Ostrich Egg Breakfast Rise and shine for Oklahoma Zoological Society’s 35th annual Ostrich Egg Breakfast, Oklahoma City’s most popular breakfast event. Connect with family and friends while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet with the sights and sounds of the Zoo surrounding you. Ostrich Egg Breakfast guests can choose to attend one of two event sessions: Early Birds from 8 to 10 a.m. and the Brunch Bunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Select brunch cocktails including mimosas with cranberry, orange or pineapple juice options and Bloody Marys will be available for purchase at the brunch session. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Place, 405-4243344, okczoo.com. SAT, MAY 8
Storytime Science At Storytime Science children read a story and follow it up with a fun, hands-on scientific activity related to the book. Included in general admission to museum, Tuesdays, Saturdays,
10:30-11:30 a.m. through July 26. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS
Wildcrafting & Herb Fest A free, familyfriendly event. All ages are welcome!, Visit booths on making herbal balms, growing an herb garden, herbal teas, medicinal herbs, and making fresh herb sauces., Take a walk through our food forest, learn about seed saving, food sovereignty and indigenous foods, starting your own sweet potato slips, foraging wild foods & mushrooms., Learn how to make traditional foods like poke salad, ginger brew and spring rolls. Try out a solar oven, and cook food over a campfire., Kids activities include storytelling with Ms. DWe, leaf rubbings, chalk art, a scavenger hunt in the food forest, and planting seeds Free, Sat., May 14, 10 a.m.-noon. CommonWealth Urban Farms, 3310 N. Olie Ave., 405-795-2044, commonwealthurbanfarms.com/ commonwealthfest. SAT, MAY 14
oNE OKC: Homecoming Weekend Northeast Renaissance is proud to announce the return of Oklahoma City’s livest annual block party. Taking place May 6 - 8., Friday, May 6, 2022, The weekend kicks off Friday, May 6 at 5 p.m. with the State of Northeast & Homecoming Reception at the Market at EastPoint., Saturday, May 7, 2022, OKC’s dopest block party is returning to Booker T. Washington Park on May 7 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Sunday, May 8th 2022, Join volunteers as they work to replenish and restore our community through a special cleanup workday at the park. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Florence’s FREE. Booker T. Washington Park, NE 4th St, neokcr.org/oneokc. FRI-SUN, 6-8 Photo provided/ The House OKC
FOOD
Veggie Dinner @Picasso Cafe Join Picasso Cafe on the third Tuesday of each month for a four to five-course menu; featuring a fresh and creative take on vegetarian-inspired fare. Enjoy with or without wine pairings. Dinner begins at 6:30. Seating is limited. Reservations 405.602.2002, third Tuesday of every month. Picasso Cafe, 3009 Paseo St., 405-602-2002, picassosonpaseo.com. TUE, MAY 17
YOUTH
Family Concert Series: Dan & Claudia
Zanes The Family Series invites the McKnight Center’s youngest patrons to join in for a fun time filled with music and laughter. All ages are welcome to wiggle, dance, and sing along in the audience! Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Haitian-American jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes perform a mix of old and new songs from near and far in a style that’s been called “All-Ages Social Music.”, Sat., May 14. The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, 705 W University Ave, 4057449999. SAT, MAY 14
Second Saturday: Break & Make Breaking can be beautiful! Explore the artwork of Off the Wall artist Sarah Ahmad and her practice of breaking past installations to create new ones., CREATE sweet abstract sculptures using fun, edible materials inspired by Sarah Ahmad’s break and make method., COLLABORATE with fellow Second Saturday visitors by adding a splash of color to a giant canvas., JOIN interactive family tours of the exhibitions Off the Wall and John Newsom: Nature’s Course to learn more about the artists and artworks on view., All Second Saturday activities are FREE and open to the public. Free, Sat., May 14, 1-4 p.m. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th St., 405-951-0000, okcontemp.org/SecondSaturday. SAT, MAY 14
PERFORMING ARTS
The Amen Corner James Baldwin’s first play, about the female pastor of a Harlem church in 1954, grapples with issues of racism, poverty, and the role of the church in the lives of Black Americans. $10 - $25, Thu., May 5, 8-10:30 p.m., Fri., May 6, 8-10:30 p.m., Sat., May 7, 8-10:30 p.m., Sun., May 8, 2:30-5 p.m., Thu., May 12, 8-10:30 p.m., Fri., May 13, 8-10:30 p.m., Sat., May 14, 8-10:30 p.m. and Sun., May 15, 2:30-5 p.m. Jewel Box Theatre, 321 NW 36th St., 405-521-1786, jewelboxokc. com. VARIOUS DATES
Dope Poetry Night Dope Poetry Night at the Ice Event Center Bar and Grill is every Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 7 p.m.Only the first 25 poets., Come to experience a place where you can be you unapologetically, a place where your voice and presence matter, a place where you’re accepted and loved, where smiles, laughter, thoughts, and feelings are shared, and it’s all free. Just remember to wear a mask. Ice Event Center & Grill, 1148 NE 36th St., 405-208-4240, facebook.com/Ice-Event-CenterGrill-384104648334867. WEDNESDAYS
OKC Broadway & Disney’s The Lion
King Disney’s The Lion King makes a triumphant return to the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall with shows taking place from Wednesday, May 11 through Sunday, May 29., Tuesdays-Sundays. through May 29. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcbroadway. com/thelionking. VARIOUS DATES
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents
As You Like It Exiled from the controlling confines of the court, Duke Senior and his daughter Rosalind seek refuge — and find much more — in the unconstrained Forest of Arden. Also fleeing danger at home, Orlando encounters a young man named Ganymede and seeks help in love — unaware that Ganymede is actually his heart’s desire, Rosalind, in disguise., ThursdaysSundays. through May 14. Shakespeare on Paseo, 2920 Paseo St., 405-235-3700, oklahomashakespeare.org.
