March 2023

FA M O U S

U LT I M AT E

FA R M I N G

C O M FO RT

FA M I LY

PIES

HOMESTEADING Life on the Land

How does O3 work in the human body?

Ozone represents the continued adoption of agitating therapies to improve cellular function. Injury leads to healing. The newer concept of sparking intracellular responses by stimulating a pseudo injury to cells is the mechanism of action O3.

Rather than damaging cells, ozone when applied correctly elicits restorative responses on a molecular level within the body. This directly leads to regenerating anti-oxidant species to balance oxidative metabolism, alters inflammatory mediator cascades, and revitalizes mitochondrial function which in turn improves cellular function that is the basis for better tissue and organ performance. O3 also retrains cells to utilize oxygen more successfully and has a role as a potential anti-infective.

The summary from a clinical perspective is that Ozone Therapy gives the opportunity to correct or regenerate metabolic processes which have become imbalanced physiologically. This therapeutic option can be used to potentially address difficult-to-resolve medical conditions.

Ozone Therapy Benefits Can Include: reducing fatigue and inflammation and improving circulation and cellular efficiency.

Other restorative therapies include IV vitamins, NAD+, Procaine, Prolozone, and Albumin.

Gynecologist Dr. Noel R. Williams, M.D.

with Optimal Health Associates

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F E AT U R ES

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Developing a Dream

Three families in the 405 have developed land large enough to fill their dreams, from small farms to free-range play to family connection.

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MARCH 2023

VOLU ME NINE ISSU E T HRE E

D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLU ME NINE I S S U E T HRE E

Dining 54 GOOD TASTE Railyard Pie Companyʼs on track to be a comfort staple 56

THE DISH Flaky and tasty croissants from local bakers

58 THE DRINK Shochu's surging — these cocktails let it shine 60 LOCAL FLAVOR Take a food cruise down North May

Culture 64 ARTS Inclusive performing arts for the whole public 66 IN CONVO WITH Jaiye Farrell designs patterns for paintings, pants and people 70

SPORTS These local colleges might burst through their basketball brackets

74

TRAVEL Luck abounds at these charming St. Patrickʼs celebrations

76

LOOKING BACK This developer laid much of OKCʼs lasting landscape

78

ONE MORE THING A new startup lets you simply pick up your produce

12

FROM THE EDITOR

80

WHAT’S ONLINE

Trending 16

STYLE Bloom with floral blouses and lighter colors

18

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

22

PERSON OF INTEREST Gatlin Didier fools around on the family farm for TikTok

26 HEALTH Plant some natural nourishment in your garden

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MARCH 2023

ON THE COVER Mitchell and Keeley White with their dogs, Quinn and Harvey, at The Baumberhof in Edmond, OK. Photograph by Emily Nicole.

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MARCH 2023

A World-Class Destination Awaits

Douglas Merriam

SANTA FE

The rooftop pool at Eldorado Hotel & Spa

TAOS

El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa | Palacio de Marquesa

SANTA FE

Eldorado Hotel & Spa | Inn and Spa at Loretto Hotel St. Francis | Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe

ALBUQUERQUE

Hotel Chaco | Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town The Clyde Hotel

877.901.7666 | HHandR.com

LAS CRUCES

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

MARCH 2023

VOLUME 9 � NUMBER 3

OWNER | PUBLISHER

SENIOR WRITER

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Jordan Regas

Greg Horton

Meagan Matthews

jordan.regas@405magazine.com

greg.horton@405magazine.com

meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

SENIOR WRITER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kaley Regas

Evie Klopp Holzer

Lillian Meador

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

evie.holzer@405magazine.com

ads@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

C L I E N T C O O R D I N ATO R

Jake Durham, Addam M. Francisco, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Helen Jacob, Matt Kirouac, Lisa Lloyd, Linda Miller

Leesa Neidel

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com ART DIRECTOR

Cadence Ramos

leesa@hilltopmediagroup.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kendall Morgan kendall.morgan@405magazine.com D I G I TA L M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Raylee Lewis raylee.lewis@405magazine.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Lisa Munson

cadence.ramos@405magazine.com CONTRIBUTING MANAGING EDITOR

Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lexi Hoebing, Kimberly Martin, Charlie Neuenschwander, Emily Nicole, Eriech Tapia, Shevaun Williams

READER SERVICES

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Volume 9 / Number 3, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1613 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

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MARCH 2023

405 Magazine Volume 9, Number 3, March 2023. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2023 Hilltop Media Group. 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. singlecopy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

“The greatest beauty lies in the greatest clarity.” Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

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F R O M

T H E

ED I TO R

The Homestead Is Where the Heart Is R E C E N T LY, I ʼ V E BE E N E N JOY I NG A N E W P O S T-A P O C Alyptic TV show. You know the one—it feels as though everyone has been talking about it. In the first few episodes, we meet a character who, when the rest of the world fell apart, built for himself a scenic safe haven.

I never once considered the prospect of owning a large amount of land to be appealing, until we lived through what felt like it might be the beginning of the actual apocalypse. All of a sudden, the idea of owning a property far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and being able to sustain our family made a lot of sense.

In the craziness that has become our modern lives, many of us find ourselves longing for something else — peace, calmness, connection to nature, an existence a little more unplugged. Perhaps getting back to our roots and enjoying the things our ancestors did, such as a wide view of the sunrise, extended family time and gathering our food from the crops we sowed ourselves.

For our cover feature this month, we explore homesteading. The lifestyle of self-sufficiency is not a new concept by any means, but one that is having a resurgence as a new Oklahoma dream. Evie Klopp Holzer interviewed the creators of three local homesteads and discussed the extensive process of turning their visions into idyllic realities (pg.0). It might plant the seeds of new ambition in your mind. Just be prepared — the journey isn’t for the faint of heart. It can take decades to flesh out a fully functioning homestead. Luckily, the industrious people of OKC have never been afraid of hard work.

When we began brainstorming covering this topic last September, we immediately knew we wanted to do the photoshoot at Edmond’s breathtaking farmturned-wedding venue, The Baumberhof. With its unique architecture and jaw-dropping landscaping, it is one of one. Since we wanted to photograph its signature ivy walls before they changed colors for the fall, we had to pull the shoot together in just a few days. Wonderfully, all the moving parts fell into place to form one of my favorite spreads we have ever done.

Also in this issue, you will meet a local farming family who have turned their comedy videos into a massive platform (pg. 22), learn a bit about growing your own fresh foods (pg. 26) and feast your eyes on some scrumptious pies (pg. 5) and pastries (pg 56).

We are also excited to introduce you to an artist with wild multimedia installations (pg. 66), preview several driveable St. Patrick’s Day festivals (p. 7), and profile a new grocery store concept that merges technology with produce shopping, and just opened in Edmond (pg. 7).

I am very pleased to welcome you all to the always eventful and (almost) always lovely springtime in the 05.

Sincerely,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

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MARCH 2023

BEHIND THE SCENES

BRETT HEIDEBRECHT PHOTOGRAPHY

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CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

There's plenty of acreage for TikTok antics on the Didier ranch. p. 22

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S T Y L E

T R E N D I N G

The Perfect Palette

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Lighten up your colors in hope of a coming spring

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

M A RC H H AS SPRU NG , SO I T ʼS T I M E to dust off those pastels and fi nd those longawaited florals you have been missing. A soft color palette is the perfect way to ease into the new season while staying comfortable in the ever-changing Oklahoma weather. Perhaps you’ll discover a linen ensemble or play with a flowing floral top. A statement shoe can be the perfect pop to take your outfit from casual to chic, and a woven accent shows the anticipation for the warmer months to come — sooner or later.

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MARCH 2023

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T R E N D I N G

Yousef Kazemi, Outreach + Production Manager, Oklahoma Film & Music Office; Lindsay Martin, Incentive + Administrative Coordinator, Oklahoma Film & Music Office; Sara Thompson, Director of Programming, deadCenter Film Festival; Jeanette Stanton, Director, Oklahoma Film & Music Office; Jennifer Springer, Director of Business Development, Oklahoma Commerce; Cacky Poarch, Executive Director, deadCenter Film; Kati Thomason, Music Business Development Coordinator, Oklahoma Film & Music Office

GlitterBall NOIR by deadCenter Film P H O T O S BY D E N N I S S P I E L M A N A N D G A B R I E L B U N T I N G

Considered one of the most glamorous and sparkly celebrations of the year, GlitterBall returned in a big way. The party was held at the historic Tower Theatre with the theme of NOIR. Honorary Chairs Lance McDaniel and Karen Delaney treated guests to a night of live music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dancing and cinematic-themed surprises. Proceeds supported deadCenter Film Festival.

August Frank, Stuart Hunt, Seth Lewis, Amy Oare

The Twiggs performing

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MARCH 2023

Ubutmalei Yangilmau, Kindt Steven Myers, deadCenter Festival ICON Lance McDaniel, Previous deadCenter Exe Director & GlitterBall NOIR Honorary Co-Chair Karen Delaney, Previous deadCenter Board Chairman & GlitterB Honorary Co-Chair Scott Bartel, Amy Young (front)

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Zulu Washington, Nikenya Hall, Krystal Yoseph, deadCenter Director of PR & Marketing, Chaya Fletche

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T R E N D I N G

Jared Sitton, Gatlin Didier, Kay Didier

It’s All in the Family Farm Gatlin Didier, Darrell Bibbins and comedy fame

BY J U L I E PA R T I N | P H O T O S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

T H E R E WA S A T I M E W H E N R A NC H L I F E didn’t lead to fame. Thanks to the internet and social media, even farmers can now have a platform of millions.

Like so many, when COVID shut the world down, Gatlin Didier saw his dreams imploding. He had moved out to Los Angeles to be an actor, but the work dried up, so he left the land of swimming pools and movie stars and returned to help out on his family’s 120-year-old ranch in Fay, Oklahoma. But creators are going to create, no matter the circumstances.

