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Oklahoma Arts Council News

December 2015

Ed Ruscha becomes 12th Oklahoma Cultural Treasure

A pioneering figure of the 1960s Pop Art movement whose place in history is alongside Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha's roots in Oklahoma date back to his formative years as a youth growing up in Oklahoma City. On December 2, Ruscha returned to Oklahoma to participate in the 40th Annual Governor's Arts Awards, where he was designated as the 12th Oklahoma Cultural Treasure by Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Ruscha's substantial influence is evident in areas such as graphic design, cinema, architectural theory, and artist books. He was one of eight artists whose work was featured in what was considered the first major Pop Art exhibition, New Painting of Common Objects, in 1962 at the Pasadena Art Museum.

Watch a NewsOK video of the event >>

Learn more about Ed Ruscha >>

Ruscha's 'Bowling Ball' on display at State Capitol

Newly designated Oklahoma Cultural Treasure Ed Ruscha is among the noted Oklahoma artists whose work forms the Oklahoma State Art Collection.

Ruscha's "Bowling Ball" was among the first pieces in the collection, purchased in 1971 through a National Endowment for the Arts grant.

Visitors to the Oklahoma State Capitol can currently view the piece, which was made using gunpowder and pastel on paper, in the Betty Price Gallery. The gallery is home to the State Art Collection.

Read about Ed Ruscha's "Bowling Ball" >>

Oklahoma Arts Conference inspires sketch by NEA Chairman Jane Chu

Following her October visit to Tulsa for the 2015 Oklahoma Arts Conference, Jane Chu, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), was inspired to sketch one of Tulsa's newest landmarks, the Hardesty Arts Center. The center was among her stops during her trip to Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Arts Council thanks Chairman Chu for graciously offering to share her sketch with us!

View the full sketch here >>

Youth programs can apply for national awards

After-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs sponsored by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible organizations can apply for the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards through February 2, 2016.

Sponsored by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, award-winning programs will earn $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award from First Lady Michelle Obama during a ceremony at the White House.

Learn more about applying for the awards >>

Teens encouraged to submit for art and writing awards

Oklahoma teens in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to submit applications for the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Students from public, private, or home schools can apply in 29 categories for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited and published. Categories range from painting, photography, and comic art, to short stories, poetry, and more.

Work should demonstrate technical skill, personal voice or vision, and originality.

Deadline for Oklahoma submissions is December 16, 2015.

Learn how students can enter >>

Find out more about the awards >>

How to track your offline arts marketing in Google Analytics

Of the many benefits available through digital marketing, the ability to better analyze the effectiveness of your marketing efforts is among the greatest. The need to promote your arts programs through traditional efforts such as print ads and billboards remains, however.

Now, thanks to digital marketing, arts organizations can better measure the impact of their offline marketing.

A five-step process described in an article on ArtsHacker.com will make measuring your offline marketing efforts possible. Though not foolproof, the process can help you make better decisions regarding your arts marketing budget.

View the five-step process here >>

Report explores role of museums and libraries in community revitalization

A newly published report by the Institute of Museums and Library Services explores the emerging practice of comprehensive community engagement being embraced by museums and libraries. The report details the efforts of select museums and libraries that are magnifying their public value by supporting or leading collaborative community revitalization efforts.

Concepts that are examined include the broadening public purpose of museums and libraries, physical revitalization, creative placemaking, collective impact, institutional commitment, community networks, and more.

Take a look at the report >>