Oklahoma City’s Glory Days
Today was one of those days that erases all the stress of work, all the worries of the world, and reminds one that life isn’t so bad. And really, if you think about, life is pretty good in Oklahoma City. When I was growing up, sad to say, life was pretty dull in OKC. That’s the truth. My friends and I would spend a Saturday playing in a nearby creek (much to our mothers’ chagrin) or browsing the aisles of Woodward’s Hobby Shop, hoping Mrs. Woodward would extend credit to us just one more time for that really cool model airplane kit (and more often than not, she would!).
The central city, meanwhile, offered no diversions as far as I can recall (late ’70s and early ’80s).
Architect Brian Fitzsimmons and future homeowner Bill Lovallo stand in front of the future second story window of the house designed by Fitzsimmons at NW 7 just west of Shartel. In the background are two other modern homes - one designed and built by Dennis Wells, the other, to the left, by Fitzsimmons.
Today my son and I started off with a tour of the Lovallo residence off of NW 7 and Shartel. My son, being interested in art, enjoyed the view from the top floor but couldn’t imagine houses looking like the ones he saw in this district of historic and modern homes (what a mix!). I missed a chance to catch up with Dustbury blogger Charles Hill, but you can catch up with his take about the house here.
Andrew Boatman spins a piece of glass in what is a very, very hot oven at Blue Sage Gallery
Our next stop – Blue Sage Gallery at NW 12 and Western where we got to watch Andrew Boatman practice his craft of glass blowing. It was a thrill for my son, who turns 8 next month, to pick the colors and help mix them together for a bowl and an ornament made by Andrew. This artisan is also a middle school teacher, and he was great about telling my son and I about every part of the process of making glassware.
Our final stop consisted of our monthly journey to Cuppies and Joe, where we enjoy one cupcake each, along with milk for the midget and great cup of Apsen coffee for myself over a game of checkers.
Just a slice of life on a wonderful autumn day in OKC Central.
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Comments
Not sure about that, Blair. But they are having an open house this weekend (tomorrow too). Maybe you can fly back?
He keeps wanting to play chess (his grandfather taught him), but truth be told, I don’t want to have to think that hard on my day off.
I don’t know if they (Blue Sage & other art occupants) keep regular hours but I’m pretty sure they are commonly open on the weekend. I purchased some very nice glass pieces a year or two ago for Christmas presents … very much fun to watch the glass blowers at their trade. The whole operation is very nicely done. When I was last there, they have some seats set up so that people can watch.
Blair/Steve, Blue Sage, the Bewleys’ Art Fusion Studio and the Istvan Gallery in the front of the building are completely accomodating to anyone who drops in. They collectively love to show of their building and their projects. It is truly one of the coolest spaces in OKC.
Sorry I missed you. (I checked in around 12:30. I was most amused by the liability waiver I was expected to sign; I figure, if I made it up all those stairs, I was darn near indestructible.)