Didier began making humorous videos of life on the farm — at first putting them on YouTube, then expanding into TikTok. The first videos were “Farm Talk with Darrell,” humorous skits where he explained things 22

MARCH 2023

around the farm in the character of Darrell Bibbins.

Then he brought his cousin and grandmother in on the action. The additional characters were developed and added in gradually, and that’s when the big numbers started hitting.

“Darrell Bibbins skits took off, and eventually a whole world was created; The Bibbins Farm Universe,” he laughed, “like the Marvel Universe.”

Jarrett Sitton, Didier’s cousin, drives a UPS truck at his day job and plays Gate Bart in the series. "Tips with Granny,” a simple series where Granny (Kay Didier) is asked a question and gives life advice, regularly garners millions of views. When asked how she felt about all those people following her and enjoying her advice, she said,

“We're trying to highlight the farming aspect of it and make farm boys cool.”

O F

I N T E R E S T

Paris Bennett in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, TUTS Houston. Photo by Melissa Taylor.

P E R S O N

“It’s pretty fun.” Fun fact: Snoop Dogg follows Granny on Instagram (and he only follows about 6,000 people).

The trio is honored to give a glimpse into their rural world. “There are cowboys on social media that are popular, but we’re not cowboys,” Didier said. “We grew up with cattle; we’re farm boys. We’re trying to highlight the farming aspect of it and make farm boys cool. There are cowboys and rednecks and farm boys — there’s a lot of different categories in this country Western subset of the internet.”

The videos now have sponsorships with large brands including Dot’s, Casey’s, NASCAR and the Oklahoma Beef Council. With 1.7 million followers on TikTok, 215,000 followers on Instagram and 109,000 subscribers on YouTube, it makes you wonder if we will one day see the fictional Bibbins family on the big screen. In the meantime, the real-life Oklahoma family is enjoying this season. Didier concludes, “Bibbins Farm may not always be what we do, but we always want to promote this way of life. We have so much fun getting to do it together.”

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MARCH 2023

ENID OFFICE: 102 S. VAN BUREN ST. SUITE #2 ENID, OK 73703 580-242-7030

INTRODUCING

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BLOOMS O N E N I G H T O N LY: A P R I L 1 4 , 7– 1 0 P M Join us for a special evening at OKCMOA featuring floral-inspired cocktails, light bites, a DJ, and skyline views on our Roof Terrace, and interactive performers in our galleries.

Come celebrate all night, then return April 15–16 for Art In Bloom, presented by Joan Payne, featuring locally-designed floral interpretations of art from our permanent collection.

Bubbles & Blooms is limited to adults 21 and over. Tickets will go fast — scan the QR code to buy yours now.

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Healthy Horticulture How to grow a green thumb and cultivate fresh food

BY H E L E N J A CO B

H E A LT H

are all ideal candidates for Oklahoma gardening. If you’ve never planted anything in your life, mint is the easiest herb to grow. It only requires regular watering and can adapt to most soil. Mint also tends to take over a garden, so you may want to use a container.

Leafy greens No more half-wilted boxes of spring mix in the back of your fridge. Keep salads fresh with leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard.

These nutrient-dense plants can also be grown indoors in containers.

It’s best to plant them in early-to-mid February to mid-March.

Greens grow best in moderately deep, friable (easily crumbled), highly fertile soils.

T H E W E AT H E R I S WA R M I N G U P, A N D G A R DE N I N G season is about to begin. Growing your own produce comes with the benefits of lowering your grocery bill and avoiding unwanted preservatives, not to mention providing fresh ingredients and the pride of growing your own food. If you’re a seasoned gardener, you may already have a game plan. If you’re a novice (or just trying to work around inflation), it can seem intimidating, but like with anything new, you won’t know until you try. So whether it’s for your apartment balcony or your Gaillardia-sized yard, here are a few easy-to-grow plants with major health benefits.

Garlic Although it doesn’t do anything for your breath, garlic may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and support your immune function, as well as reduce inflammation and blood clots. It also has strong antioxidant properties, and it makes everything taste good. Around mid-September, take your cloves apart and plant the toes about  inches deep. Or if you have a soil thermometer, plant it when the soil temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Herbs Flavorwise, fresh herbs are undoubtedly superior to the dried variety.

You can use them to transform the simplest dishes: saute some sage with your butter pasta or pop a few basil leaves in your otherwise uneventful sandwich. Incredibly easy to grow, herbs don’t take up much space either. Most herbs need a sunny location (with at least five hours of sun a day) and well-drained soil. They also do well in containers, making them ideal for apartments. Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage

Summer squash Yellow varieties of squash, also known as summer squash, provide numerous health benefits. The vegetable is high in vitamins A, B6 and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. This power-packed plant should be seeded in April about  feet apart and / to 1 inch in depth. Ensure the soil is rich and has plenty of nutrient content, and keep it well-watered. You’ll get your harvest in about 60 days.

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405 HOME READ THE LATEST ISSUE AT 405MAGAZINE.COM

In Full Bloom

BRANDON SMITH

The just-released spring issue of 405HOME flourishes with fresh and earthy content. In addition to delighting you with two welldesigned homes, this issue includes an al fresco table (and those who set it so beautifully), a floral designer pursuing her passion, a ceramics artist getting his hands extra dirty, a garden tour tradition, several locally sourced ginger jars and an appreciation for growing tulips. Spring is here! Join us at 405HOME as we bask in the season.

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Homesteaders pave the way to live their best lives in the 405 words Evie Klopp Holzer photography Emily Nicole location The Baumberhof models Mitchell & Keeley White and their dogs Quinn & Harvey apparel Sara McDonald & Lindsey Lawrence with Pivotal Style wardrobe Edit & Co

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MARCH 2023

THE GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY area has a way of attracting dreams. Untouched acres provide a blank slate and prime real estate for those looking to establish their own corners of the world.

The vast plains, unshaped by mountains or oceans, not only allow it — they encourage it.

Farm-to-table living, fresh-air adventures and strong-knit families inspire many to buy and build here. We recently met up with a few local “homesteaders” — or people who develop large family properties with great purpose — to discuss how they made their wildest dreams come true.

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Signature ivy at The Baumberhof

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Land of

E NC H AN TM E N T I

f you ever attend an event at the Baumberhof, you’ll find the rolling hills, tree-lined valleys and impressive German architecture make you feel like you’re in a faraway land — not Edmond. The picturesque setting is the result of one family’s inspired design and careful planning.

Owners Michael and Sharon Hahn purchased the property as a private getaway where their large family could make memories together, as well as an agricultural investment where they could have bees, start a farm and grow their own food.

Today, however, the land provides so much more. It’s a multigenerational family work-

place, where grandparents work alongside their children and grandchildren to maintain the property and manage about 50 weddings a year.

Driving the gravel roads that twist and turn throughout the family’s 450 acres, Sharon Hahn points out the most popular event sites. There’s a valley of trees whose canopy protects visitors from the harsh sun and wind. There’s a wine cellar with ample seating for food and drink. (This is where the Hahns host friends for their annual Oktoberfest.) There’s an open-air courtyard with cozy seating around a fireplace, just off the banquet room where vines grow indoors and climb the walls. (Look closely at the

long glass-covered aisle in the middle of this room, and you may notice a hint of water underneath. That’s the family’s lap pool.)

And then there is the iconic barn — perhaps the property’s crowning jewel — based on a 400-year-old structure the Hahns discovered in the Black Forest of Bavaria, Germany.

“Our builder flew out to Germany. He drew it, and then he recreated it here,” said Sharon Hahn, noting that Michael’s heritage traces back to Heidelberg, Germany.

His frequent travels to the country inspired the Baumberhof's enchanting architecture.

Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings have been held on the property since the Hahns began developing it about 20

The Baumberhof raised garden beds

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" To u s , it was just our fa r m . . ."

years ago. Knowing they also wanted to “work the land,” they added a tree farm, orchard and gardens. They never dreamed of having weddings here until their daughter requested it for her own nuptials in 2016.

“Our oldest daughter wanted to get married at the farm, which really surprised us. To us, it was just our farm, but we spruced it up and made it extra special for her wedding,” Hahn recalled.

“She had the most beautiful bohemian wedding ever. Everybody was sitting on hay bales; she was barefoot with wildflowers. She posted some pictures, and it just blew up. So many people started asking about the location, and we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, what the heck is going on?’”

With encouragement from their daughter’s wedding planner, the Hahns decided to open up their private property as an event venue. They added buildings and created serene outdoor spaces to accommodate this new direction, while also putting the appropriate legal paperwork in place.

The Hahns still enjoy hosting friends and family throughout the year and growing their own food on the farm. In addition, plans are well underway for them to retire here someday. But, in the meantime, during the wedding season, the family allows visitors to make the Baumberhof a special place of their own — if only for one night.

The Baumberhof aviary

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A DV ENTiUs CRaEl l i n g T

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his month Lindsey and Jared Snider made the leap: They put their suburban neighborhood home in Edmond on the market and moved with their two kids into a new home on 10 acres in Luther.

Since 2018, they’ve been scheming and dreaming about how they would live on this property, envisioning how their family would make memories well beyond the walls of their new 4,600-square-foot home. They added a pond to accommodate fishing and kayaking adventures, and serve as a water source for planting vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

They hope to live off the land as much as possible while also giving their children plenty of room to explore and play.

“For our family, especially after COVID, we see the need for space for rest and restoration,” said Lindsey Snider. “We are big outdoors people. We

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"Set aside and listen to the creation a r o u n d u s ."

believe that a big part of finding that rest and peace for your soul is found in nature — when you are able to walk away from the hustle and bustle of life and just breathe in God's creation.”

The Sniders hope to add more residences to their property in the near future.

For example, plans are underway to build a second home for grandparents, who currently reside in Colorado, to join them.

“It's important to have grandparents near us and for our kids,” said Snider, adding that their children are encouraged to run free throughout the property. “We wanted to give our children the land to be able to just run out the front door and not be worried about, you know, watching out for cars in the neighborhood or being concerned about individuals that we don’t know.”

