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PrintThe Blue Dome Arts Festival, Living Arts' annual ArtCar weekend and more spring art shows
Where to see art in Tulsa this month.
There is a reason why people call Michael Sager “the Blue Dome guy,” and the story starts seven years ago when Sager helped found the Blue Dome Arts Festival.
When several artists approached Sager about creating a local festival geared toward “the real population” rather than catering to seasoned gallery goers, he listened.
“I’d been a supporter of the arts in so many ways during the last 25 years or so and I just thought it was a fantastic opportunity to put something out in the streets to make people smile,” Sager recalls.
The Blue Dome Arts Festival has been an annual springtime tradition representing “all kinds of diversity in terms of the products and people” ever since, Sager says.
Although there will be many talents to observe, Sager is especially looking forward to the work of emerging steel sculptor Jonathan Harris and 3rd Street Clayworks instructor Jeff Wells, who will be hosting pottery demonstrations and classes.
This year’s festival theme is “Come Explore the Blue Dome,” and with artists, vendors and musicians on every corner, along with a specials kids’ area, visitors should be able to do just that.
Sager says he hopes that the community spirit of the festival will spread, inspiring attendees to create similar celebrations throughout the year in their own neighborhoods. The festival takes place from May 14-16 on Second Street from Detroit to Elgin avenues and north on Elgin to First Street. For more information, visit www.bluedomeartsfestival.com or e-mail bluedomefestival@gmail.com.
May also marks the return of Living Arts’ annual ArtCar Weekend. Starting May 13, cars, bicycles and scooters will prowl the streets with a whole new look. Adorned with artistic embellishments and coming from all over the state, these vehicles will be ready to ride.
The activities begin with a children’s workshop and conclude with a Rockabilly Ball, featuring a parade in between. For a detailed schedule of the sixth annual ArtCar events, call 585-1234 or visit
www.livingarts.org.
If art galleries had lucky numbers, then “5” would be the choice for the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition, which is hosting its 11th annual 5x5 fund-raiser at 5:55-9 p.m., May 5, at 9 E. Brady St. Each work included in the show measures 5 inches by 5 inches and sells for $55. A $5 donation is requested for entry. The exhibit continues through May 22 and showcases the talent of local artists of all media and styles.
In addition to providing original, affordable art to the public, the event also generates funding for the gallery itself. Proceeds will help keep the cost for future exhibiting artists down. For more information, call 592-0041 or visit www.tacgallery.org.
