Dennis Spielman

Wizards on Western 2017

On November 15, 2017

Wizards on Western is a non-profit, volunteer ran community festival celebrating Harry Potter and the adventures of reading in Oklahoma City. Previously known as the Harry Potter Festival, Wizards on Western is a free, family-friendly event with wizard related activities and games, along with food trucks and vendors.

I went to this once a year event on Sunday, November 12, 2017, which was held along the streets of Western Avenue from 39th Street to 44th Street. Last year, festival organizers only planned for about 5,000 people turning up and got over 20,000. They received feedback for improvement and greatly improved things for this year. The second year of this festival not only promised to be fun for all ages but also looked to make a meaningful difference in the community. They had more than 16 non-profits that participated this year and hosted their magical activities. Many of these booths had ‘make-and-take’ craft stations.

In my vlog, I talked with Aaron and Maddie about what they thought of the festival. I captured a ton of footage, which I’ve included some of it throughout the video. I plan to make a video next year for Uncovering Oklahoma that will feature interviews with event organizers.

Wizards on Western was a magical festival worth visiting for Harry Potter fans.

OKC Outlets, Factory Obscura, and Hieroglyphics

By Dennis

On November 10, 2017

In Real

Last night was a bus with so much good stuff happening in Oklahoma City. The first thing I went to was a Media Event for OKC Outlets to celebrate their new look. OKC Outlets is Oklahoma’s only outlet shopping experience. The event was part of their relaunch with an unveiling celebration with property representatives, civic leaders, and honored veterans. Since their relaunch was just two days before Veterans Day, they made a donation to the YMCA’s Military Welcome Center at the airport.

Next on my list was the Abstract Passages Opening Celebration, which is a new underpass mural by Kris Kanaly. However, I tried to make my way to the event, but due to traffic and getting light bulbs, I knew I was going to miss the artist talk and I ended up going straight to Factory Obscura’s Shift opening. There, I was first in line!

2017-11-09 Factory Obscura's Shift Opening-14

Short Order Poems at Factory Obscura's Shift Opening - photo by Dennis Spielman

The waiting area for Factory Obscura's Shift Opening - photo by Dennis Spielman

Factory Obscura's Shift Opening - photo by Dennis Spielman

I filmed this video of my experience of Factory Obscura last night, which sums up how amazing it is. Later today I’m going back to do interviews for Uncovering Oklahoma.

2017-11-09 Ginna Dowling's Hieroglyphics-01

2017-11-09 Ginna Dowling's Hieroglyphics-04

2017-11-09 Ginna Dowling's Hieroglyphics-03

2017-11-09 Ginna Dowling's Hieroglyphics-02

Then after Factory Obscura, I went to Ginna Dowling’s Hieroglyphics 2017: The Spirit of our People art opening at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom, which is really cool to see at night. Ginna Dowling’s hieroglyphs are contemporary versions of ancient symbols. Using the simplest of methods — tearing construction paper by hand — she constructs visual symbols for important aspects of her own life, as well as the lives of people around her. These forms are translated into vinyl, which she develops into site-specific installations. In addition to creating her own forms, Ginna works with members of the community to add onto her installations. She finds that the simplicity of the process allows everyone to explore their own creativity. Ginna will be conducting workshops while her pieces are installed at the Showroom, the results of which will eventually become part of this exhibition. In addition, visitors can drop in during Showroom hours to create their own “hieroglyphics.”

When I was done for the night, I stopped at Target for some night cold medicine. While I’m here, I want to make a quick public service announcement: sometimes people aren’t talkative this time of the year because their voice hurts. They aren’t being rude. They may just don’t want to talk. Anyway, I’m feeling better this morning.

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum

By Dennis

On November 9, 2017

In Real

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum in Enid offers the opportunity for exploration and interactive play in an educational experience. In this tour video, Lewis Eggleston starts on the new second floor. The second floor focuses on the experience of living in and around Enid, with features including energy, health, and technology themes to help children connect with the world around them.

The first floor focuses on motor skill development, experimentation with simple machines and just plain fun, while also showcasing industry icons that dominate the Oklahoma landscape such as oil derricks and pump jacks.

There’s also Adventure Quest, which is Leonardo’s outdoor science playground. The three-story wooden castle features bridges, slides, swings, mazes, a water table, dinosaur dig, and tot lot designed to spark the imagination of the young and young at heart. Today, it remains the world’s largest community built outdoor playground.

I filmed this video during my Oklahoma Arts Conference trip. This is the final video from that trip. This video is also the final video for Lewis at Leonardo’s as he was moving out of state.

If you’re planning a trip to Enid, be sure to watch last week’s video on Simpson’s Old Time Museum to add to your itinerary.

Simpson’s Old Time Museum

By Dennis

On November 2, 2017

In Real

When you visit Enid, take a step back into the old west at Simpson’s Old Time Museum and the Skeleton Creek Productions Movie Studio. The museum and studio has a wide variety artifacts to interest anyone.

Love what Uncovering Oklahoma has been doing? I could use your support to keep this series going and growing!

Enid and the Oklahoma Arts Conference

By Dennis

On November 1, 2017

In Real

My personal travel vlog about my trip to Enid, Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Arts Conference. While in Enid, I visited local places such as Simpson’s Old Time Museum, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Creative Arts Enid, and Five80 Coffeehouse.

For the trip, I came a day early to spend some quality time in Enid, which was a first. In the past, I had only passed through the town a few times. I managed to film two videos for Uncovering Oklahoma on Tuesday when I arrived. The arts conference itself kept me busy the rest of the time as you can see from my schedule below.

Tuesday, October 24:
– Lunch
– Check-in for Conference
– Tour Under Her Wing was the Universe Site
– Interview at Simpson’s Old Time Museum
– Interview at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum
– Explore Enid

Wednesday, October 25:
– Good Morning, Enid! at 9 am
– The Fundraisers’ Forum  9:45am – 11:15am 
– General Session Luncheon  11:30am – 1:00pm
– Strategic Planning Workshop for Artists  1:15pm – 2:45pm
– Break  2:45 – 3:15
– About Amber Art & Design  3:15pm – 4:45pm 
– Opening Reception  5 to 7
– Edit Under Her Wing video

Thursday, October 26:
– Coffee at Five80 Coffeehouse  8 to 9:30
– The Artist as Entrepreneur: Business Model Canvas  9:45am – 11:15am 
– General Session Luncheon  11:30am – 1:00pm
– Connecting Communities through Film  1:15pm – 2:45pm 
– The Life of the Party  3:15pm – 4:45pm
– Go Home

I had a great time at the Oklahoma Arts Conference. The one next year will be in Oklahoma City, so I am considerating going to it again next year. I would recommend it to any professional in the arts field.

That’s it for this update! Stay tuned for the video on Simpson’s Old Time Museum (coming tomorrow) and Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (next week).