As the family has been developing the area, preparing for move-in day, the chil-

36

MARCH 2023

dren have already gotten a good taste of what living on 10 acres will entail.

“Every time we go out to the property and check on it, I may not see them for 15 or 20 minutes because they're off adventuring,” Snider said. “My little Tom Sawyers, they're creating that space in their own little world … climbing trees. With Oklahoma, we have plenty of red dirt, and we have plenty of red clay. So, you can find them creating little pinch pots out of the dirt and water in the mud.”

Wide open spaces have been calling to the Snider family, and they anticipate good things to come from their move to the countryside.

“There's plenty of opportunities waiting right outside your door, if you're willing to just take a moment and breathe,” she said.

“Set aside your phones and listen to the creation around us. It's pretty cool.”

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smattering of Segways, parked just off the porch, signals dinnertime at Abuela’s. DeBray and Shawna Ayala smile at the scene, knowing their children would rather be dining with their extended family than with anyone else.

At first glance, the Ayala family’s property in Edmond looks like a gated neighborhood, with its “Carlito's Way” signage and enticing landscaping at the entrance, but it’s not. It’s a private cul-de-sac lined by three family homes, where residents enjoy living within a tight-knit community only they could create.

The varied terrain and ideal location — just a five-minute drive from the kids’ school — enticed the Ayalas to purchase the property in 2016. Since the family was “always together anyway,” said DeBray Ayala, sharing land and building houses next to each other came naturally. His brother lives in one house with his wife and two children, while his mother lives in another. Another sibling is also making plans to build here.

“It's very, very simple. You've got your family next to you if — for whatever reason — they need you or you need them. And it all just goes back to how we enjoy each other's company,” he said. “I love seeing my niece and nephew out here playing on the field, or my brother out in his driveway, or my mom standing on her porch waving at us as we leave or come into the property.”

The Ayalas laugh about the early days, when they began to trim trees, clean out brush and make way for development.

“When we bought the land six years ago, we also bought a tractor because, you know, it needed to be maintained. When I would tell people that, they'd laugh because the thought of me on a tractor was pretty comical,” Ayala said. “What we have come to find out is that really, every day, you could do something different if you choose. There's a lot of work.”

Today the 18-acre property includes several places to play with family and friends. There is a basketball

gym, turf field, batting cage, entertainment room and dance studio along with two pools located behind the two brothers’ homes. Activity abounds, and it isn’t uncommon to spot a soccer practice, basketball tournament or poolside party happening here on any given day.

In developing the homesites, the grandparents’ place was first to reach completion. They moved in and, soon after, watched as Shawna and DeBray Ayala’s house started to go up just behind them. However, unfortunately, DeBray’s father Carlos passed away less than a year after he moved in. His deep love for family and endearing mannerisms had earned him the nickname “Carlito's Way.” It seemed fitting to name the family property after him, commemorating the place where the Ayalas remain close in proximity and heart.

"And it all just goes back to how we enjoy each other's c o m p a n y ."

405MAGAZINE.COM

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METHODOLOGY & DISCLAIMERS Summary. To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate a multifaceted research campaign. Datajoe conducted a massive research effort comprising a.) firm roster requests, b.) an online survey delivered directly to real estate professionals and consumers, and c.) A Media Analysis campaign.

DataJoe starts with information obtained from primary government sources, and then expands on this information using firm rosters, survey submissions, and data collected from the Media Analysis campaign. In the firm roster request campaign, DataJoe reached out to a high percentage of the firms in the region, requesting rosters and sales performance information from our firm contacts. In the professional survey, real estate professionals were asked to nominate their peers who excel. We also invited readers to nominate realtors who exemplified excellent service.

In the Media Analysis campaign, DataJoe conducted Internet research to isolate criteria associated with top performing agents. This algorithm factors in individual agent listings and sales as available to the public, awards, and other criteria to establish indicators of high performance.

DataJoe then factored in the above components to create an aggregate score, with confirmed sales performance as the most weighted metric. Winning realtors were those with the highest composite scores.

DataJoe acknowledges that not every top performer in the region made the list.

However, our research yielded a high volume of data that enabled us to pinpoint a large number of top performers.

DataJoe checked for license and disciplinary action as available to the public. If we found any disciplinary action against an agent by the state regulatory board, that agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on our research campaign and the opinions of responding professionals in the region. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective real estate agents may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at nominations@datajoe.com.

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T O P R E A L E S TAT E P R O D U C E R S

Peggy Absher Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Melissa Barnett Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Misti Aduddell McGraw Realtors Edmond

Carol Bass Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty Shawnee

Paul L. Brooks RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Eric Beard Loxwood Real Estate Oklahoma City

Kermit Brown Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Nichols Hills

David Belyeu RE/MAX Kinect Realty Shawnee

Leah Brown McGraw Realtors Yukon

Denita Bennett Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kermit Brown Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Craig Ahrens Dean Lemons & Associates Oklahoma City Reagan Akin Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Travis Alexander Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Benchmark Realty Shawnee Rob Allen Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Shana Allen Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Jarod Armstrong Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Beth Atkinson Metro Group Brokers LLC Midwest City Rebecca Avey Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Kittie Blasingame 405 Real Estate Solutions Oklahoma City Brett Boone The Brokerage Real Estate Edmond Rachel Boone Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Bradley Boone Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Kara Bowes 405.361.4079 KBBREALESTATE.COM KBB Real Estate Oklahoma City

Kate Brennan Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Shari Brunt Epic Real Estate Chickasha Arlicia Bryles Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City Nikki Buckelew Buckelew Realty Group Oklahoma City Seth Bullard Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Charli Bullard Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Alexis Hefner Burckart Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Patricia Ayling Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Jo Burleson Loxwood Real Estate Oklahoma City

Robert Baker RE/MAX At Home Edmond Allison Bales Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City

Theresa Canup RE/MAX Cobblestone Midwest City Jarrett Carter ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Grady Carter Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman Sarah Casey Coldwell Banker Mike Jones Company Oklahoma City Sharon Castles Castles & Homes Real Estate Edmond Kandi Challis Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City Joseph Chambers Stiles Realty Group Norman Katie Chapman Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Aquilino Chaves Ariston Realty LLC Oklahoma City Wendy W. Chong RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Ryan Chyzy ClearPoint Realty Edmond Susan Citty RE/MAX First Oklahoma City Ally Clark ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Tyler Burns Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Cindy Clemishire RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Lesley Ballinger Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kim Branch Exit Realty Premier Oklahoma City

Bryce Butler Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Stephanie Clinkenbeard-Clowdus Century 21 First Choice Realty Moore

Diedra Barber RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Briana Bratton Lime Realty Warr Acres

Richelle Byrne RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Amber Coble Real Broker LLC Choctaw

Joy Baresel Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Natalie D. Bratton RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Sarah Bytyqi Verbode Oklahoma City

Wrenda Cockrell Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

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Norma Cokeley RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Amber Cook Platinum Re Co Newcastle Christian Council Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Vada Dwaileebe Exit Realty Premier Oklahoma City Brian Eddins 405.887.7000 DILLARDCIES.COM Don Cies Real Estate Inc Norman

TJ Courtney Flotilla Real Estate Partners Oklahoma City Aimee Crossland Crossland Real Estate Oklahoma City

Joe Forrest RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Amy Groves Century 21 Goodyear Green Midwest City

Kathleen Forrest Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Edmond

Mandy Gulley Century 21 Goodyear Green Harrah

Bonnie Fortune RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Logan Hagan Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City

Terry Fox Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Joanna Haley Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Ryan Francis Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Shelby Cummings Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kadee French Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Tom Hall Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Ginger Halsrud Coldwell Banker Select Mustang

Alice R. Dahlgren RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Bailee Edwards Bailee Company Real Estate Oklahoma City

Christie Davis Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Dawna Elmore Gateway Realty Guthrie

Karrie Davis Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Benchmark Realty Shawnee

Andra Erbar Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Kyle Davis Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Shavonne Evans Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Jenna Harper Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Heather R. Davis RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Teresa Favors Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Terry Harris Loxwood Real Estate Oklahoma City

Leisa Davis Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Dylan Ferrell Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Brandon Hart eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Mac Deal Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Jennifer Fields RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Brandi Glover Oklahoma Elite Realty Select Norman

Danny Dekinder Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Amy Forbes Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Stormi Goodspeed Aria Real Estate Group LLC Edmond

Iman Hefner-Dangora Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Diane Denison 1st United Realtors Oklahoma Inc Mustang

Wendy Foreman eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Keri Gray KG Realty Yukon

Dora Hernandez-Maness Flotilla Real Estate Partners Oklahoma City

Thad Dobson Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Keesty P. Forney Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Norman

Chelle Greene RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Maci Hickman Block One Real Estate Edmond

David Dobson RE/MAX At Home Oklahoma City

Regan Marie Forrest RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Michael J. Gregg RE/MAX Realty Plus Chandler

Niki Higgins Lifestyle Realty Oklahoma City

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Jilian Gardner ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Chris George 405.627.0801 CHRISGEORGEHOMES.COM Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Oklahoma City

Connie C. Hamilton RE/MAX First Oklahoma City Jessica Hamilton Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City Linda C. Haneborg RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Rachel Hartless Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

T O P R E A L E S TAT E P R O D U C E R S

Nick Hilton RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Mariah Kalhor Kalhor Group Realty Norman

Laura Lechtenberg RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Kerri Mathew Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Otis Himes Whittington Realty Oklahoma City

Joey Keck Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Anthony Lee eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Emily Mathews ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Sarah Hites Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Edmond

Joanne Keeter Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Alaina Legendre Dillard Group Real Estate Norman

Angela Matlock Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Oklahoma City

Julie Hoff Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Brenda Kennedy Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Shawnee

Tara Levinson Levinson Real Estate Oklahoma City

Keith May Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Matthew Hogan Aria Real Estate Group LLC Norman

