Tag: Uncovering Oklahoma Page 13 of 78

Reflecting on 2021

On January 18, 2022

Hello, everyone!

My view of the Opening Night 2022 fireworks

Continuing on what I started last year by writing my end of the year reflection in the new year instead of the last day of the year. For New Year’s Eve, I was hired again by the Oklahoma City Arts Council to live-stream their Opening Night event, but this time around, I only broadcasted the last hour while I roamed around capturing b-roll and photos.

2021 was filled with exciting client projects. Starting with the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, I live-streamed their Twilight Concerts for them during the summer again. For Oklahoma Contemporary, I filmed several videos, including some big pieces on Ed Rusha. I worked again with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art recording a series of lectures and art tours. Ran around with deadCenter Film for their festival, new office opening, and Glitter Ball. I got to be part of the media team for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute in Chickasha. I live-streamed the performances at the Asain Night Market Festival in the summer, which was so entertaining. Did a big concert video with Graham Colton in November.

I filmed a feature-length movie, About A Bear, with Namron Players Theatre. About A Bear is a mockumentary of stories and memories from the Norman community of the “bears” people have faced over the past 14 months during the pandemic. I also helped with their New Plays of 2021.

The client that kept the busiest was Exhale. The company plans to revolutionize lung rehabilitation with an online 12-week rehab program. I’ve been filming all of their educational, exercise, yoga, and promo videos, of which there are over 100! They plan to launch early this year. I’m super excited for them.

I think I covered all of my major client work in 2020 as I kept rather busy last year.

Before writing this post, I kept wondering why I didn’t do as much for myself, but when I looked at what I did for others, I feel great at what was accomplished!

Uncovering Oklahoma in 2021

I’m going to start with the biggest news: I was honored with the Governor’s Arts Award for Media in the Arts by the Oklahoma Arts Council. I feel great appreciation for the recognization of my work throughout the years.

I knew 2021 was going to be a crazy year going forward, so I shifted focus on Uncovering Oklahoma to film monthly episodes with multiple places. In other words, I did the series more like a travel show. Although I did some individual stories too.

According to YouTube, my videos got 48,885 views in 2021 with a watch time of 2.2k hours, and 264 new subscribers. Here was the Top 10 most-watched videos in 2021.

10. Oklahoma State Fair Food 2019

9. Winchester Drive-In Theatre

8. Great Salt Plains State Park

7. Guthrie Ghosts

6. Press Waffle Co at The Collective

5. Wicked Forest of Terror

4. Magnetic Hill in Springer

3. A Day in Bartlesville

2. Black-Owned BBQ Restaurants

Gathering Place

Tales Unveiled in 2021

For the fourth season of Tales Unveiled, Jeff and I kept the season short with five episodes. However, with a shorter season, we were able to produce our most interesting fictional narrative arc. Having Kristy Boone back was great.

As for the most listened-to episode at the end of the year, I’m Here at Flower Bluff Manor was the most popular. This was the episode where I captured a real EVP.

Minor Spoilers: The season ends with Geoff’s character disappearing. We do have some ideas for a possible fifth season, but there has been some talk that Jeff may be moving, so we do have an ending if that is the case.

The 16th Phoenix Universe in 2021

In 2020, I wrote a new short story pretty much every week while for 2021, I scaled back with longer stories, but once a month. For 2022, I’m going to keep up with the monthly stories. I’ve been enjoying building my fictional universe.

One of my most popular short stories was I’ll Never Walk Sutton Wilderness in the Dark Again, which was the first story where people asked if they could read the work aloud on their podcast or show.

I did continue work on my various books, including a collection of my short stories, which are in the process of being edited.

Top Songs of 2021

According to Spotify, which is how I mostly listen to music, this was my 2020 soundtrack. As always, keep in mind I will often put a song (or playlist) on repeat when writing or for inspiration sessions. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite song?

My most listened to songs in 2021 on Spotify

Plans for 2022

I’ve been going back and forth on what I want to share for plans for 2022, which has caused me to delay publishing this reflection. There are tons of content I want to create with the goal of building a studio venue. As a proof of concept, I worked with Janine De Guzman to get this vision for The Show Starts Now Studios out of my head.

