National Cowboy Museum to celebrate new exhibit with fiesta
This charro suit, c. 1940s, courtesy of Gabriel Cabello Martinez, is included in the exhibit ”Arte en la Charrería” at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will celebrate Sunday the opening of its new exhibit “Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture.”
The Museum Fiesta!, featuring a mariachi band, Mexican folk dancers, guided exhibit tours, children’s activities and more, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 1700 NE 63.
The bilingual exhibit, which runs through Jan. 3, showcases ornate silverwork, elaborate embroidery and majestic saddles and focuses on the rich traditions associated with Mexican equestrian culture.
The “charro,” or Mexican cowboy, plays an important role in North American history. Men and women in La Charrería participate in events similar to those in American rodeo, but beyond the fancy riding, the pageantry of their costumes and accessories is noteworthy.
Many traditions date back to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers brought their ranching practices to the colonies. The gathering of cattle and horses often ended with celebrations attracting people from miles around. At these festivities, charros showed off their skills and competed against one another. The competitive horse events are called the “charreada,” but the term “charrería” encompasses the entire culture of those events, including the regalia, music and food.
The exhibit highlights the detailed craftsmanship found in the sombreros, clothing, saddles, bits and spurs. Many of the items have never before been displayed and were borrowed specifically for this limited tour, organized by International Arts & Artists of Washington, D.C. The National Cowboy Museum is the third stop on the traveling exhibition’s schedule, which includes seven North American destinations.
Along with Sunday’s Museum Fiesta!, the museum is planning several special events to coincide with the exhibit:
Tuesdays At Sundown — “Mexican Influences on the American West,” 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 Tuesday. Learn about the history of the Mexican cowboy and his influences on the American West from Daniel Neill, noted collector of Mexican spurs, saddles, chaps and other clothing items for more than 35 years.
Family Fun Activity: Piñata-Making Demonstration, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1. See a demonstration of the art of piñata making from Anita Martinez, representing the Oklahoma Folklife Council.
Sarape Weaving Appraisals and Lecture by William Wroth, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Attend the lecture “Untangling the Thread of History: Mexican Serapes from the Spanish Conquest to the 20th Century” by William Wroth, a curator and cultural historian who specializes in the Hispanic and Native American cultures of the Southwest and Mexico.
Family Fun Activity: Making Tissue Paper Flowers, 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Celebrate the final month of “Arte en la Charrería” with a free hands-on activity suitable for even preschool and elementary-aged children. Anita Martinez, representing the Oklahoma Folklife Council, will lead visitors in crafting tissue paper flowers.
For more information, call 478-2250 or go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
Museum Fiesta! Schedule
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will celebrate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday the opening of the new exhibit “Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture.”
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Flower making.
10 to 10:30 a.m.: Guided tour of “Arte en la Charrería” with Don Reeves.
10:30 to 11 a.m.: Rodrigo Gaona talk on the history of charro.
11 to 11:30 a.m.: La Compania Folklorica Alegria Mexicana.
11:30 a.m. to noon: Mariachi Orgullo de America.
Noon: Pinata breaking.
12:30 to 1 p.m.: Mariachi Orgullo de America.
1 to 1:30 p.m.: La Compania Folklorica Alegria Mexicana.
1:30 to 2 p.m.: Rodrigo Gaona talk on the history of charro.
2 to 2:30 p.m.: Guided tour of “Arte en la Charrería” with Don Reeves.
3 p.m.: End of activities.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Oct. 16-19, 2009
Photographers Robert Henry and Dirk Hooper collaborated on this art piece included in the exhibit “Out of Sight” at IAO Gallery.
Here is a list of Oklahoma activities happening this weekend (Oct. 16-18). For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
- Feel and see the artwork in “Out of Sight,” an exhibit designed to be appealing to visually impaired and sighted art lovers alike. The exhibit opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan. Information: 232-6060 or www.iaogallery.org.
- NORMAN — Hear Unmarked Cars and Rainbows are Free at 10 p.m. Saturday at The Deli, 309 White Street. Information: www.thedeli.us.
