All too often, Norman residents are heard claiming the town offers nothing to do at night. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This town has taken great strides lately to improve not only living conditions, but culture as well. With all the traditional events and new additions, Norman has more to offer than most other Oklahoma towns.
In 2006, Norman began working to preserve the culture and revive the arts with the creation of an arts district. Shortly after, the city commissioned the Norman Public Arts Board to create long-term goals for art and culture in the city.
Both the Norman Public Arts Board and the Norman Arts Council have been successful in their endeavors to create a thriving community of art.
Norman is a shining example to not only the rest of Oklahoma, but also to the entire country, of outstanding cultural diversity in the form of art.
Throughout the state, Norman is known as the “city of festivals.” The city offers 25 festivals and events throughout the year, each one of which showcases the success of our local art and culture.
The Chocolate Festival, held each February, exhibits culinary arts from area restaurants and is ranked third among food festivals in the country by the Food Network.
While so many people choose chain restaurants when they dine, this festival provides a look at some premier talent from local chefs and restaurateurs, encouraging citizens to try something different.
For more than 25 years, the festival has supported local arts at the Firehouse Arts Center. The center promotes art among community citizens, especially children, by offering numerous classes and showcasing their works. The Norman Arts Council should be honored for its exemplary commitment to promoting arts and culture among children in the community.
Their arts education program is working to not only get students involved with art at a young age, but also to train teachers in arts education by bringing in local artists.
This vital program in our community should be used as an example across the state.
In addition to the promotion of arts among Norman children, the city has worked to bring it to the spotlight amongst adults.
The creation of a weekend-art night is not only a promotion of art, but also a great way to spend a Friday night. Whether you are looking for gallery openings, live music, wine tastings or a date night on the town, the Second Friday Circuit of Art is one of the best programs the city offers.
Patrons can join the Norman Arts Council the second Friday of each month for a sample of local art. CART trolleys chauffeur people along the route through both the Downtown and Campus arts districts. The numerous stops offer extended gallery hours, late night chocolates, local bands and public art.
The council fosters a great relationship with OU by including the Campus Arts District in the event. Numerous events, as well as both museums on campus, are included in the listings publicized by the Norman Arts Council.
The council recognizes that OU houses a significant collection of art that adds a rich piece of culture to the city. Recently, Norman has made strides in other areas. The Norman Music Festival made a statement to the entire state when it debuted with more than 15,000 attendees.
This new event is a benchmark that establishes Norman as an outstanding hub for live music, while offering an entire weekend of fun filled events for residents and tourists.
In addition to the music festival, the council has built on its relationship with OU by featuring several of the university’s music performances. The Norman Arts Council also features many of the theater and dance shows.
The city also offers its own theater, with a full schedule of performances. The Sooner Theater on Main Street presents plays, music and movies to please all audiences. With all Norman has to offer, no one should say they have nothing to do any given night.
-Elise Johnston is a psychology junior.
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Bubba 3 years, 3 months ago
It's fun to go to Sooner Theater and strain to see the performers past all of the empty "gold circle" seats. The Sooner Theater panders to white burgeois Christian Norman, like most art venues in Norman. There's plenty to do in Norman if you want to be honked out. How many times can one be thrilled by Patsy Cline and Grease "yawn". Otherwise, stay on campus, where the arts are extremely culturally diverse.
-Bubba