Wally Kerr Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Edmond

Melissa Hooper Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Nikii Hubbs Prestige Real Estate Services Midwest City Ryan Hukill ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Jennifer Ingle Chamberlain Realty LLC Oklahoma City Becky Ivins Movers Real Estate Company Oklahoma City Erika Jackson Flotilla Real Estate Partners Oklahoma City Kelly Jenner ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Cameron C. John RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Cathy Jones Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Karen King King Real Estate Group Midwest City Tasha Kinney ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Kacie Kinney Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon Wayne Kirby Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Phillip Kitchen Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Kathrine Kosmala ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Laura Kosters Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Lina Koutzev Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Jon-Michael Littleton ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Ryan Litz Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Kim Llewelyn Stellar Realty Oklahoma City Breann Llewelyn-Green Hamilwood Realty Oklahoma City Jeffrey Logan Integrity Oklahoma LLC Oklahoma City Maria Logan Integrity Oklahoma LLC Oklahoma City Tiffany Logsdon Spearhead Realty Group LLC Oklahoma City Nikki Longoria Horizon Realty Choctaw Laney Martin Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Trish Martin Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Ryan McCaleb RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Kevin McCaleb Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond LaRonda McCarther Downtown Realty Group Chickasha Sarah McCoin Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Rick McCormick eXp Realty Oklahoma City Mark McCurdy McCurdy Group Real Estate Norman Mel McGowan RE/MAX At Home Edmond Chad McKamie Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Abby McLaughlin Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Whitney McNair eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Jennifer Kragh Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Krista Martin Exit Realty Premier Oklahoma City

Alisha M. Kaighen Morgan RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Rick Lashley Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Danny Marx Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Shea Mead KG Realty Yukon

Kaci Kaiser Solas Real Estate Oklahoma City

Clinton Lawson Pioneer Realty LLC Oklahoma City

Sarah Mathes Milk & Honey Realty LLC Edmond

Doug Miller Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Norman

Cassi Justiz Spearhead Realty Group LLC Oklahoma City

Tamela McSwain Coldwell Banker Select Mustang

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T O P R E A L E S TAT E P R O D U C E R S

Jim Miller Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Peggy Oberfield Providence Realty Oklahoma City

Kay L. Pratt RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Amy R. Miller RE/MAX Realty Plus Chandler

Sonny Ojeda ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Stacia Ranallo Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Jennifer Miracle-Hodge ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

David Oliver Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Lisa Mollman Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Mark S. Osterman RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Monte Monroe Keller Williams Realty Platinum Oklahoma City

Becca Owens Downtown Realty Group Chickasha

Audra Montgomery ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Barbie Parker Metro Group Brokers LLC Midwest City

Chris Moore Century 21 Goodyear Green Edmond

Kathy Parker eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Steve Reeser Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Stephanie Morris-Clark Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Michelle Patraw Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Victory Reneau Whittington Realty Oklahoma City

Cassie Saldívar Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City

Whitney Moss Leah and Whitney Real Estate Oklahoma City

Jo Ann Patterson Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Mandy Renee Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Edmond

Jackie Saxon Saxon Realty Group Norman

David Murphy Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Lauren Patton Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Angela Richards Weichert Realtors Norman

Rob Schaerer Dillard Group Real Estate Norman

Colette Naff Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City

Jason Phillips NextHome Central Real Estate Oklahoma City

Aubrey Roberts The Real Estate Lab Oklahoma City

Heather Schleeper Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City

Greg Roberts Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Troy Schroder Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Marsha Nation Century 21 Goodyear Green Harrah Matthew Neill Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Tanner Nelson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties OKC Shawnee Ashley Nettleton ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Jane O'Toole RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Kelcie Pickard Chamberlain Realty LLC Oklahoma City Wyatt Poindexter 405.417.5466 WYATTPOINDEXTER.COM Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Della Runnels 803.322.1455 dana.runnels@exprealty.com eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Tracy Ratcliff Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Kim Reed Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City Brad Reeser Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Janet Rose Fidelity Real Estate Brokers Edmond Tami Rudd Kalhor Group Realty Norman Tracy Ruffin-Richardson Thunder Team Realty Oklahoma City

Brian Rush Keller Williams Realty Platinum Oklahoma City Jennifer Rush Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Denise Schroder Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Frank J. Schuster RE/MAX At Home Edmond Lauren Schwartz Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Kevin Scoggin eXp Realty Oklahoma City Becky Seda Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City

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Gina Setticerze Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Sherry Stetson Stetson Bentley Real Estate Edmond

Linda Tracy-Ryburn SellingOKC Oklahoma City

Gordon Watson Hamilwood Realty Oklahoma City

Melissa Sharp Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Jenifer Stevenson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty Shawnee

Mary Tran Lime Realty Warr Acres

Steve Webb Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Blake Shelton Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Shannon Stiger Buckelew Realty Group Oklahoma City

Casey Trejo Cultivate Real Estate El Reno

Jenny Whitten Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Simon Shingleton Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Lisa Talley Aria Real Estate Group LLC Norman

Benjamin Tubbs Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Shane Willard Century 21 Goodyear Green Midwest City

Sheena Sigman Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty Shawnee Floyd Simon Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Hannah Smith Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty Shawnee

Sarah I. Taylor RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Theressa Taylor Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Kingsley Tazinya Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Markus Smith Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Pamela Teague Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Kevin Snow RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Juliann Strange Test RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Sierra Snowden Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Tracy Thomas Jungels Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Alicia Speck ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Carla C. Splaingard RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Briana Steelman Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Lindsey Thompson ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Traci Thompson RE/MAX First Oklahoma City Britta Thrift Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Justin Stephens Veterans Realty Moore

Paula Thurman Metro First Realty Oklahoma City

Gina Stephens Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Julie Tibbs Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

David L. Sterling Metro First Realty Oklahoma City

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Matt Tilley Keller Williams Realty Platinum Oklahoma City

Brandi Turley Saxon Realty Group Norman Jaclyn Tyler Cultivate Real Estate El Reno John Upshaw Whittington Realty Oklahoma City Pam Vallandingham Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty Shawnee Alan Van Horn Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Ramiro Vargas Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Matthew Vaughan Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Crystal Wagoner Metro First Realty Shawnee Shawnee Sandi Walker Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City Emoly Walters Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Allison Wanjon Flourish Real Estate Group Edmond Amber Waswo Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Leesa Williams Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon Jennye Wilsey ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City Anne Wilson Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond Amy Wilson Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon Steve Wittrock Metro First Realty Oklahoma City Hansom Wong Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman Brooke Wood Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City Nicole Woodson Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Brian K. Woodward RE/MAX Energy Yukon Susan Woodward-Owens RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City Darian Woolbright Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Grant Wortman Chamberlain Realty LLC Oklahoma City Lauren Wright Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City Makinsey Zacker Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

T O P R E A L E S TAT E P R O D U C E R S

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P R O MOT I O N

BUSINESS NAME | PHONE NUMBER Eden Moore, Chris George, Justin Brannon

P R O MOT I O N

Top Real Estate Producers 2022 2023

The Chris George Homes Team

Chris George Homes with Chinowth and Cohen Whether you are interested in historic homes, luxury properties, acreages, investment opportunities or new construction, the team at Chris George Homes has the experience, knowledge, connections and professionalism to meet all of your real estate needs.

Chris George has more than 19 years of experience selling Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, Edmond and Deer Creek real estate and specializing in the Historic, Downtown and Urban Core areas of Oklahoma City. As a resident of Oklahoma City and Edmond for over 40 years, Chris understands the market, neighborhoods, schools and local economy. He has been in the top two percent of his brokerage for the last 15 years.

Alongside Chris George, Realtors Justin Brannon and Eden Moore are serving clients in the Oklahoma City area. Justin is also an Oklahoma City native who has more than 10 years of experience in real estate, including a background in marketing and graphic design. Eden is from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and has a background in helping clients with residential renovation projects, as well as with buying and selling homes in the Oklahoma City area.

The Chris George Homes team prides itself on being a full service real estate team, often utilizing their in-house home staging designer, professional photographer and videographer, social media marketer, graphic designer and administrative assistant. Collectively, these experts have developed a proven home marketing plan with video marketing, social media networking and a strong online presence.

“The real estate industry is constantly changing and adapting to economic trends,” George said. “It is always best to work with an expert Realtor in your local market to help you navigate all your real estate needs — from accurately identifying home values and evaluating pre-listing checklists to contract negotiations and successfully getting clients to the closing table.”

No matter the location, let the team at Chris George Homes help you to find or sell your home today.

2022 Sales of $30 million with 68 homes sold.

THE FACE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CHRIS GEORGE HOMES CHURCHILL BROWN-CHINOWTH AND COHEN 405.627.0801 | CHRIS@CHRISGEORGEHOMES.COM CHRISGEORGEHOMES.COM | FB + IG: @CHRISGEORGEHOMES 405MAGAZINE.COM

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P R O MOT I O N

Top Real Estate Producers 2023

Kara Bowes, Brad Bowes, Zak Hensley, Blakely Hensley, Miranda Calderon and Lindsey Sherwood

Kara Bowes Kbb Real Estate For Realtor Kara Bowes, shopping locally includes buying and selling real estate. That’s why she founded Kbb Real Estate.

Named for her children, Brooke and Brad, the brokerage is truly a family-oriented group.

“Everybody is into shopping locally, so I wanted to make a brokerage that was designed for the public, and that would help the public,” she said. “I focus on working to build my agents up, rather than building myself up, and I help them grow their business.”

Rather than focus on a specific area of the Oklahoma City metro, Bowes and her team go where her clients are and where they want to be. They are more flexible than some brokerages, and able to work around last-minute surprises or travel as needed.

“We’ve been known to bring in our own families to help make a move happen when closing dates have changed,” she said.

405.361.4079 714 S DEWEY AVE, OKC, OK 73109 KBBREALESTATE.COM 50

MARCH 2023

“Larger firms might discourage ‘over-helping’ or loaning someone your truck to help them move.”

Bowes said a smaller team makes for better communication and a stronger bond with each other and clients.