Let me explain what’s going on in this scene. People are enjoying drinks on a rooftop pool-themed bar while watching a show on a massive drive-in movie theater screen. There are cars parked also watching the movie while people are entering the Earth-built studio to watch live productions. This is part of the entertainment experience I would love to create with The Show Starts Now Studios.

Getting to this goal is the question. I think I have a plan to get there. I’ve been putting all of these elements and pieces together, learning along the way. As of writing this post in January, the path involves creating an OTT service for all of my shows, movies, and documentaries. There’s more to the plan than having a monthly subscription streaming service, but I won’t go into those details. Though I will say I will be focused on adding adventure to people’s lives, so I won’t be directly competing against anyone and positioning myself as a niche add-on. As I’ve been soul-searching and figuring out my “glorious purpose,” everything needs an adventure.

Art & Victory and Yes! Science! will return. I’m going to give my art travel show, Colorful Escapes, another go. I got two other travel shows I’ve been talking to people about starting. I got educational content planned. There are card games (plural) in the works and so much more. I have some documentary films I’m putting together too.

I feel like such a weirdo/freak at times with all of the things I want to do and make, but this makes me happy. I just got to remember to pace myself and focus.

Thank you everyone for your support in the past year. I hope to continue to join me in my endeavors.

Happy Adventures!

Open World at Oklahoma Contemporary

By Dennis

On November 22, 2021

In Real

Open World: Video Games & Contemporary Art at Oklahoma Contemporary presents the work of artists who use video games as a catalyst for making art that addresses timely issues, including gun violence, migration and gender equality. The artworks in Open World reference a broad cross section of games, ranging from early text adventure and arcade games to more recent releases such as World of Warcraft and Grand Theft Auto.

In this episode, Artistic Director Jeremiah Matthew Davis shares an overview of the exhibition. Then he highlights works by Tabor Robak, Joan Pamboukes, and Feng Mengbo. The video ends with a tour of the learning gallery for Open World.

Open World’s immersive installation features three interactive artworks. The quiet, introspective game The Night Journey (2007-18), created by Bill Viola in conjunction with the USC Game Innovation Lab, mimics the process of achieving spiritual enlightenment, while Feng Mengbo’s energetic side-scrolling platformer Long March: Restart (2008) loosely recounts a significant event in Chinese history through 8-bit graphics. Retro gamers will enjoy Cory Arcangel’s I Shot Andy Warhol (2002), a modification of the 1984 Nintendo Entertainment System game Hogan’s Alley, which includes appearances by the Pop artist along with Colonel Sanders, Flavor Flav and the pope.

Artists included in the exhibition are: Ueli Alder (Hemberg, Switzerland), Cory Arcangel (New York), Alan Butler (Dublin), JooYoung Choi (Houston), Joseph DeLappe (Dundee, Scotland), Krista Hoefle (South Bend, IN), Invader (Paris), Butt Johnson (New York), Angelo Ray Martínez (South Bend, IN), Michael Menchaca (San Antonio), Feng Mengbo (Beijing), Joan Pamboukes (New York), Oliver Payne (Los Angeles), Tim Portlock (St. Louis), Tabor Robak (New York), Jacolby Satterwhite (New York), Skawennati (Montreal), Suzanne Treister (London), Nathan Vincent (Los Angeles), Bill Viola (Long Beach, CA), Angela Washko (Pittsburgh) and Mathew Zefeldt (Minneapolis).

Open World is organized by the Akron Art Museum and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The Tom and Marilyn Merryweather Fund, and National Endowment for the Arts. Oklahoma Contemporary’s exhibition is presented by Velocigo. It is made possible through the generous support of the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation, Delaware Resource Group, Anonymous, CNS Productions, Annie Bohanon, Christian Kanady, George Records, and Glenna and Richard Tanenbaum.

Hide and Go Bike

By Dennis

On November 16, 2021

In Real

Danny Vo, an Admin the weekly bike meet-up, Hide and Go Bike, takes me on a bike ride through Oklahoma City visiting his favorite people and places.

We start in the Paseo Arts District with a visit with Andrea Koester of Holey Rollers, a vegan donut/breakfast shop. Next, we visit John Otjen about 30th Street Market, which will be opening soon in the district. We ride over to the Plaza District where Danny chats with Kyle Hix of Hix Design and gets a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio. Danny’s final interview ends Downtown at his favorite liquor store, George’s Liquor, with Cody Wilson showing us what they offer.

