The real and imaginative adventures of Dennis Spielman

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Visiting Haunts at Belvidere Mansion

Join Jeff Provine as he explores the historic Belvidere Mansion in Claremore, Oklahoma!

This stunning 1907 mansion has a rich history, from a family home to a hospital, and even apartments. Now beautifully restored, the Belvidere Mansion is a local treasure. But is it also haunted? We delve into the spooky side of the mansion with tales of ghostly footsteps, mysterious figures, and unexplained phenomena. Discover the mansion’s architectural marvels, learn about the Bayless family, and indulge in delicious food at the Pink House.

Don’t miss this spine-tingling episode of Visiting Haunts!

100 Things to Do in Oklahoma City Before You Die

Selfie photo with a copy of 100 Things to Do in Oklahoma City Before You Die.

Now Available!

My latest book, which I wrote with Jeff Provine, is now available for you to read! If you’re new to OKC, trying to expand your horizons, planning to Visit OKC, or trying to convince a friend to move here, “100 Things to Do in Oklahoma City Before You Die” is a thoughtful collection of places to experience and activities to enjoy.


Oklahoma City boomed out of the prairie in 1889 with a land run, and it hasn’t stopped since. At the literal crossroads of the nation where I-35 meets I-40 and one of the key cities on Route 66, OKC welcomes travelers from across the country and world. Today they call it the Modern Frontier, where there is no shortage of people to meet or things to do. Take a drive to see highlights of Route 66 like the Gold Dome, Milk Bottle Building, and Lake Overholser Bridge, the background of countless road trip movies. Get to know the history of the city and take in some fabulous culture in museums like the First Americans Museum, Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Have a night on the town with a musical canal cruise, a Ferris wheel ride, and the best slice of pie you’ve ever eaten. Shop the new Farmers Market at Scissortail Park, tour the town’s hidden record shops, and the chic’est chic of OKC’s numerous art districts. When you’ve done all that, you’re just getting started!

In 100 Things to Do in Oklahoma City Before You Die, you’ll get the best tips from local researcher and ghost-tour guide Jeff Provine and journalist Dennis Spielman on where to meet Sir Indiana Bones the Museum Cat, where to hunt for fairy houses in the park, and where to play retro video games while sipping signature cocktails. There’s always something new to do in OKC!


Book Signing: Saturday, July 20, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Second Story Books
718 Culbertson Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Free and open to the public

Book Signing: Thursday, July 25, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Best of Books
1313 E Danforth Rd, Edmond, OK 73034
Free and open to the public

Presentation and Book Signing: Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
OKC Horror Con
100 Mick Cornett Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Free and open to the public

Book Signing: Thursday, August 1, from 6-8 pm
Kendall’s Restaurant
100 S 3rd St, Noble, OK 73068
Free and open to the public

Book Signing: Friday, August 2, from 7 – 9 p.m.
Literati Press Bookshop
3022 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Free and open to the public

Book Signing: Saturday, August 3, from 3-4 pm
Full Circle Book Store
1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Free and open to the public

Presentation and Book Signing: Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lit Fest at Metro Library Downtown
300 Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Free and open to the public

Presentation and Book Signing: Monday, August 26, from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Literati Press Bookshop
3022 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Free and open to the public

Being a Freelance Artist with Chaz Kemp – An Art & Victory Panel Discussion

In this Art & Victory episode at the pop culture convention, Pallas interviews Soonercon’s 2023 featured artist, Chaz Kemp, about being a freelance artist.

Chaz loves SteamPunk, CyberPunk, and Fantasy. SteamPunk and CyberPunk are all about creatively defying authority and forging your own path. It’s resistance as art. Fantasy is all about visualizing your dream and then defying the odds to achieve it, no matter who you are or what you look like. This is why Chaz draws culturally diverse characters in the Art Nouveau style. Publishers and corporations say that diverse characters don’t sell. He loves proving them wrong. Defying the odds is what defines him, and forging his own path is what drives him. Art is Rebellion.

Thank you to Soonercon for hosting us!

Tour of Time Slip at Factory Obscura

Join me on a tour of Factory Obscura’s summer art experience, Time Slip.

Combining handmade details, interactive technology, and awe-inspiring artistry, “Time Slip” invites participants to embark on an immersive adventure unlike any other. From the moment visitors step foot into the 3,000-square-foot experience, they will find themselves transported to a realm where past, present, and future converge. Factory Obscura invites participants to traverse the labyrinth of “Time Slip,” encountering classic creatures and discovering new creations. “Time Slip” opened to the public on June 8, 2024, and continues through September 30, 2024. Factory Obscura is located at 25 NW 9th St in Downtown Oklahoma City, where “Time Slip” is open in addition to their permanent immersive art experience, MIX-TAPE.

Be sure to become a supporter of Spielventure for early access to my new videos and exclusive bonus content.

Getting into Cosplay: An Art & Victory Panel Discussion

Join us for an exciting panel discussion on “Getting Into Cosplay,” hosted by Spielventure’s Art & Victory series in partnership with Soonercon. This session is perfect for both aspiring cosplayers and seasoned enthusiasts, offering invaluable insights into the art of costume creation and character portrayal. Our expert panelists share their experiences, tips, and tricks on everything from selecting your first character to sourcing materials, mastering crafting techniques, and refining performance skills. Whether you’re just beginning your cosplay journey or aiming to elevate your skills, this discussion will provide the inspiration and knowledge you need to bring your favorite characters to life.

THE PANELISTS:

Rachel Karch (R Karch Photography)

“I’ve spent years organizing events, supporting conventions and charities, and working in marketing. With over 14 years of experience in cosplay, I’ve worn many hats in the cosplay community. Recently, I’ve discovered a deep passion for cosplay photography. I love showing cosplayers how stunning and talented they truly are. It’s incredibly rewarding when people tell me I make them look beautiful because I get to reveal the beauty that was already there, allowing them to see themselves through my lens.”

Levi Hornsby (Levicious Cosplay)

“My love for cosplay started in 2017 when I went to Fan Expo Dallas. I was blown away by the amazing costumes and the excitement people had while dressed as their favorite characters. In 2019, I decided to give it a try and wore my first store-bought cosplay, Lemillion from My Hero Academia, to a convention. I even entered the cosplay contest, and while I didn’t place, it showed me how much effort and skill goes into winning. After that, I started making my own cosplay pieces, learning from YouTube, friends, and lots of trial and error. In 2022, I entered another contest with my future wife, and we actually won first place in the novice class. I’ve learned and built so much over the years, and each experience has made me love cosplay even more.

Chelsea Hornsby (Sith Princess Cosplay)

“My journey in costuming began in the early 2000s through middle and high school theatre. During this time, I developed a love for haunted trails, mastered special effects makeup, and immersed myself in creating unique characters and their stories. In 2021, I discovered a new passion for building cosplays, bringing my favorite characters to life. Since entering the Oklahoma cosplay scene, I have won first-place awards for foam armor work and, alongside Levicious Cosplays, received the Cosplayer of the Month award. I have had the honor of guesting at New World Comic Con and Enid Comic Con, participating in charity work with Funds for Small Heroes, and teaching valuable lessons to kids at the Superhero School hosted by New World Comics. Join us to connect with fellow fans and dive into the vibrant world of cosplay! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting content.”

Enjoy the discussion!

Thank you to Resonator for hosting us!

Thank you to Soonercon for working with us!

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