“We love people at my brokerage,” she said. “We like the new, excited first-time homebuyers, but we also love to help those who may have just lost a family member or lost a spouse and need to go into a retirement community.”

The low cost of living makes Oklahoma an attractive place to live, and it makes home ownership a reality for many who couldn’t do so in other markets. Making that dream come true keeps Bowes pushing forward for her clients and team.

“Our dedication to our clients sets us apart,” she said. “The clients energize us, and winning the right home for them is a win for me.”

P R O MOT I O N

Top Real Estate Producers 2023

Wyatt Poindexter Group Luxury Homes

405.417.5466 5629 N. CLASSEN DR., OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73118 WYATTPOINDEXTER.COM

With almost 30 years of experience, Wyatt Poindexter has built a reputation in the real estate community for always doing the right thing. The results speak for themselves at Wyatt Poindexter Group, which sold a record-breaking $156 million in production in 2022.

“We base our beliefs on character, customer service, integrity and loyalty,” he said. “We work hard every day to satisfy the needs and wants of our clients.”

Poindexter said he and his team love and honor the Keller Williams belief system: Win-Win: or no deal; Integrity: do the right thing; Customers: always come first; Commitment: in all things; Communication: seek first to understand; Creativity: ideas before results; Teamwork: together everyone achieves more; Trust: starts with honesty; and Success: results through people.

He first got into the real estate business to help and assist others and to build long-lasting relationships. He advises those just starting out in the business that name recognition goes a long way, especially as part of a large national real estate company.

“Be proactive in seizing career growth opportunities, get tons of training, seek happiness instead of money and treat others fairly,” he said.

Poindexter prides himself on his personal service and attention to his clients’ every detail, which has led him to a large base of referral and repeating clients. Distinguished buyers and sellers entrust him to guide them through every step of the real estate process, and he ensures all objectives are being met with exceeded expectations.

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Top Real Estate Producers 2023

Della Runnels eXp Realty Della Runnels has turned her passion for teaching and learning into a successful career as a Realtor with Exp Realty. Over the past three years, she has sold more than $10 -15 million in volume each year, helping more than 120 families in those three years.

“Real estate is about connecting with people and guiding them along,” Runnels said. “Real estate allows for connection with others during a time that can be extremely stressful. Even if that means holding their hand or praying with them. Real estate is my ministry.”

She believes prospective buyers and sellers should look for a Realtor who stays up-to-speed on the market and who pays attention to their clients’ needs.

“Changes happen every day,” she said. “Talking to other realtors and lenders, reading and research, taking online classes, and discussing with fellow realtors all helps in getting my clients the best service.”

803.322.1455 DELLAJANE12@GMAIL.COM DELLA.RUNNELS@EXPREALTY.COM

Brian Eddins Dillard Cies Real Estate Brian Eddins goes above and beyond for his clients at Dillard Cies Real Estate in Norman. He knows that in this business, you have to be available to your clients and be willing to put in the hours.

“They rely on you to navigate them through the largest investment they will make,” he said. “I try to be the calm voice that reassures them and reminds them that we can have some fun as well.”

Eddins has infused fun into the process of buying and selling homes for the past 20 years. Above all else, he knows that an agent must be able to problem solve and adapt quickly to an evolving market.

“Every transaction has different dynamics at play,” he said. “It isn’t always easy, but it’s important that there is an open line of communication between the agent and client.”

He is a top-ranked Zillow agent and a multi-million dollar producer. His clients describe him as courteous, thoughtful, respectful, tenacious and hard-working.

405.887.7000 1203 BROOKHAVEN BLVD., NORMAN, OK 73072 BRIANE@DILLARDCIES.COM DILLARDCIES.COM 52

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DINING GOOD TASTE 54

THE DISH 56

THE DRINK 58

LOCAL FLAVOR 60

Sweet and Savory Railyard Pie Companyʼs Lynn Muir looked to her family recipes to create delicious indulgences.

LEXI HOEBING

p. 54

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TA S T E

Sweet Emotions Railyard Pie Company serves the flavor of home

BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O S BY L E X I H O E B I N G

LY N N M U I R D O E S N ’ T S E E M L I K E the law-breaking type — quite the opposite, in fact — but it’s an important part of the story of Railyard Pie Company, and she said it would be OK to mention it.

After being widowed in her first marriage and on the heels of a subsequent divorce, Muir was trying to find a way to provide for her four children.

“I didn’t think I had any marketable skills,” she said. “I loved cooking, so I started to make meals for my friends and deliver them. I didn’t know at the time that it wasn’t legal, so when I found out, I told my friends I’d have to stop. They all said, ‘We don’t care about the legality; keep the food coming.’”

She did for a while, but her growing discomfort would eventually lead to the birth of Railyard Pie Company, located in the Edmond Railyard complex at 19 W. First St. Prior to that, though, one of her regular customers asked her to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner at Halloween, as that would be when the whole family would be gathered.

“I made the whole dinner,” Muir said, “and he asked if I could make desserts, too. I made four pies. The next day, he and his wife both called to say pies are what I should be doing. The idea of a pie company made me feel much better, because the (cottage industry) law allowed for home bakers to sell their products.”

The company began as Manna Eatery, a reference to the story of Moses in the Hebrew Bible and his reliance on God to provide sufficient food for each day the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness. Faith is central to Muir — another reason she was very uncomfortable with the legal shenanigans.

At one point, she was thinking about a building for her nascent company, and she looked at 54

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Lynn Muir

the corner spot on Second Street in Edmond that is now home to a Sunnyside Diner. The price was far more than she could afford, so she adjusted the plan.

“Pies are wildly popular during the summer and around the holidays, but I needed steady income,” Muir said. “I guess four is my number, because I made four pies and took them into Sunnyside to talk to (owner) Shannon Roper.”

Roper liked the pies so much he told Muir that he’d happily invest in the company. Muir suddenly had her pies in Sunnyside Diner, and the beginnings of a plan to have her own fixed location.

Roper also provided the advice that changed the name from Manna Eatery to Railyard Pie Company, as he believed a more “generic” name wouldn’t alienate any potential customers.

To build the first menu, Muir followed her heart and instincts. “Pie conjures so much emotion for me,” she said. “It’s what I did with my grandmother Mae in Pennsylvania as a kid. I didn’t want a variation on traditional pies for Railyard, so I followed the tried-and-true recipes my grandmother taught me.”

In January 2022, Roper offered Muir the chance to buy him out of the company, and she brought her sister on as a partner, so her business is now family-owned.

One of the emphases of Railyard Pie Company

is that ingredients are fresh and seasonal. There are year-round staples, of course — chocolate, key lime, coconut cream, etc. — but the seasonal pies are only made in the appropriate season. Seems like an obvious thing, but frozen pies in grocery stores have caused many of us to lose focus on the seasonality of desserts, as we did with other categories until farmers and chefs started reminding us in recent years.

The butterscotch pie is a bit of an outlier, and it’s on the list because Muir ate it a lot as a kid, and she still loves it. Rightly so. The menu also includes savory pies; they’re made in a way that, per Muir, “they stick close to what pie looks like,” which is to say quiche and quiche-esque. Starting this month, though, she’ll be introducing potpies.

“I’ll likely start with a traditional beef and stout,” Muir said. “It’s our second anniversary, so it’s a good time to introduce something new.”

More than anything else, though, Muir wants her spot to be a place where people feel comfortable, as if they were in her home kitchen. Thus the open kitchen concept of Railyard Pie Company.

“I want to help people build relationships, and I want them to feel cared about and welcome in the space,” she said. “I’m not really an evangelist — the direct approach makes me uncomfortable — but providing a spot where people are known and loved is important to me.”

Butterscotch pie

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Croissant City The 405’s finest examples of the delicate crescentshaped pastry

BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY E R I E C H TA P I A

Croissants at Twisted Tree Baking Company

E V E R WO N DE R W H Y T H E C RO I S sants you buy at an excellent bakery are better in multiple ways than the store-bought examples that taste more like white bread pressed into a mold? The answer, according to Harvey Bakery and Kitchen pastry chef Alyssa Ulrich, is the laminating process. Before there were machines, bakers laminated manually, but the process is tedious, so the machines have made the process more accessible.

“Lamination is the process of layering butter and dough back and forth through a series of folds,” Ulrich said. “Done properly, you have multiple layers of butter and dough that account for the beautiful interior after baking. The water in the butter turns to steam in the oven, which makes the pastry puff up, and the butter solids melt into the dough, so you get little pockets in the structure and a delicious buttery flavor.”

Honestly, that’s about as good an explanation as you’ll find for a complex process. Like the French baker who trained her, Ulrich uses two layers of egg wash. The first keeps the dough from drying out during the baking process, and the second gives it the beautiful finish and sheen. The laminated dough can be used for multiple pastries, with the traditional croissant being the most recognizable.

There is a legend of sorts related to that recognizable shape, but like many origin stories, it’s difficult to verify. The Viennese bakers — crois56

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sants originated in Austria, not France — allegedly used the crescent shape to celebrate the victory of Viennese forces over the Ottomans when the latter tried to invade the city.

Is it true? Hard to say, but the point is that real croissants are delicious. And as Robert Black, co-owner and founder of Twisted Tree Baking Company in Edmond, notes, they are meant to be consumed fresh.

“In Europe, you stop into a viennoiserie at the beginning of the day to get a croissant to tide you over till lunch,” Black said. “They’re only fresh for a few hours, so they consume them right away. We only have one word for bakery in the U.S. as a rule, but the Europeans think in terms of viennoiserie, boulangerie and patisserie.”

Most local bakeries are a combination of two or three European styles: viennoiseries make breakfast pastries, boulangeries specialize in breads and patisseries focus on traditional pastries, especially sweets. The important factor here is the type of specialization required to be good at different aspects of a craft. There are a few local bakeries with well-trained pastry chefs, including Harvey (301 NW 13th St., OKC), Twisted Tree (111 N. Broadway Ave., Edmond), Ganache Patisserie (13230 Pawnee Dr., OKC) and Quincy Bake Shop (1235 NW 38th St., OKC).