- MOORE — Watch Yellow Rose Dinner Theater perform the musical show “Motown Gold: A 50-Year Tribute to Motown’s Greatest Hits” at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at the theater, 1005 SW 4. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m.; the pre-show at 7 p.m. Information: 793-7779 or www.yellowrosetheater.org.
U2 (Associated Press photo)
- NORMAN – Hear U2 and Black Eyed Peas at 7 p.m. Sunday at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the University of Oklahoma campus. Information: www.gotickets.com.
- Listen to Red City Radio and Jack Fowler at 10 p.m. Saturday at VZD’s, 4200 N Western. Information: 524-4203 or www.vzds.com.
- Share “Spooky Stories” when OKC StorySlam and Istvan Gallery present their monthly story slam tonight at the gallery, 1218 N Western. Registration starts at 7; storytelling at 7:30. Information: 831-2874 or okcstoryslam@yahoo.com.
The Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2009-10 season tonight with a production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Heading the cast are, from left, front row: Haley Jane Pierce, Matthew Bergman and Erin Clemons; back row: Terren Wooten Clarke, Renee Anderson and Michael Jones. (Photo by Wendy Mutz)
- See Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at 8 tonight, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center, 200 N Walker. Performances continue through Oct. 25. Information: www.cityrep.com.
- MIAMI – Hear Junior Brown at 7 tonight at Buffalo Run Casino. Information: www.buffalorun.com.
- See Carpenter Square Theatre’s opening performance of the comedy “Murderers” at 8 tonight and Saturday at Stage Center, 400 W Sheridan. Performances continue through Nov. 7. Information: www.carpentersquare.com.
- Watch Reduxion Theatre Company’s staging of the Greek tragedy “Antigone” at 8 tonight and Saturday at City Arts Center, State Fair Park. Performances continue through Oct. 24. Information: www.reduxiontheatre.com.
- Catch the last two performances of Ghostlight Theatre Club’s production of “Fat Pig” at 8 tonight and Saturday at 3110 N Walker. Information: www.ghostlightokc.com.
- THACKERVILLE – Hear Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino. Or listen to Charley Pride at the casino at 8 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.winstarworldcasino.com.
- Celebrate the opening of the new exhibit “Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture” with a Museum Fiesta! from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. The event will include a mariachi band, Mexican folk dancers, guided exhibit tours, children’s activities and more. Information: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Oct. 6, 2009
Bonita Wa Wa Calachaw Nuñez, “Portrait,” oil on canvas.
Today’s featured event:
See the exhibit “Bonita Wa Wa Calachaw Nuñez: Selected Works” at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
Luiseño artist and activist Bonita Wa Wa Calachaw Nuñez was born on Southern California’s Rincon Indian Reservation in 1888. She was immediately adopted and taken to New York City, where she grew up in the home of a prominent physician and his sister.
During her lifetime, Wa Wa Chaw was a lecturer, an entertainer, and an activist for Indian and feminist causes. She was also a prolific artist, and many of her drawings and original writings are now in the collection of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This exhibition features about 30 of Wa Wa Chaw’s pencil drawings and presents representative examples of her journals and sketchbooks.
For more information, go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Slideshow: Traditional Cowboy Arts Association 2009 Exhibition
Guthrie saddle maker John Willemsma stands with the saddle he made for this year’s Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale. (Photo by David McDaniel/The Oklahoman)
The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale is currently on exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. The showcases fine Western saddles, bits, spurs, braided rawhide and silver work.
The exhibit, which is on view through Dec. 6, features the exquisite artistry of more than 20 talented gear makers from the United States, Canada and now Argentina.
Last week, I wrote a feature story about that exhibit, which you can read by clicking here. The Oklahoman’s photo chief, Doug Hoke, has helped me construct a great slideshow that allows you to really see the fine artistry on display in this exhibit.
To view the slideshow, click here.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Oct. 2-4, 2009
Jason Aldean
Here is a list of activities happening in Oklahoma this weekend (Oct. 2-4). For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
- STILLWATER — Check out Orange Peel 2009 with Jimmy Fallon and Jason Aldean at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena at Oklahoma State University. Information: (877) OSU-PEEL or www.osupeel.com.
- THACKERVILLE – Also, hear Jason Aldean at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino. Information: (580) 276-4229 or www.winstarworldcasino.com.
