Archive

CHICKASHA – Three local women are using art to preserve life, one moment at a time. The bachelor of fine arts seniors will display their unique photographic and ceramic pieces Oct. 25 through Thanksgiving at the University of Science and Arts.

The Davis Hall Third Floor Art Gallery will play a temporary home to the seniors’ original artwork in an exhibit entitled, “Smoke.” The public is invited to attend a free reception Nov. 4 from 2:30 - 5 p.m. during which they can meet the artists and partake of refreshments.

CHICKASHA – In conjunction with its annual Alumni Homecoming, the University of Science and Arts is hosting a gala exhibition featuring the artwork of two alumni artists. Beginning Oct. 23, USAO alumna Mary Ellen Thomas will collaborate with alumnus Brandon Wood in their joint exhibit on display at the USAO Art Gallery.

The art exhibit runs through Nov. 4. As part of the Homecoming festivities, the art gallery will host a public reception that day at 2 p.m. during which visitors can meet the artists.

CHICKASHA – The Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition took top honors among more than 450 economic development organizations from the United States and Canada at a recent forum in Chicago.

The SOIC won the “Raising the Bar” 2006 Synchronist Award at the annual Synchronist User’s Forum, hosted by Blane, Canada Ltd., for its front line team’s work on collecting and compiling information based on approximately 150 interviews with southwest Oklahoma manufacturers.

CHICKASHA – What do three celebrities, four penguins, 10,000 cockroaches and an Egyptian mummy have in common? They’re all part of the upcoming production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at the University of Science and Arts.

The well-known Broadway comedy hits the Davis Hall Little Theatre Oct. 27-28 at 8 p.m. with a matinee Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.

Katie Simons, assistant professor of drama, said the wit and energy of the play will carry easily to the audience.

CHICKASHA – A globetrotting violin virtuoso is coming to Chickasha for one night of solo classical music. As part of the sixth annual Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series (DWPAS), Grammy-nominated violinist Emanuel Borok will be performing live Oct. 24 at the University of Science and Arts.

CHICKASHA – Plans are underway for more than 300 guests at this year’s Alumni Homecoming at the University and Science of Arts. Beginning Nov. 3, USAO alums from 10 states and even foreign nations will gather on the university campus for a weekend of traditions and memory making.

Alumni President Angie Burruss said that USAO grads are in for an exciting weekend.

CHICKASHA – Most artists “discover” art within themselves at a young age. For Mary Ellen Thomas, it happened a bit later.

“I found ceramics, or ceramics found me, at the age of 60,” she said.

The 81-year-old University of Science and Arts alumna recalled about her 20-year artistic journey, which culminated with award-winning stoneware and a ceramics glazing technique that has caught national attention.

CHICKASHA – Karen Brady is a nontraditional student. At 55, she is taking “nontraditional” to another level. As a communication senior at the University of Science and Arts, Brady is giving her senior project a different twist. She is displaying original art collages October 13 at the USAO Art Gallery. That’s right, Friday the 13th.

Brady, who lives 10 miles west of Minco, said she loved the idea for the dark date.

John Lennon impersonator Bill Kropinak joins Billy Joel and Elton John impersonator Lee Alverson for a night of rock music Oct. 12. The 7:30 p.m. concert takes place in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium on the USAO campus. Tickets for the concert are $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. USAO students, faculty and staff get in for $10 when purchased at the university. Tickets are available at the USAO Box Office, as well as several Chickasha businesses. A portion of the proceeds benefits the USAO Concert Band.

CHICKASHA – Arias, accordions and “chopsticks” are on the menu for the music faculty’s fall concert at the University of Science and Arts. The public is invited to the free concert Oct. 9 that showcases faculty members on piano, voice and even accordion.

Dr. Jan Hanson, professor of music and choir conductor, said the 7:30 p.m. concert in the Alumni Chapel serves as a rare chance for the community to see the music faculty in action.