NORMAN — Norman artists are revealing the secrets to their masterpieces today during Norman Open Studios.
The event, presented by Norman Arts Council, gives the community a behind-the-scenes look at how and where 27 local artists work.
Bill Boettcher, Norman sculptor, will open his two private studios — paintings and sculptures — in hopes of giving the public an insider’s perspective on art.
“I hope they appreciate art more, and I also hope they get a feeling for what it takes to do this. This doesn’t just happen. This is work,” he said. “I come from a background of working-class people, and I feel like at the end of the day, I’m supposed to be dirty and tired. And at the end of the day, I’m dirty and tired.”
Boettcher, along with the rest of the artists, enjoyed an opening reception during the 2nd Friday Circuit of Art at MAINSITE Contemporary Art gallery featuring work from all of the artists.
Seventeen studios — most of them located in or near downtown Norman — will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Visit www.normanarts.org for a full list of participating artist studios and addresses.
An after party will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at MAINSITE, 122 E. Main St. The party is free for Norman Open Studios artists and $5 for the public.
Norman Arts Council Associate Director Josh Lunsford said the only requirements to participate in the event was to be an artist and to live in Norman. The range of artists represented is a good representation of Norman.
“It kind of shows where the art is in Norman,” he said.
It being the first event, Lunsford said he hopes Norman Open Studios leads to further community art appreciation, support and initiatives.
“And then, if there are artists living in the city, there’s more money coming into the city, there’s more tourism — there’s more everything,” he said about supporting the arts. “I think when you have that appreciation for what it takes to be an artist, then I think it’s easier to support it.”
Norman Arts Council Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan said the council has plans on making the event annual.
“This is the kind of thing that would grow each year,” she said. “There are so many artists in Norman, this is the perfect place to do something like this.”
Hannah Cruz 366-3533 hcruz@normantranscript.com
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