- Hear Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers, Ali Harter and Sheree Chamberlain at 10 tonight at 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51. Information: 463-0470 or www.myspace.com/51speakeasy.
Kings of Leon (Associated Press photo)
- Listen to Kings of Leon, who have Oklahoma ties, play at 8 p.m. Saturday at Ford Center, 100 W Reno. The concert will be the first event in the Ford Center since the latest phase of renovations was completed. Information: www.okfordcenter.com.
- Experience music, art and more from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Plaza District Festival, 1700 block NW 16. Information: www.plazadistrictfestival.com.
- YUKON – Take in a carnival, parade, craft booths, music, dancing, singing and food at the Oklahoma Czech Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Yukon’s Czech Hall, 205 N Czech Hall Road. Information: www.oklahomaczechfestival.com.
Dave Matthews Band
- TULSA — Hear Dave Matthews Band with Willie Nelson & Family at 7 tonight at the BOK Center, 200 S Denver. Information: (866) 726-5287 or www.bokcenter.com.
- NORMAN – Listen to Glen Campbell at 8 tonight at Riverwind Casino, 1544 W State Highway 9. Information: 322-6464 or www.riverwind.com.
- CHICKASHA — Take in art, films and more from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday at the Rock Island Arts Festival in downtown. Information: www.rockislandartsfestival.org.
WorldFest (Photo by Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman)
- Shop for handcrafted items from around the world and enjoy international food and live entertainment at the sixth annual WorldFest fair trade market. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The event raises funds for Oklahoma City-based nonprofit World Neighbors. Information: www.wn.org.
- Hear Zac Brown Band, Eli Young Band, Mama Sweet and Southern Ground artists Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey and Sonia Leigh when The Breaking Southern Ground Tour comes Sunday to Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50. The music starts at 4:15 p.m. Sunday. Gates open at 3 p.m. Information: 364-3700 or www.zooamp.com.
- Take in new artwork, wine tastings and other refreshments during the monthly Paseo Gallery Walk. Gallery walk hours are 6 to 10 tonight and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday in the Paseo Arts District. Information: www.thepaseo.com.
Jason Boland & the Stragglers
- MIAMI – Listen to Jason Boland & the Stragglers at 8 tonight at Buffalo Run Casino. Information: www.buffalorun.com.
- Watch Ghostlight Theatre Club stage the provocative play “Fat Pig” at 8 p.m. today and Saturday at its Paseo theater space, 3110 N Walker. Performances continue through Oct. 17. Information: www.ghostlighttheatreclub.com.
- TULSA - Hear The Decemberists with Laura Veirs & the Hall of Flames at 7 p.m. Sunday at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main. Information: www.cainsballroom.com.
“Day Out With Thomas”
- Spend a “Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails” today-Sunday at the Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd. Families can ride Thomas the Tank Engine starting at 9 a.m. those days; train rides depart every 50 minutes through 5 p.m. Information: www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org
- Listen to Clutch with Wino and Lionize at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern. Information: www.diamondballroom.net or 677-9169.
- See the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale this weekend at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. The exhibit continues through Dec. 6. Information: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”
- NORMAN – See the movie “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and tour the galleries tonight at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Doors will open at 7 tonight, and visitors can tour the galleries until 8:30 p.m., when the film starts. Information: www.snomnh.ou.edu.
- TULSA – Check the Sci-Fi & Horror Weekend, including “The Rocky Horror Show” live and a “The Return of the Living Dead” reunion, at Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday with an after-party from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.scifihorrorweekend.com.
- MIDWEST CITY - Celebrate all things French at Rose State College’s Global Oklahoma Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the college, 6420 SE 15. The free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and food from many countries. Information: www.rose.edu/commfriend/globok.
-BAM
Fine saddles, bits and spurs featured in Traditional Cowboy Arts show at National Cowboy Museum
(Above) Guthrie saddlemaker John Willemsma shows the saddle he created for this year’s Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale, opening Saturday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Willemsma is one of four new members of the association and the first member from Oklah0ma. (Below) Two detail shots of Willemsma’s saddle. (Photos by David McDaniel/The Oklahoman)
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Oklahoma City museum saddles up for exhibition
Annual sale: Traditional Cowboy Arts Association’s goalS are to preserve and promote the making of fine Western gear
An entire meadow of lilies, calla lilies and wildflowers seems to bloom out of the leather and silver on John Willemsma’s intricately tooled saddle.