Wrapping up the episode, I partake in one of the weekly Thursday night bike rides hosted by Hide and Go Bike. Danny talks about the chill bike ride session and what a ride is like for those interested. All bikes are welcomed!

I had planned to get this episode published way sooner, but when Danny and I were filming the interviews, I realized I had a flat tire and that I left my GoPro at home. Schedules didn’t line up until a few weeks later when I was able to film the last part of the video on Hide and Go Bike. I’m thinking I might have Danny guest host again in the Spring/Summer.

Thank you to my superstar supporters, Revolve Productions, and the Keller Kenton family, as well as all of my supporters on Patreon. If you love what I’m doing, please join me on Patreon for bonus content, early access to new episodes. There’s also an online store with various Oklahoma-themed merchandise.

Happy Adventures!

Wicked Forest of Terror

By Dennis

On October 8, 2021

In Real

Take a walk through the Wicked Forest of Terror as Brad and Stephanie Wickwire talk about their haunted attraction in Oklahoma City. Visit the Wicked Forest at 9420 W I-40 Service Rd or their website at www.wickedforestofterror.com

Although we didn’t talk about this subject in the video, I would like to note this is a woman-owned haunted, which is one of the few in the nation. They are also inclusive in their hiring of performers as they have a few people who are blind that listen for guests coming near them and then they would bag on big steal oil cans to scare guests.

When Lessa and I did a walk-through, the trail took us about 20 minutes to complete.

Thank you for watching this Halloween video. I’ll have a proper October episode in a couple of weeks. If you want to support me and get a cool t-shirt too, check out the Uncovering Oklahoma Store for unique Oklahoma-themed merch. Buy the Featured Haunted Mansion Shirt Design on my store.

Thanks to my superstar supporters, Revolve Productions, and the Keller Kenton family, as well as all of my supporters on Patreon. If you love what I’m doing, please join me on Patreon for bonus content, early access to new episodes.

Happy Adventures!

Awarded Governor’s Arts Award

By Dennis

On October 7, 2021

In Real

I am honored to announce I have been selected for a Governor’s Arts Award for Media in the Arts! Below is the full press release of the news. This is a huge honor and I want to thank everyone for their support and those that nominated me.

The Oklahoma Arts Council has announced the names of 14 individuals and three organizations that will be honored for their contributions to the arts during the 44^th Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Awards on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

The awards will be presented by Governor J. Kevin Stitt during a special ceremony beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the fourth floor rotunda at the Oklahoma State Capitol. A reception will follow in the second floor rotunda. The event is free and open to the public.

“The efforts of our Governor’s Arts Awards honorees are why the arts continue to inspire hope and resilience for Oklahomans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said. “Their commitments reflect the investment necessary to ensure the arts endure to meet important needs in our state. We look forward to celebrating their steadfast devotion to their communities through their efforts in the arts.”

Recipients are selected from submitted nominations by the Governor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee, comprised of members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council board.

The Governor’s Award recognizes longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts. The honoree is:

Barbara Smith (Miami)

The Business in the Arts Award recognizes individuals, businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. The honoree is:

Ambler Architects (Bartlesville)

The Arts in Education Award recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator, or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefiting youth and/or arts in education. Honorees are:

Ashley Wells (The Village)
Bring Back the Music (Spencer)
Hui Cha Poos (Edmond)
Randy Tinker Smith and Jenna Smith LaViolette (Pawhuska)

The Community Service Award recognizes significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. Honorees are:

Alberto Rivas (Lawton)
David Hornbeek (Edmond)
Dian Jordan (Broken Bow)
Donald Moore (Okemah)
Red Dirt Relief Fund (Tulsa)
Wallace Owens (Guthrie)

The Media in the Arts Award recognizes members of the media who demonstrate commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity, and professionalism in reporting. The honoree is:

Dennis Spielman (Norman)

The George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award recognizes Oklahoma government officials for their outstanding support of the arts. Honorees are:

Dr. Bob Blackburn (Oklahoma City)
Lonnie Yearwood (Colony)

A Special Recognition Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made unique contributions in support of the arts. The honoree is:

Harvey Pratt (Guthrie)

About the Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead, cultivate, and amplify the transformative power of the arts for all Oklahomans and their communities. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides more than 425 grants to nearly 270 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural industry, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma state Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.