VARIOUS DATES
ACTIVE
Free Yoga in the Park an all-levels class on the Devon Lawn; bring your own water and yoga mat, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Saturdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS
VISUAL ARTS
‘Domestic Inquiries’ photography exhibit Oklahoma City University’s Norick Art Center hosts “Domestic Inquiries” featuring the photography of Sam Charboneau Feb. 23 through Aug. 12, with an artist talk at 6 p.m. March 24. Charboneau pulls inspiration from stop-motion animators, building puppets and sets to bring her serious yet lighthearted dreams into reality. As a self-taught artist, she uses the traditional methods of trial and error, evolving her sets along the way.
05/06 - THE BAND OF HEATHENS 05/07 - DANNY BROWN 05/11 - PI’ERRE BOURNE 05/13 - TOKIMONSTA 05/14 - THE ANTLERS 05/15 - DESTROYER 05/18 - CHAYCE BECKHAM 05/19 - ADRIEL FAVELA 05/20 - BIG FREEDIA 05/21 - MIDLAKE 05/22 - BOMBINO 06/04 - PAUL CAUTHEN 06/17 - THUNDER JACKSON 05/18 - JACKOPIERCE 06/19 - JOSHUA RAY WALKER & SARAH SHOOK 06/22 - KISHI BASHI 06/23 - THE NUDE PARTY 06/26 - CANNONS 07/22 - POOLSIDE 08/27 - WILDERADO 09/26 - AMIGO THE DEVIL 09/30 - SATSANG 10/10- KEVIN MORBY
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05/04 - FREDDIE GIBBS 05/05 - PATTY GRIFFIN
W/ JOHN FULLBRIGHT 05/06 - THE TAYLOR PARTY:
TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT 05/07 - CAR SEAT HEADREST 05/13 - FEELIN’ MYSELF:CLUB NIGHT ¨ 05/14 - CRUELIGANS 05/21 - OMAR APOLLO 05/24 - CARLA MORRISON 05/25 - TODD SNIDER 05/26 - MEWITHOUTYOU 05/27 - THE HU 06/01 - THIEVERY CORPORATION 06/03 - MY SO CALLED BAND 06/04 - RAY WYLIE HUBBARD 06/07 - SNARKY PUPPY 06/10 - ANDY GRAMMER 06/11 - WEIRDLESQUE 06/13 - EARTHGANG 06/18 - BRONCHO 06/24 - SOFT HANDS 06/25 - BRICKS IN THE WALL 07/02 - FRANK TURNER 07/14 - DAVE MASON 07/22 - EMO NITE LA 07/29 - FAYE WEBSTER 08/01 - STRFKR 08/02 - BOWLING FOR SOUP & LESS THAN JAKE 08/04 - JOSH A 08/23 - PJ MORTON 09/04 - SASHA ALEX SLOAN 09/10 - PUP 09/15 - MADDIE & TAE 09/30 - KILLER QUEEN 10/01 - SAMANTHA CRAIN 10/05 - DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS 10/07 - STEVE VAI 11/16 - BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY 11/18 - SMALL TOWN MURDER
05/06 - KELSY KARTER 05/07 - JOHN R. MILLER & VINCENT NEIL EMERSON
05/08 - GARZA: FEATURING ROB GARZA OF THIEVERY CORPORATION 05/12 - WHITE ROSE KARAOKE CLUB 9PM
05/13 - ERIC HARRIS HAPPY HOUR SET 5:30-7PM 05/13 - THE PALMS 05/14 - LUNAR DIVISION ALBUM RELEASE SHOW 05/15 - WILL HOGE 05/18 - RED DIRT POETRY OPEN MIC 8PM
05/20 - VINTAGE VINYL HAPPY HOUR SET 5:30-7PM 05/20 - COLOURMUSIC 05/24 - PB&JAZZ 8PM 05/26 - WHITE ROSE KARAOKE CLUB 9PM
05/27 - HARPY HOUR W/ OKLAHANNAH 5:30-7PM 05/27 - HELEN KELTER SKELTER W/ LABRYS 05/28 - DUST BOWL DOLLS BURLESQUE 8PM 06/03 - RACHEL AMMONS 06/04 - NIA MONE ´ 06/09 - THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS
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