We were also pleasantly surprised to find a good pastry chef, Ian Colver, making croissants at McClintock Saloon and Chop House (2227

Exchange Ave., OKC). He’s a trained pastry chef, and like many in his position, he splits time between pastry and nonpastry menu items. And given that the croissants are new to the McClintock menu, there is no variation — only traditional croissants.

Ulrich can rattle off about a dozen pastries that use the laminated dough at Harvey, including the utterly brilliant Midnight Cowboy croissant with its clever use of chocolate ganache. Twisted Tree has a delicious sausage and cheddar croissant that ought to be on your breakfast rotation soon. Trisha O’Donoghue at Quincy Bake Shop makes a delicious triple cheese croissant, as well as a ham and cheese version, both of which make a lovely quick breakfast.

Finally, we like what Ganache Patisserie co-owner Chef Matt Ruggi said about his store’s croissants: “A croissant done properly doesn’t need help.” That is the test, after all. Take a bite of a proper croissant, and it should be a buttery indulgence with or without sweet and savory additions. Truthfully, just give us all the croissants.

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We Choose Shochu Local cocktails fueled by the Japanese spirit

BY G R E G H O R T O N P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

M A R K ET OBSE RV E R S H AV E BE E N PR E DIC T I NG SI NC E at least 2018 that an obscure (to the general American public) spirit would soon see a bump in popularity. Shochu outsells sake by a wide margin in Japan, where both have their origin, but the numbers are reversed on export.

Beginning last year, though, shochu finally started showing up on liquor store shelves around Oklahoma, and now we’re finally seeing shochu-based cocktails on bar menus in the 405.

Unlike sake, shochu is distilled, not brewed, and the base can be rice, barley or sweet potatoes, but it’s the koji — an umami, edible mold — that sets shochu apart. Jeff Cole, the distiller for Wanderfolk Spirits in Guthrie, explains it well.

“Shochu has a delicate yet complex array of floral, citrus and savory flavors that come exclusively from the fermentation process,” he said. “You’re tasting the rice, the sweet potato, the yeast and the koji in its pure fermented state. It’s only been distilled a single time, and the aim here isn’t to eliminate flavor but to eliminate the solids and concentrate the flavor, or spirit, of the fermentation.”

Ordinarily, shochu is in a split-base cocktail; it’s sharing top billing with gin, vodka or even liqueurs. Musashi’s Japanese Steakhouse, for example, offers a very simple, very refreshing mix of shochu, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and lemon juice. It’s easy to like and works as a solid introduction 58

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because the shochu isn’t lost in the mix of ingredients.

For a more complex take on the spirit, Palo Santo created a whisky/ shochu-based cocktail with matcha, honey, grapefruit and lemon — all flavors that go well with shochu. Sushi Neko used Garden Club Gin, made

by Wanderfolk Spirits, to pair with Jikuya White Shochu, a sweet potato distillate. The Garden Cat also includes a house-made cucumber shrub and fresh lime juice. The floral, citrus,and savory notes all work together to create a complex but refreshing accompaniment to the sushi. Gin, it turns out, is an excellent partner to shochu.

Cole again: “Gin typically uses a very neutral base spirit, focusing instead on flavors that botanicals lend to the spirit in a redistillation. These flavors are carefully layered as a perfume would be, which is without much thought about the original fermentation. Garden Club Gin is a nice choice, as the botanicals used are delicately applied. Small amounts of juniper are accented with citrusy coriander, yuzu, lemon, orange peel and lemon verbena, with floral aromas from lavender and pink peppercorn.”

The Jikuya is an excellent choice, and at least two other brands are good places to start: Mizu includes a green tea-flavored shochu that is perfect for sipping, and Iichiko is a barley distillate with two styles — Saiten is great for cocktails, and Silhouette is more for sipping neat. When shopping for shochu, don’t confuse it with its Korean “cousin” soju.

Opens Feb. 18

Art & Activism

at Tougaloo College

Scan to learn more.

This exhibition is co-organized by the American Federation of the Arts and Tougaloo College.Major support for the national tour and exhibition catalogue is provided by the Robert Lehman Foundation, Inc., Henry Luce Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and Terra Foundation for American Art. Additional support for the catalogue is provided by Pass Christian Books, Elizabeth “Buffy” Easton, Sarah Van Anden, Julie McGee, and Tori and Marques Phillips.

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LO C A L

D I N I N G

Duck with Ken Wright Pinot Noir from La Baguette Bistro

F L AVO R

Marvels on May 10 North May restaurants you need to try now

BY G R E G H O R T O N

N O RT H M AY AV E N U E I S O N E O F T H E 405’s busiest and most commercially dense corridors, with office parks, shopping centers, convenience stores, grocers, apartments and restaurants lining both sides of the street for miles. The sheer number of businesses makes it easy to miss the local restaurants that are scattered along the avenue, especially between NW Expressway and Memorial Road, and that’s unfortunate because it’s also home to some of the city’s best spots, including two pizza joints — Dado’s and Empire — that won’t be on the list below. Some have been in business for decades; others have been scrapping it out for just a few years. Here are 10 North May Restaurants You Need to Try Now.

Hacienda Tacos, 12086 N. May Ave. A little bit of New Mexico cuisine in The Shoppes at Northpark (still called Northpark Mall by many), including traditional tacos and easy-to-love mini chimis. The best items on the menu, though, are the posole and the green chile stew.

Hopscotch, 10909 N. May Ave. This is one of two “pubs” along N. May, and Joe Jungmann took a couple years to figure out Hopscotch’s identity. Not only does it serve the best fish and chips in the 405, it does a great job on all the food, from chicken pot pie to burgers to the Reuben.

La Baguette, 7408 N. May Ave. The OG of the district, this French bistro has been slinging breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner for more than 30 60

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years. The Buthion brothers were making a cross-country trip all those years ago when they stopped in Oklahoma City. We’re very glad they stayed.

Mediterranean Imports, Deli & Gastro Goods, 5620 N. May Ave. This is what happens when excellent chefs assume ownership of an iconic business. Rather than shutter, Med Deli has thrived by keeping what was great, tweaking what needed tweaking and respecting the history of Atif Asal’s life work. The falafel is fantastic, and the platters are the ideal window into what the chefs are doing.

Ned’s Starlite Lounge, 7301 N. May Ave. Located in the spot that was once Nomad II, Ned’s is a modern American restaurant with a neighborhood bar vibe. The food is uniformly excellent, and the Nomad burger is a must.

Sean Cummings Irish Pub, 7628 N. May Ave. Harp-lager-steamed mussels and clams, bangers and mash, Irish stew, corned beef — if it sounds like a menu from an Old World pub, that’s because Sean Cummings wants to pay tribute to the public houses of the old country with food, the best Irish whiskey selection in the city and even live Irish folk music.

Sheesh Mahal, 4621 N. May Ave. This has established itself as the best place to get Indian and Pakistani food in the 405. The reputation is deserved, because everything from the nihari to the green masala butter chicken is stunning.

The Hamilton Supperette and Lounge, 12232 N. May Ave. Founding partner J. Mays ignored everyone’s advice not to put a restaurant on the back side of a mall, and he proved everyone wrong. The Hamilton is a legitimate hot spot, serving great food and cocktails in an environment that makes you want to linger.

Vito’s Ristorante, 7628 N. May Ave. Owner Cathy Cummings is the master of old-school hospitality, and the KC-influenced Italian food she serves is delicious. Rustic, homey, hearty — it’s exactly what you want from a neighborhood restaurant.

COURTESY OF LA BAGUETTE

CousCous Cafe, 6165 N. May Ave. Moroccan food in the heart of OKC is almost too good to be true, but CousCous has been serving North African and Mediterranean food that has expanded the 405’s understanding of the region’s cuisine for many years. While the staples are delicious, allow yourself to experiment a little with traditional Moroccan dishes like harira, loubia and tagine.

Menu Spotlight

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C U LT U R E ARTS 64

IN CONVO WITH 66

SPORTS 70 TRAVEL 74

LOOKING BACK 76

ONE MORE THING 78

Adaptable Art

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAIYE FARRELL

The dashes, dots, twists and turns of artist Jaiye Farrell take on several forms and meanings. p. 66

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Founder and artistic director Jackson Gifford

Sharing the Theatrical Spotlight Southern Plains Productions brings accessible performing arts to Oklahoma City

H I S T O R I C A L LY T Y P I F I E D BY B ROA DWAY L I G H T S , pageantry and pomp and circumstance, theater as a cultural pastime tends to carry a perceived barrier of entry. But Southern Plains Productions is a burgeoning Oklahoma City theater company out to subvert these stereotypes and put the spotlight on emerging talent in performing arts. The nonprofit brings together collegiate and early talent from across the world to conduct productions as probing as they are inclusive and as diverse as they are accessible, which may indicate an exciting new chapter for a city with a rapidly ascending arts scene.

Southern Plains’ artistic director Jackson Gifford returned home to Oklahoma in 2020 after college in Michigan to fulfill his long-held dream of making theater more accessible to the general public and giving voice to a diverse array of people and stories. Working with Chandra Boyd, a longtime friend and member of the Oklahoma Arts Council, he built a theater company with a mission of inclusion.

“The big idea I took away from my studies in college is that theater is not necessarily accessible to all people,” Gifford said. “I wanted to create a space, through site-specific work, for new stories that have yet to be produced in this part of the country, and combine that in a space for young, emerging artists given their first opportunities in a professional institution.”

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Joann Gilliam performed as Emma Borden in Lizzie.

The company started in 2020, but like most everything, it was sidelined by the pandemic, and Southern Plains’ first show, a production of Small Mouth Sounds, didn’t premiere until May 2021. “We started this at a crazy time, but the right time,” Gifford said. “In 2020, when so many theaters were canceling their seasons, we were being crazy and opening ours. People needed theater; they’d been separated and distanced.”