HONOREE BIOS

The Governor’s Award

Barbara Smith (Miami) – A longtime public-school drama and English teacher who inspired thousands of students during her career in education, Smith became executive director of the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami in 2004 and worked tirelessly to raise funds to restore the theater to its original glory.

Business in the Awards Award

Ambler Architects (Bartlesville) – Founded by Scott Ambler, Ambler Architects has designed numerous spaces of significance to arts and culture in the community, at times providing work as in-kind contributions. Their work has included renovation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Price Tower; Ambler Hall, a converted performance space for concerts; and, Tower Center at Unity Square, a community green space for music, art, and local events.

The Arts in Education Award

Ashley Wells (The Village) – Executive producer at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, for more than 10 years Wells has been an integral part of the creation and success of Lyric’s free interactive traveling school program, benefitting students across the state.

Bring Back the Music (Spencer) – A community-based comprehensive performing arts education program for underserved youth that has reached more than 850 students in the community of Spencer and in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Hui Cha Poos (Edmond) – Founder and director of RACE Dance Collective and dance professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, Poos has partnered with local arts organizations to expand opportunities for students through diverse and innovative dance programs.

Randy Tinker Smith and Jenna Smith LaViolette (Pawhuska) – Mother and daughter founders of Dance Maker Academy, which provides ballet instruction in rural northern Oklahoma in the tradition of world-renowned Osage ballerinas Maria and Marjorie Tallchief.

Community Service Award

Alberto Rivas (Lawton) – For more than 15 years, Rivas has devoted efforts to the arts in southwest Oklahoma, serving as a board member and volunteer for organizations and events benefiting the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, community theaters, festivals, arts education, and more.

David Hornbeek (Edmond) – Principal of Hornbeek Blatt Architects, Hornbeek spearheaded the creation of a nonprofit through which he volunteers his time to support and facilitate the presentation of internationally recognized performers at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Jazz Lab.

Dr. Dian Jordan (Broken Bow) – Researched and compiled materials to produce an art exhibition and publication on the life and legacy of internationally renowned artist Harold Stevenson. A native of southeast Oklahoma, Stevenson’s mentorship of Andy Warhol contributed to the famed artist’s success.

Donald Moore (Okemah) – A charter member and steadfast volunteer for the Woody Guthrie Coalition for more than 20 years, Moore was instrumental in working with local leaders to secure land and funding to sustain the Woody Guthrie Festival and to build a permanent stage for the annual event.

Red Dirt Relief Fund (Tulsa) – A nonprofit organization established in 2012 to provide a safety net of critical assistance to Oklahoma music industry professionals, Red Dirt Relief Fund has provided nearly $340,000 to more than 650 individuals since its inception, a role made more significant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wallace Owens (Guthrie) – After a consequential career as a visual art professor at Langston University and Central State University (later the University of Central Oklahoma), Owens opened the Owens Arts Place Museum, the first fine arts space of its kind in Logan County, where in addition to providing the community with access to visual art shows, he offers opportunities for emerging and established artists to hone their careers.

Media in the Arts Award

Dennis Spielman (Norman) – Creator and producer of the online travel and interview series, “Uncovering Oklahoma,” among other video series featuring Oklahoma arts and culture, Spielman provided essential in-kind services to Norman arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling them to switch to virtual platforms for their fundraising events and other programs.

Public Service in the Arts Award

Bob Blackburn (Oklahoma City) – Throughout his long tenure as executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), Blackburn frequently incorporated the arts to illustrate important stories defining our state. Among his efforts, Blackburn helped the state’s public art program find footing under OHS before the program was transferred to the Oklahoma Arts Council in 2015.

Lonnie Yearwood (Colony) – Elected in 2015 to the Colony City Council, which appointed him Mayor, Yearwood has worked with the community to create a cultural development plan, acquiring several buildings, and reactivating them as art spaces for exhibitions and more. As part of his vision for Colony to be an arts and cultural center in western Oklahoma, Mayor Yearwood has overseen mural projects and a recent sculpture installation.

Special Recognition Award

Harvey Pratt (Guthrie) – A noted career forensic artist, Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho) is also an award-winning Native American artist selected to create the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Pratt’s memorial, “Warriors’ Circle of Honor,” opened in November 2020.