From another saddle, a pair of elks do battle while wolves, bears and cougars gaze out from a forest of pinecones and needles. Silver stars and flowers burst out along a set of blue steel spurs. And a golden dragonfly flits up the side of a steel spade bit.
“This is all original artwork, it’s all drawn and it’s all done by hand. Each piece, you take your design concept and you would lay it out on paper and draw it first. … It’s quite a lot of work,” said Willemsma, a Guthrie saddle maker with 33 years experience.
For the 11th year, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale is showcasing fine Western saddles, bits, spurs, braided rawhide and silver work. The show opens Saturday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
The exhibit features the exquisite artistry of more than 20 talented gear makers from the United States, Canada and now Argentina.
“What this show allows each person to do is go a step beyond what the normal customer would buy, to push the level of the artistic part of it, to try to push each member to do something out of the ordinary,” Willemsma said.
Willemsma is among four new association members featured in this year’s show. The other three are Russell Yates, a bit and spur maker from Rotan, Texas, and Armando Deferrari and Pablo Lozano, both rawhide braiders from Argentina.
The Guthrie artisan is the first Oklahoma gear maker to gain membership in the exclusive organization, said Don Reeves, the museum’s McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture. Willemsma said he applied six times, building a new piece each time, before he was voted into the association, which required a 75 percent majority approval.
“I wanted to be part of a group of a craftsman where excellence is the standard. These guys are tough,” he said. “To be accepted by your peers is an honor. There’s probably not very many people know that I have a little shop up in the woods in Guthrie.”
Founded in 1998, the association’s goal is to preserve and promote the tradition of fine Western gear making. Although all the pieces are carefully and cannily crafted, they also are made to be used, he said.
Along with his California-style saddle, Willemsma also created a pair of tapaderos, or stirrup covers, and a brush collar, designed to keep the girth on a saddle from moving as the horse moves, for the show. He worked with three of the association’s silversmiths who crafted the silver details on his works.
“What’s great about this is the collaborative effort. Normally, you go to a craftsman’s shop and you’ll get by and large his work,” Reeves said. “But that’s what makes these pieces so unique is you have one of the most famous engravers in the country working with John on his tapaderos.”
Willemsma typically works on a custom-order basis, tailoring his saddles to meet his clients’ desires. Most customers buy his saddles for riding purposes.
“This was so much fun to work on because you’re allowed … artistic freedom,” he said. “Everyone here is trying to do something unique; everybody tries to create a different flower or tries to do something of their own that gives it their own personal stamp or appeal or signature. Everyone here is trying to push their limits.”
He spent countless hours devising the complex floral pattern on his saddle. Except for the stitching, all the work was created by hand using about 30 different tools.
“I have over 300 hours just in the leather work alone,” Willemsma said. “So, it just takes an enormous amount of time to go beyond what the normal customer wants, to bring up to the level of a show like this.”
The exhibit and catalog serve as inspiration to other gear makers and aspiring artists. The show also offers a chance for the public and collectors to view and buy fine works of art, Reeves said.
“I’m proud of the creativity of the work,” he said. “These people are trying to take their craft — not just their own personal work — and elevate it and do something that other folks aren’t doing or haven’t tried.”
On exhibit
Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale
When: Opens Saturday; on view through Dec. 6.
Where: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
Information: 478-2250 or www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Sept. 25-27, 2009
Taylor Swift (Associated Press photo)
Here is a list of events happening around Oklahoma this weekend (Sept. 25-27). For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
- TULSA — Hear country starlet Taylor Swift, with Kellie Pickler and Gloriana, at 7 p.m. Sunday at the BOK Center, 200 S Denver. Information: (866) 726-5287 or www.bokcenter.com.
- Take in small artworks by 150 Oklahoma artists, live music and food at the 12×12 Art Show & Sale at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Fred Jones Industries Building, 900 W Main. The event is the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s sole fundraiser. Information: 879-2400 or www.12×12okc.org.