Southern Plains operates under a summer-stock model, which means it presents shows in the summer months and conducts productions, from beginning to end, within seven weeks. Shows are performed in atypical venues, such as the Myriad Gardens Water Stage for Small Mouth Sounds.

After the company’s first production, the goal was to increase to two shows per summer. Following what Gifford describes as a hibernation mode to prepare, 2022 saw performances of the two-person play Lungs at Factory Obscura and the rock musical Lizzie at Tower Theatre.

“For that production of Lizzie, we were terrified that we weren’t gonna fill up the theater, but the Tower was excited about presenting a musical,” Gifford said. “We assembled a creative team from New York, Chicago, Russia and some from Oklahoma. We sold out two great performances, and we had a line waiting to buy standing row tickets. That showed us the Oklahoma City community is here and excited about theater and what’s to come.”

PHOTOS BY JOHN GIFFORD

BY M AT T K I R O U A C

A R T S

Cast of Southern Plains’ first production, Small Mouth Sounds, in May 2021

Southern Plains Productions staged rock musical Lizzie at the Tower Theatre in August 2022.

“We're working to redefine what theater is.”

Looking ahead, Southern Plains seeks to build off that momentum. Its 2023 slate, with the theme of “silent stories” about marginalized voices, includes a July show called The Chinese Lady about likely the first Chinese woman to arrive in the United States, and an August production called Silent Sky about hearing-impaired astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, which will be performed inside the planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma. The shows will feature an Asian American creative team and a director of Chinese heritage for The Chinese Lady, and hearing-impaired actors for Silent Sky. For Gifford, Southern Plains is an opportunity to be part of a cultural upswing in Oklahoma City and collaborate with local nonprofits and organizations while carving a unique path of its own. “We’re working to redefine what theater is,” Gifford said. “I hope that Southern Plains is contributing to different important conversations.”

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Jaiye Farrell’s expressive patterns grace all kinds of art media.

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Making His Mark

CO N VO

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Mural in OKC

Artist Jaiye Farrell draws in viewers with intriguing multimedia works

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R P O R T R A I T BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

A R T I S T J A I Y E FA R R E L L C A N T R AC E H I S mark-making roots back to age 15, when he started decorating cookies and cakes for Johnnie’s Sweet Creations in southwest Oklahoma City. Piping icing designs inspired him to begin painting with lines, dots and curves at home. Although his media has evolved since then, his popular pattern play continues to this day. His works have garnered national attention, having appeared in events and exhibitions from coast to coast, and his murals enliven walls throughout Oklahoma.

Locally, Farrell’s artwork can be viewed inside Factory Obscura (25 NW Ninth St., OKC; look for the pink stairs) and on the side of a grocery store at NE 23rd Street, near Martin Luther King Boulevard. You may also spot someone around town sporting his clothing line. We recently talked to Farrell about his unique approach to art and why he applies his signature patterns to all shapes and sizes.

Painted car at Cadillac Ranch

Why is your work centered on mark-making?

I do it to transform objects and spaces around me and to create new experiences for people. Mark-making is kind of associated with ancient hieroglyphics, megaliths, archaeology. When I was younger, I felt like that’s where I would pull my wonder and curiosity from, and the more I’ve made this, the more I’ve heard other people communicate, “Oh, this reminds me of an ancient civilization.”

ARTWORK PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JAIYE FARRELL

What kinds of experiences do you hope viewers have with your art?

I think I would hope for wonder, but sometimes I think it sparks reflection. When people stumble across the wall, and they stop to stare at it, like, “What’s going on here?” It’s that inner dialogue — getting people to pause, take a moment, or even maybe opening their perception or perspective a little more.

I think that’s why sometimes I lean into some of the pieces that look like they have an illusion effect or some kind of depth to them. That’s really me saying, “Look a little bit deeper. It’s not just a flat surface. There are more layers to this than might meet the eye.” So, yeah, I’m often thinking about self-reflection, perception, wonder and seeing what I can reveal to people through these fragments and these lines.

I N

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W I T H

Farrell hopes his depth-effect pieces encourage viewers to look deeper.

You’ve created paintings, murals, clothing pieces, body paintings and digital works. Why the variety?

Each medium seems to open up a new door to a new place and a new experience with new people. The exploration keeps the curiosity alive.

I feel like what I’m doing is taking something that can be as old as a cave painting or mark-making and bringing it into some of these new digital applications and new spaces, such as Factory Obscura. How do we take something from the past and remix it for the future?

How did you get into body painting?

What are you working on currently?

Right now, I’m exploring a lot of digital technologies and playing with text-to-prompt visuals with AI. I’m playing with augmented reality. A lot of those things have had me pretty inspired and curious, as far as experimenting and pushing into new spaces.

Farrell often collaborates with Factory Obscura.

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You can find Jaiye Farrell’s artwork on Instagram @jaiye_the_artist and at jaiyetheartist.com

ARTWORK PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JAIYE FARRELL

I was live painting at a music festival here in OKC, and a lady ran up to me and was like, “Your art is so cool. Will you body paint me?” I thought that was so tight, because I was wanting to do this type of art. That was my very first experience body painting. And then I got my own studio, and I started having people come by and painting them with my backdrop. It’s taken me to interesting places — getting to participate in retreats with people, being the artist and body painting people for photo shoots.

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Installation view of The Art of Food at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University. Photo: Deann Orr / Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.

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S P O R T S

Guard AJ Rainey is one of Langston’s top players.

The Best in Menʼs Basketball

Cortez Mosely

The Langston Lions and UCO Bronchos are currently Oklahoma’s top teams

W H I L E T H E OK L A HOM A A N D OK L A HOM A STAT E M E N ’S basketball programs dealt with rebuilding seasons, all attention should be on fellow state schools Langston University and the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), which had historically successful 2022-23 regular season campaigns and are poised and ready to make deep postseason runs in March.

Langston is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I ranks and is one of the top teams in the league, which is remarkable considering the school’s one-win finish the year before. The Lions are led by head coach Chris Wright, who, in his first season, has made a significant impact.

UCO is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) of the NCAA’s Division II ranks and finished one of its best seasons in more than 35 years.

Both programs have done a masterful job this season on the court while also working to promote their successes, but Oklahoma drops the ball by having too narrow a focus.

The state’s attention tends to stay fi xed on the Sooners, Cowboys or OKC Thunder.

Meanwhile, both the third-largest school in the state and the only HBCU in Oklahoma receive little or no attention.

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COURTESY OF RICHARD CLIFTON/LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

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Jaden Wells

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S P O R T S

As UCO makes a massive push for the DII tournament, it’s important to highlight what the school is doing athletically. It’s all about marketing and putting UCO’s name in conversations. You may have seen something on Facebook or Twitter from the Bronchos’ sports information director, Chris Brannick, boasting that UCO’s wrestling, softball, tennis and basketball programs were all listed in the nation’s top 10. Yet, there was no coverage of that in major newspapers or on news stations.

As for Langston, we should do a better job highlighting the accomplishments of our only HBCU. If you thought UCO was an afterthought in Oklahoma athletics, Langston isn’t even a topic, and that needs to change.

One of Central Oklahoma’s DI transfers, Curtis Haywood, spent his fi rst two seasons at Georgia Tech after winning a Class 6A state title at Mustang High School. He went two seasons at Tulsa and has transferred that big-school experience to UCO, which makes the team so exciting to watch. Who surrounds Haywood? A collection of experienced and young talent from around the country mixed with some young, homegrown kids from the OKC metro area makes for a successful program — not to mention having a legendary head coach, Bob Hoff man, at the helm.

As of Jan. 25, Langston ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, and the team leads the league in net efficiency, which is the difference between how many points a team scores and how many they allow in 100 possessions. Players Tristan Harper, AJ Rainey, D’Monte Brown and Cortez Mosley have led the push for the Lions’ NAIA dominance.

Although Langston and UCO likely won’t receive the recognition OU and OSU receive, the two schools mean a great deal to the fiber of Oklahoma, and their meteoric rises to the tops of their conferences should be celebrated.

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Green Getaways Eight cities and towns to visit for St. Patrick’s Day

BY M AT T K I R O U A C

W H E N I T C OM E S TO ST. PAT R IC K ’ S DAY in the United States, places like Boston and Chicago take top billing for their population of pubs and greendyed rivers, but plenty of other cities throw their own emerald-hued festivities worth traveling for. Conveniently, many of said destinations fall within an easy road trip range from Oklahoma City, from larger cities like Phoenix and Kansas City to small towns like Shamrock and the “Irish capital of Nebraska.” While Oklahoma City may be 4,000-plus miles from Ireland, take solace in knowing you’re mere hours from a makeshift Emerald Isle in America’s heartland.

Austin Irish pub Jack & Ginger’s is located in the trendy Domain Northside shopping plaza.

Baton Rouge’s Wearin’ of the Green parade features marching bands and Irish dancers.

Austin may be a mecca of breakfast tacos and barbecue, but come St. Patrick’s Day, the Texas capital offers its fair share of Irish comforts. It doesn’t get any more authentic than B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub, one of the oldest of its kind in town, which offers a medley of corned beef, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and tall pours of Guinness in a rustic, wood-clad motif that looks fresh out of Dublin. Since the original’s debut, a slew of other Irish pubs have joined the local scene all over the city, from Jack & Ginger’s in the Domain Northside and cozy Nosh and Bevvy to newcomer Foxy’s Proper Pub, a downtown haunt lined with exposed brick and a veritable library of Irish whiskey. As for events, there are festivals and activities aplenty, such as the St. Patrick’s Day bagpipe concert at Katherine Fleischer Park.

