Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!
Guthrie really ramps it up for December; Christmas programs such as the huge multi-school concert at the Masonic Temple abound, galleries and shops are full, music fills the streets and venues such as Byron Berline’s Double Stop Music Hall, The Pollard Theatre presents their perennial favorite; “A Territorial Christmas Carol”, carriages jingle through the downtown district, and visitors come from all over the country to experience a Victorian Christmas! What a fantastic time of highlighting Guthrie’s Arts Scene! This is why The Arts in Guthrie is important, bringing attention to the wonderful arts related events and venues that we have year round will help increase commerce and bring growth to our economic infrastructure.
This month we were excited to be highlighted in the Oklahomans for the Arts Blog celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Oklahoma Arts Council! Various entities and individuals have shared the many ways that the OAC has been able to offer support, guidance, and grants to help develop successful careers, businesses, or organizations. You can find our story at http://www.oklahomansforthearts.org/blog. Speaking of OAC, as you know, the state has quite a shortfall to compensate for. OAC is one of the lowest funded, yet most efficient of all of the state agencies. Read some of the stories on the blog for a bigger perspective on what they do. Since the arts is typically undervalued when it comes to the budget process so maybe it would be helpful if some of us were to contact our legislators and let them know how much we count on OAC to help us create economic stimulus.
For a really big picture on what the impact of the arts is within our community we will be starting up with the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Study beginning next month. There is a very informative article on the Oklahomans for the Arts blog that has specific information about what is going to be involved. Keep an eye out on our website, www.theartsinguthrie.org, for a call to action. We will be asking for help to complete this year long process.
This month I have been able to speak with several people in town who are doing the work of art in Guthrie in many forms. Some have come to ask for advice, some for assistance, and some realizing how important our work is to the successful future of Guthrie and our arts culture, have come to offer assistance. There are few things more exciting to me than to have a brain storming session with someone who is trying to figure out how to do their work with a greater effect. Seeing how we all can work together to support each other and build a stronger community is stimulating! Our community is full of talented and caring folks who want to see prosperity and sustainability here. If you are one of those folks, come and join us as we work to provide a foundation for growth and inclusion. Contact me at: theartsinguthrie@gmail.com, or on the website.
If you are an artist, remember to go to our website to register, put your events on our calendar, and provide photos and info for our Artist Spotlight. The Spotlight will be free if you register your info by at least the first of the year. Share the word! If you aren’t an artist, but have a venue or are a supporter of the arts, you can make a donation, add a calendar item, or sign up for a committee. We will soon have a list of committees and tasks listed on the site, but until then just let us know that you are interested and we will contact you!
One last important thing, a BIG THANK YOU to AirMedCare Network and Les McGee for supporting The Arts in Guthrie! We received our first check from them this month. For every policy that you purchase from them using our code: 713, they will donate $10 to The Arts in Guthrie! Call or go by The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce to get information on their affordable membership programs for your family or business.
Have a Holly Jolly!!
Guthrie really ramps it up for December; Christmas programs such as the huge multi-school concert at the Masonic Temple abound, galleries and shops are full, music fills the streets and venues such as Byron Berline’s Double Stop Music Hall, The Pollard Theatre presents their perennial favorite; “A Territorial Christmas Carol”, carriages jingle through the downtown district, and visitors come from all over the country to experience a Victorian Christmas! What a fantastic time of highlighting Guthrie’s Arts Scene! This is why The Arts in Guthrie is important, bringing attention to the wonderful arts related events and venues that we have year round will help increase commerce and bring growth to our economic infrastructure.
This month we were excited to be highlighted in the Oklahomans for the Arts Blog celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Oklahoma Arts Council! Various entities and individuals have shared the many ways that the OAC has been able to offer support, guidance, and grants to help develop successful careers, businesses, or organizations. You can find our story at http://www.oklahomansforthearts.org/blog. Speaking of OAC, as you know, the state has quite a shortfall to compensate for. OAC is one of the lowest funded, yet most efficient of all of the state agencies. Read some of the stories on the blog for a bigger perspective on what they do. Since the arts is typically undervalued when it comes to the budget process so maybe it would be helpful if some of us were to contact our legislators and let them know how much we count on OAC to help us create economic stimulus.
For a really big picture on what the impact of the arts is within our community we will be starting up with the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Study beginning next month. There is a very informative article on the Oklahomans for the Arts blog that has specific information about what is going to be involved. Keep an eye out on our website, www.theartsinguthrie.org, for a call to action. We will be asking for help to complete this year long process.
This month I have been able to speak with several people in town who are doing the work of art in Guthrie in many forms. Some have come to ask for advice, some for assistance, and some realizing how important our work is to the successful future of Guthrie and our arts culture, have come to offer assistance. There are few things more exciting to me than to have a brain storming session with someone who is trying to figure out how to do their work with a greater effect. Seeing how we all can work together to support each other and build a stronger community is stimulating! Our community is full of talented and caring folks who want to see prosperity and sustainability here. If you are one of those folks, come and join us as we work to provide a foundation for growth and inclusion. Contact me at: theartsinguthrie@gmail.com, or on the website.
If you are an artist, remember to go to our website to register, put your events on our calendar, and provide photos and info for our Artist Spotlight. The Spotlight will be free if you register your info by at least the first of the year. Share the word! If you aren’t an artist, but have a venue or are a supporter of the arts, you can make a donation, add a calendar item, or sign up for a committee. We will soon have a list of committees and tasks listed on the site, but until then just let us know that you are interested and we will contact you!
One last important thing, a BIG THANK YOU to AirMedCare Network and Les McGee for supporting The Arts in Guthrie! We received our first check from them this month. For every policy that you purchase from them using our code: 713, they will donate $10 to The Arts in Guthrie! Call or go by The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce to get information on their affordable membership programs for your family or business.
Have a Holly Jolly!!