- DEL CITY — Share an evening with servicemen and women at Vets Fest 2009, featuring Ronnie Kaye and Mike Black and the Stingrays, from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at American Legion Post 73, 5000 SE 24. The event raises funds for the Oklahoma Women Veterans program. Information: 833-4140.
Gary Allan
- Catch PRCA bullriding followed by .38 Special in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday during the Oklahoma State Fair’s “Rockin’ Bulls” at Jim Norick State Fair Arena. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, “Bulls & Brawn” will feature more bullriding action plus music by Gary Allan. Information: 948-6700 or www.okstatefair.com.
- Also at the Oklahoma State Fair, hear Boyz II Men at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Black Stone Cherry at 8 p.m. Saturday on the Toyota Stage at State Fair Park. These performances are free with outside gate admission. Information: www.okstatefair.com.
- THACKERVILLE – Or, catch Gary Allan at 9 p.m. Friday at WinStar World Casino, 777 Casino Ave. The casino will feature singer-songwriter Jonny Lang in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.winstarworldcasino.com.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
- Hear Cross Canadian Ragweed, Tesla, Toadies, Brandon Jenkins, Mike McClure, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Seth James and Stephanie Briggs Saturday at the Sixth Annual Cross Canadian Ragweed Family Jam at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, and the music starts at 3 p.m. The concert is a fundraiser for Mandi’s Ministries. Information: 364-3700 or www.zooamp.com. (Look for my story on the event Friday.)
- CHICKASHA — Listen to country singer Gene Watson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Chickasha High School Performing Arts Theatre, 101 John P. Cowan. Information: (405) 243-7252.
- CHOCTAW – Raise awareness about cancer at a fundraising event hosted by Choctaw restaurant Bandana Red’s, 14030 SE 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds will benefit Ally’s House and the St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Institute. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. with a two-milewalk for cancer awareness starting at Old Germany Restaurant, 15920 SE 29, and ending at Bandana Red’s. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, hot links, chips and drinks will be served. The event also will feature face painting and inflatables for kids, a motorcycle and antique car show and an auction. Live music will be provided by Shawna Russell, Mitch Cason and the Big Idea, Brother Outlaw, Jack Rowdy, Darlin Darla and New Hope Cowboy Gospel, and Ty England will make a special appearance. Information: 869-0303.
Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers
- TULSA – Hear The Avett Brothers with Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main. Information: www.cainsballroom.com.
- MIAMI – Listen to the Randy Rogers Band at 8 p.m. Friday at Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. Information: www.buffalorun.com.
- Take in live music by local bands, a children’s arts activity area hosted by Wilson Elementary PTA, and delicious food, wine and beer from restaurants around Oklahoma City during the 14th Annual Mesta Festa from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in Mesta Park, at NW 18 and Shartel in the historic Mesta Park Neighborhood. Information: www.mestapark.org.
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
- TULSA – Hear Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at 9 p.m. Friday at The Marquee, 222 N Main. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- DEL CITY - Take in dog/owner pet contests, door prizes, a silent auction, an Elvis impersonator, children’s game and live music from the Rainy Day Six Band and The Boxer Rebellion at the second annual Hawgs for Hounds, a fundraising event for the nonprofit Red Dirt Boxer Rescue. Hawgs for Hounds will take place rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Ray Trent Park, adjacent to the Del City Dog Park. Friendly, well-behaved pets are welcome at the event. A motorcycle run will begin at 9:30 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. Information: www.reddirtboxerrescue.com.
- See fine Western saddles, bits, spurs, braided rawhide and exquisite silver work by 20 talented gear makers from the United States, Canada and Argentina at the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. The exhibit is scheduled to open Saturday and will run through Dec. 6. Information: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org. (Look for my story on the event Friday.)
John McEuen
- NORMAN – Hear John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Lions Park, 201 W Daws. The free show is the final in the 2009 Summer Breeze Concert Series sponsored by the Performing Arts Studio. Information: www.thepas.org. (See my review of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s new album “Speed of Life” on Friday.)