San Antonio, Texas Shamrock, Texas

Just over the Texas-Oklahoma state line, en route to Amarillo, Shamrock is a tiny town on Route 66 that’s best known for its Art Deco-style Conoco Tower Station. But with a name like Shamrock, it’s also an oasis for Irish culture in the Texas panhandle. This year’s festivities, which feature a bevy of activities all over downtown, run from March 15 to 18 and kick off with the Irish Walk of Fame induction ceremony, followed by the Painting of the World’s Largest Shamrock. On March 18, the celebration culminates with a fun run in the morning, Irish dancers at noon and the grand parade at 1 p.m.

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Chicago isn’t the only city dyeing its river green for St. Patrick’s Day. In San Antonio, the famed River Walk morphs into a makeshift River Shannon, as the San Antonio River gets dyed green for the holiday weekend. Along with the “25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye,” the river plays host to the annual St. Patrick’s River Parade and Festival, which features literal parade floats, bagpipers, Irish music, games and food. This year’s parade takes place March 18 at 2 p.m.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

As evidenced by Mardi Gras, Louisiana is a state that knows how to throw a holiday party — and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. In the state capital of Baton Rouge, the local Irish Club has been a cultural cornerstone since 1906, and the Wearin’ of the Green parade has been an annual requisite since 1986 marked by antique cars, Irish dancers, Clydesdale horses, marching bands and floats called krewes. This year’s event kicks off March 18 at 10 a.m.

COURTESY OF ALEX HAYDEN/VISIT AUSTIN, FRANK MCMAINS, HOT SPRINGS AND O’NEILL

Austin, Texas

T R AV E L

The annual parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas, spans only 98 feet.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City may be known for barbecue, but the city’s early Irish immigrants helped mold the metropolis into the cultural melting pot it is today — and that heritage is on full display for St. Patrick’s Day, when the city rolls out its floatfi lled parade (held this year on March 17 at 11 a.m.), along with the kid-friendly Snake Saturday Parade the weekend before, with a cook-off, carnival-style games and Irish comfort food. Beyond the festivities, Kansas City boasts a robust Irish pub scene, including classic haunts like Kelly’s Westport Inn, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, and old-timey O’Malley’s 1842 Pub. Hot Springs, Arkansas

A singular sensation for offbeat Irish culture, Hot Springs gets quirky for the holiday with its annual “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” Held this year on March 17, spanning a whopping 98 feet on Bridge Street, the parade features dancers, colorful floats, kitschy cars and appearances from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Village People and actor Christopher McDonald. After, pop into Superior Bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park for Irish red ale brewed with hot spring water and Irish-style pub grub such as steak fries and beer cheese dip.

Colorful costumes and eccentric vehicles populate Hot Springs’ short parade.

O’Neill, Nebraska

Find a little slice of Ireland in north-central Nebraska in the small town of O’Neill. As the “Irish capital of Nebraska,” and home to the world’s largest shamrock (a huge painting at the intersection of highways 20 and 281), the community comes alive for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which includes a parade, dancers, music, the Mr. Irish Pageant and whimsical activities like the Greening of the Pond at Gil Poese Recreation Area and the dyeing of a horse green (don’t worry, it’s harmless temporary food coloring).

The small town of O’Neill, Nebraska, paints a massive shamrock in a downtown intersection and dyes a horse green.

Phoenix, Arizona

It doesn’t get any more original than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a desert, which is what makes Phoenix’s 40th annual parade and festival an affair to remember. Slated for March 11 at 10 a.m., the downtown spectacle kicks off with a bagpipe-filled parade, followed by a faire at Margaret T. Hance Park, teeming with dancing, music and numerous food and drink vendors slinging green beer, corned beef and more.

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LO O K I N G

B A C K

Building OKC Brick by Brick Real estate developer G.A. Nichols constructed many of OKC’s historic neighborhoods

BY L I N DA M I L L E R

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Homebulider Gilbert A. Nichols shaped Mesta Park, Gatewood and his namesake Nichols Hills.

In 1928, before the town was built, several clapboard houses were constructed on the property that Nichols had bought, and several of Nichols’ friends and partners moved in for the night. The next day, after proving legal residency, they asked that the town be incorporated. Lot sales began almost immediately. A reported $1 million in sales were recorded the first week, and Nichols Hills was incorporated as a municipality a year later.

As an astute businessman and forward-thinker, Nichols knew a commercial district was important in the area. What he didn’t want for the city and neighborhood was industrial or oil field activity like he had seen near other housing additions and towns.

He made sure certain restrictions were in place.

Aside from homebuilding, Nichols’ other business interests included managing bus and lumber companies and several downtown Oklahoma City office buildings. A reporter once asked him for his rules of success. “If I were to enumerate the rules of success, number one would be: Work in the line you like,” he said.

Nichols, who estimated he built about 4,000 houses, died of heart failure in 1950. The neighborhood named after him still stands as his most impressive work, recognized as the jewel in a four-decade career for the man who might be Oklahoma City’s most accomplished and recognized homebuilder and developer.

His legacy can be seen throughout the city.

COURTESY OF THE OKLAHOMAAN

MOR E T H A N A CEN T U RY AG O, GI L BERT A . N ICHols made a career-changing decision that helped shape the landscape of Oklahoma City. In the early 1900s, Nichols built a successful dentistry practice in Cashion, Oklahoma, and later in Oklahoma City, but after statehood his interest started to wane.

He had long thought about building homes. He could see the city growing and developing — perhaps he even envisioned what it could become. He wanted to help build it from the ground up.

After stepping away from dentistry, he built his first home at 624 NW 19 St. in 1908. It was the first of thousands. By 1914, he and a partner had bought property near NW 18th Street between Robinson and Walker avenues. To entice lot sales, they built several homes on each block.

By 1919, he had built 700 homes in Oklahoma City, including many in the Harndale and Heritage Hills additions. A year later, he had a new partner and bigger ideas.

In 1928, he built the Spanish Village shopping area, the first commercial district north of downtown OKC now known as the Paseo Arts District. The same year, he opened Nicoma Park as a colony for chicken farmers, with housing and a cooperative building that processed, packaged and shipped eggs to both coasts. It was successful for a while, but the neighborhood couldn’t survive the Great Depression and a devastating poultry disease.

Nichols became renowned for his homebuilding, residential developments and leadership skills. He was named Oklahoma City’s most useful citizen in 1929 and later served as president of the Chamber of Commerce. And he continued to build homes, including many in today’s historic districts Mesta Park, Crown Heights, Gatewood and Capitol-Lincoln Terrace.

His largest and best-known endeavor is Nichols Hills, a community developed in 1929 and early 1930s. The 1.98-square mile neighborhood was designed to follow the natural rolling landscape.

Lots were expansive, with wide and curving streets named after English towns. Each home’s exterior was distinctive. Homeowners enjoyed the golf courses, bridle paths, polo field, club house, tennis courts and parks. Nichols built his family estate on 17 acres, complete with a stable for their show horses.

COMING MAY 2023

CU LT U R E

JackBe opened its first drive-thru grocery location Jan. 10 in Edmond.

Changing the Grocery Game Online pick-up grocer JackBe opens first location in Edmond

T H E C OV I D -1 9 PA N DE M IC R E SH A PE D T H E WOR L D I N unimaginable ways. Businesses have had to rethink the way they do practically everything. Some companies emerged more robust than before, while others ceased to exist.

At the pandemic’s beginning, grocery stores witnessed a surge in spending. Trends were wildly unlike existing predictions, as many grocers experienced as much as eight years of sales projections within a single month.

People began planning and preparing more complex at-home meals.

Consumers planned fewer trips to the store and stocked up on items to avoid going out.

Grocers also witnessed an increase in demand for online shopping and touchless pickup. Before the pandemic, online shopping accounted for about 3% of grocery sales, according to a survey conducted by market researcher 78

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Brick Meets Click and e-commerce company Mercatus. Between 2020 and 2022, consumers spent $1.7 trillion online, which was $609 billion more spent than between 2018 and 2019. As life settles into a new normal, Mercatus estimates that online grocery sales will take up about 20% of the market by 2026. Consumers are making online grocery shopping a habit.

In 2023, JackBe, a new pick-up-only, on-demand grocery service, hopes to reinvent how people in Oklahoma City purchase groceries. “By opening JackBe, we’re introducing a new way for customers to shop that provides convenience, value and great quality with no substitutions,” said JackBe CEO Alex Ruhter in a press release. “We have studied customers’ needs and created a shopping experience that’s designed specifically for busy people.

We’re committed to our promise to make grocery shopping a better experience. That’s why we’re excited to share JackBe with the Oklahoma City

COURTESY OF JACKBE

BY J A K E D U R H A M

O N E

Owners Alex Ruhter (third from left) and Jennifer Neef (third from right) cut the ribbon at JackBe’s first location.

community, where we are founded and headquartered.”

The first JackBe location opened Jan. 10 at 18001 N. May Ave. in Edmond, and another store is already under construction. Physical stores are used only as locations where consumers can pick up groceries they ordered through the JackBe app. When ready, the customer pulls into a drive-thru area where a JackBe team member brings groceries to their vehicle. According to JackBe, the 17,000-square-foot store can fill up to 200 orders every hour and carries the most popular items from common grocery needs, including baked goods, produce, meat, deli items, consumables, health and beauty care products and items for babies and pets.

Additional features include a guarantee of no substitutions, no membership fees, hand-picked items, reduced cost of operations that delivers value passed on to the consumer and an easy shopping experience focused on

M O R E

T H I N G

“Our commitment to our shoppers is to do everything in our power to offer the best shopping experience, delivering both speed and quality—and we look forward to supporting more communities as we grow.”

convenience. As the company grows, Ruhter plans for JackBe to sell more Oklahoma goods and produce.

“Our commitment to our shoppers is to do everything in our power to offer the best shopping experience, delivering both speed and quality — and we look forward to supporting more communities as we grow,” Ruhter said.

For more information about JackBe and the latest updates on new store locations, visit jackbenimble.com

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The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark recently opened a new museum dedicated entirely to the world’s greatest Olympian - our very own Jim Thorpe. OKC is proud to be the place where Jim is most honored.” @DAV I D F HO LT

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