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We felt a festival of this nature would give the community a chance to see what talent our state possesses.” —Holle Hooks
(left) Drumming performance at the Black Arts Festival. (right) The Founders of the Festival: Shealita Alford, Dacia Hooks, Brian Baker, Holle Hooks and Akilah Burleigh
Oklahoma’s First African American Arts Festival by Nathan Lee It is always wonderful when the creative people of our state dedicate themselves to making something special. Without them many of the festivals and art galleries that we enjoy today would not exist. These people show not only a creative slant, but also a dedication that is needed to help our state expand culturally and artistically. For years Oklahoma has enjoyed such events as the Downtown Arts Festival and the Paseo Arts Festival and now we can add the Black Arts Festival of Oklahoma to the list. The festival made its first run this past September at Edwards Park on the northeast side of Oklahoma City. The people who organize these events are a rare breed and their commitment should be noted.
Dec. 7 - Jan. 26
One such person who has taken a chance is Holle Hooks, the founder of Oklahoma’s first Black Arts festival. Hooks has a background in the performing arts working with Clear As Dance School which was founded in 2002. Holle Hook’s love of all artistic expression led her to start the festival. Although Hooks wants the festival to emphasize the arts, she also says there is another purpose for the Black Arts Festival’s creation.
“We wanted an event with an emphasis on the arts but we also had the underlying purpose of bringing attention and education to the underserved African American community.” Hooks explains. “Oklahoma has a wealth of African American talent. We felt a festival of this The University of Tulsa nature would give School of Art Presents the community a chance to see what talent our state possesses.”
Jenny Schmid, Printmaker
The Seven Sisters of Sleep Opening Reception - December 7, 5-7 pm Alexandre Hogue Gallery
Feb. 1 - Mar. 2 J. Donald Feagin Guest Artist
Virginia Scotchie, Ceramic Artist All Things Considered Opening Reception - February 1, 5-7 pm Alexandre Hogue Gallery Slide Lecture - February 1, 4 pm Phillips Hall 211
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Being a first time event in the African American community, Holle Hooks is aware of the cultural effect the festival stands to have. Hooks is not only creative and artistic in her own right, she also has an understanding of the artistic history that African Americans and their African Ancestors have. “Our African Ancestors used song, music and dance to tell stories and record history. During slavery
storytelling became a means to remember the past and a way to learn and teach lessons of the past. Song not only told stories but often held messages passed from slave to slave. Post slavery and towards the Harlem Renaissance, the arts boomed and all genres of art became an expression of who we are as a people, where we’ve been and where we are going. The arts tell our story.” Why has it taken so long for there to be a festival of this nature? According to Hooks, it is not because of a lack of interest. She believes the huge time commitment in addition to the financial challenges, are two reasons that contribute to the delays of big events even if the event is for a single day. She also understands that there was the added task of finding the artists to participate. Many African American artists are out of the loop and scattered across the state. Getting the word out to these artists was no doubt a challenge unto itself. Hooks has ambitious visions for next year’s festival. As it stands, the event is only for one day. She would like to see it spread out to a weekend long event. Hooks also wants to bring in more artists and vendors from the state and from all over the country as well. She says she would love to see African American artists in the state of Oklahoma become recognized for their work and for them to become not only household names in the African American community, but in the mainstream art community as well. Holle Hooks also encourages Black artists to remain vigilant and focused. “Definitely follow your passion,” she says. “As any artist knows it doesn’t happen overnight, nor are riches promised to you. But your work is what’s most important. Be true to your work and your passion and most importantly let the world see who you are.” For more information, contact Holle Hooks at 405408-0090 or 405-410-6842. ■