 |
 PASEO ARTS PRESS RELEASE |
For Immediate Release Friday, May 9, 2008 Paseo Artists Association Contact: Lori Oden 405.525.2688 E-Mail
Stay in Town Memorial Day Weekend – Spend What Gas Money You Would Save and Buy Original Art at the Paseo Arts Festival
Oklahoma City – The 32nd annual Paseo Arts Festival is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend 2008. Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 from 10a – 8p (music until 9ish) and Monday, May 26 from 10a – 6pm. Over 70 juried artists, with over half representing the state, live music and entertainment set among the historic Paseo Arts District gives this festival a unique atmosphere. The district is located between NW 28 and Walker to NW 30 and Dewey.
Children can make their own art at the festival, which is sponsored by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and choreographed by Lorrie Keller at Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan, an authentic Paseo dance studio. “Paper Play Theatre” opens a child’s imagination with glitzy bits to create their own monster traps and fairy houses. Visual artists throughout the community will be present and promise to ignite possibilities. While children create, storytellers and dancers will delight them. Surprises await, puppets tell their stories, paper comes to life and everyone has a great time. Children’s art activities will be open to the public from Noon to 5pm each day of the festival. Children must be accompanied by an adult; for more information contact Lorrie Keller at stardanceswan@cox.net.
Paseo artist Jack Hill is the featured artist this year. A spectacular, but intimate view of a Southwest stucco building surrounded by cacti, wild desert flowers and framed by mountains gives the feel of the historic aspect of the Paseo in a modern impressionist style. Fine art prints will be available. Hill passed away this past January; his family established a memorial fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation that will continue to give to talented artists each year with awards and scholarships.
Executive Director, Lori Oden says of the festival, “The Paseo Arts District is a thriving art community and a major attraction for people all over the state and those who visit. We boast over 17 galleries, 60 artists, great restaurants, unique gift shops, and a yoga studio, all within walking distance. The Paseo Artists Association hosts numerous programs all year that are largely funded by the proceeds of festival. The festival is vital to us because it gives artists exposure, visitors a chance to see the Paseo, and it raises money that supports artists all year. The Paseo Arts Festival is the artist’s festival for Oklahoma and the region; over half of the 75 artists are from across the state. Artists from all over the nation are juried in as well, and come from Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, California, Illinois and South Dakota. There will be painting, pottery and jewelry, along with sculpture, wood, wearable art and more. The festival’s two stages will showcase the talent of Oklahoma and regional musicians and entertainers. I encourage people to stay in town and spend what money they would save on gas and buy original art for their homes and/or offices. Line the pockets of artists for a change!”
The Paseo Artists Association is also proud that we are partnering with the Sierra Club and have set a goal to recycle at least 90% of festival aluminum, grease and plastic. Last year we recycled over 600 pounds of aluminum alone. These are bottles and plastic that will not go into our landfill.
Visitors will notice some new attractions this year! Paseo NOW: Emerging Artists Market, which will feature artists under 30 years of age. Work will be priced at $50 or less. It is an opportunity for young artists to gain experience. Multi-colored tees and tanks, girl-cut tees and baseball caps will give visitors a great choice in Paseo gear. Look for new maps and signs as well, to guide you through the Arts Festival this year.
The food court at Paseo Drive and Lee will feature traditional festival food, in addition to some new vendors who serve frozen custard, gelato, burritos and more! Some of our food vendors will have gyros, fried catfish, Cajun chicken, and savory and sweet crepes to liven up the food choices.
Chesapeake, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and BancFirst are our Premier Sponsors. The festival raises money for the Paseo Artists Association to fund its programs throughout the year, as well as bring art appreciation and culture to the state. Other sponsors include MidFirst Bank, Barbour Energy Corporation, Adobe Grill, Oklahoma Gazette, NonZine, the City Sentinel, Cardinal Engineering, and Prima Café.
For more information contact the Paseo Artists Association at 405.525.2688 or visit www.thepaseo.com
### |
 |
|
FESTIVAL HOURS
Saturday, May 24th
10am - 9pm
Sunday, May 25th
10am - 9pm
Monday, May 26th
10am - 6pm
Music until 10:30pm both Saturday & Sunday |
|