- Listen to Antsy McClain and Edgar Cruz at 9 p.m. Friday at The Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley. Information: www.bluedoorokc.com.
- Hear Gentle Ghost, Depth and Current and Feel Spectres at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Opolis, 113 N Crawford. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- Laugh along as Red Dirt Improv performs at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday at the new IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan. Matt Donnelly, formerly of New York City’s Neutrino Video Project, will be sitting in with the local troupe. Information: http://www.reddirtimprov.com/calendar.html.
-BAM
Gary Cooper stamp to be unveiled today at National Cowboy Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is set to celebrate today the release of a new postage stamp depicting actor Gary Cooper.
The late actor becomes the 15th inductee into the “Legends of Hollywood” Stamp Series. Cooper was inducted into the National Cowboy Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers in 1966.
The ceremony begins with a press conference at 10 a.m. today, with brief remarks before the First Day Covers become available. The museum opens at 9 a.m. There is no admission fee to attend the ceremonies.
The stamp featured on the First Day Cover will be available for purchase at the museum during the ceremony. Envelopes will include the new stamp and a cancellation showing the date the stamp was issued. The First Day ceremony is being coordinated with the help of Prix de West Society and Museum member Joe Crosby, who also is a stamp collector.
During his prolific career, Cooper twice won the best actor Oscar, for the 1941 war movie Sergeant York and the 1952 Western “High Noon.”
In 2003, his performances as Will Kane in “High Noon,” baseball great Lou Gehrig in “The Pride of the Yankees” and Alvin York in “Sergeant York” made the American Film Institute’s “100 Years… 100 Heroes and Villains” list, all as heroes.
The Cooper stamp is the third U.S. commemorative postage stamp with ties to the West to have a First Day ceremony at the museum in the past month. On Aug. 11, stamps depicting “The Lone Ranger,” “Hopalong Cassidy” were released.
“Hopalong Cassidy” and “The Lone Ranger” were released as part of the 20-stamp set titled “Early TV Memories.” Actor William Boyd, who played Hopalong Cassidy in film and television, was inducted into the Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers in 1995.
Five years earlier, the Hall of Fame inducted Clayton Moore, star of “The Lone Ranger” television series. In 1993, Jay Silverheels, the man who played his sidekick “Tonto” also was inducted. Some of the merchandising items made immensely popular by these series are on display in the Museum’s Western Performers Gallery.
Museum support is provided by museum partners Devon Energy Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation and the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation. The Oklahoman also is a major contributor.
For information, go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org or call 478-2250.
-BAM
National Cowboy Museum offering three new exhibits in September
“Reyard and Red” by Ken Carlson from “The Jackie L. Coles Collection: Selected Works” at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63, has a full slate of exhibitions planned this month. Drawn from a significant gift of art in memory of Jackie L. Coles of Oklahoma City, “The Jackie L. Coles Collection: Selected Works” is now on display for an encore showing. It includes 47 works of art that recently have become part of the museum’s permanent collection.
On Sept. 19, the American Indian art show “Bonita Wa Wa Calachaw Nuñez: Selected Works” opens at the museum. The exhibit features about 30 pencil drawings and samples from journals and sketchbooks of Wa Wa Chaw, a Luiseño woman who become a prolific artist, lecturer, entertainer and activist for Indian and feminist causes.
The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association 11th Annual Exhibition and Sale will open Sept. 26. The prestigious event will include the finest Western saddles, bits, spurs, braided rawhide and silver work by 20 talented gear makers from the United States, Canada and Argentina. Some of the artisans will present seminars at the museum.
For more information, call 478-2250 or go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Sept. 7, 2009
“The Dawn Of A New Day” by Tom Browning from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s 2009 Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition
See artwork from the exhibit “The Jackie L. Coles Collection: Selected Works” and take advantage of your last chance to see the 2009 Prix de West today at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
Drawn from a significant gift of art in memory of Jackie L. Coles of Oklahoma City, an encore showing of the exhibit opened Saturday. The display includes 47 works of art that recently have become part of the National Cowboy Museum’s permanent collection.
In addition, the museum’s annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition closes today. The show includes a record 343 Western paintings and sculptures by 108 of the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation.
For more information, go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
