61.0
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Dustbowl comes to Campus Corner
by   |  August 28, 2009  |  

Over 60 artists will crowd Buchanan Avenue this Saturday morning, selling their work at the first Dustbowl Arts Market.

Dana Fisher, one of three OU alums who organized Dustbowl, will also sell jewelry there.

“I’m excited to look down Buchanan and know there are 60 amazing, talented people getting to show and sell what they’re passionate about,” Fisher said. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere and fun event where there will be a little piece of entertainment for everybody.”

Fisher said she andco-organizers Katie Huskerson and Reese Truesdell wanted somewhere locals could sell art.

“My motivation behind organizing the festival was to make a cool atmosphere to sell items such as jewelry and things that I make, but also to create a marketplace where artists can showcase their creativity and talent,” Fisher said. “We even have someone who will be selling handmade drums.”

Artists will sell pottery, painting, photography, jewelry, prints, clothing and accessories, among other items, according to the Dustbowl Arts Market’s website. Items will range from $5 to over $100. Live music will feature Ryan Lindsey, Gentle Ghosts, Jacob Abello, Brad Fielder and Zach Winters. Crafts and face painting will be offered for children at a kid’s corner.

Fisher said the Campus Corner Merchants Association sponsored Dustbowl and will close off Buchanan Avenue. Association President Helen Wolney said they like sponsoring art shows.

“I personally like the local artists and their creativeness, and different forms of art, whether it’s jewelry or painting,” Wolney said. “I’m really into that. I’m looking forward to see what they have to offer.”

Wolney said many students might be interested in Dustbowl.

“I think it’s student-friendly and the students are right across the street,” Wolney said. “I think students will be into the local bands.”

Lana Williams, who graduated last May with a degree in studio art, will sell paintings, skirts, and post cards.

“I’m looking forward to it finally being here,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to all the people coming out and the live music.”

Williams said the Dustbowl Arts Market will be a good opportunity to check out paintings and jewelry.

“It’s just another good community event that will be fun for OU students to participate and come check out,” Williams said.

Clinton Bowman, an Oklahoma City artist whose work will be featured in the Smithsonian from September to January, will sell photography at Dustbowl.

“I like how the festival is geared toward a younger audience,” Bowman said. “My art is youthful, abstract, and postmodern. Hopefully this will be a forum where people can appreciate it.”

Bowman said he is ready for big crowds.

“I’m sort of excited to see what the turnout is going to be like,” Bowman said. “I’m excited for the exposure for myself and other people as well. It’s a really nice transition to a different demographic. The organizers are doing something for art in a different context. That in itself is pretty awesome and romantic.”

Bowman said he couldn’t see why a student wouldn’t come out and support local artists.

“There’s no football going on, it’s something different, there’s going to be good music, right near campus, and hopefully it’s not too hot and rainy,” Bowman said. “It’s an opportunity to go out and do different things and see what people in their community are producing.

Dana Smith said she hopes Dustbowl becomes an annual event where artists can showcase and sell their work.

“We hope to give people an outlet for what they’re creating,” Smith said. “Hopefully it will create awareness throughout the community about the local artists and handmade crafters.”

Helen Wolney said she hopes people come, rain or shine.

“We’re hoping if this event goes well, we’ll have one in the spring,” Wolney said.

Smith said the Dustbowl Arts Market will be a great way to join Norman’s heartbeat.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and fun event where there will be a little piece of entertainment for everybody,” Smith said. “It’s a one day event and we don’t want people to miss out on it.”

The arts market will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Live music will play 2 p.m to 10 p.m..

Comments

The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts about this article. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or straying from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of OUDaily.com. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register