Art and business: Two-of-a-kind

By Nanette Light

When Cafe Plaid on Campus Corner expanded into the former Harold's territory last year, co-owners Farrel Droke and Rob Steward designed their blueprints for the new addition to depict a growing creative business.

And not one just dedicated to coffee, pastries and sandwiches on focaccia bread that melts in the mouth.

The cafe, owned by Droke and Steward for more than three years, has evolved into an art gallery, showcasing in its new addition local painters on its walls and singers in the evenings.

"We had the room and the inclination to offer a venue for artists," Droke said.

But the two were still surprised when their business was chosen for the 2009 Norman Arts Council's Business of the Year in the Arts award for the restaurant's "benevolent giving" to the arts, as Droke put it, at the Norman Chamber of Commerce's annual Fall Arts Luncheon Thursday afternoon.

The luncheon was created to highlight the importance of fostering a relationship between businesses and the arts and recognizes Norman artists.

"Food is art, too. You can't get away from it," said Droke, who is a member of and hosts the Songwriters Association of Norman at his Campus Corner eatery. "If you can do it, you should do it. The main thing is to make our community better because we all live here."

The afternoon's honorees included Jaci Williams as the 2009 Norman Arts Council's Person of the Year in the Arts, along with local Norman residents and artists: Marsha Ferrier, Rick Fry, John Marsh, Mark Krittenbrink and Don Sherman.

Jennifer Baker, Sooner Theatre executive director, who was honored at the 2003 luncheon for her work as an actress and choreographer, said she is delighted Krittenbrink, principal architect for Krittenbrink Architecture, was recognized for his singing.

The duo are co-chairs for United Way's Celebrity Sing, a charity dinner and performance. Krittenbrink also routinely sings and performs for community events.

"I always tell him he missed his calling. He should be on stage all the time," Baker said.

The luncheon also featured a performance by the Norman North Jazz Choir, who ended with a standing ovation after the group's swinging number to "Operator."

But community interest and funding of creative outlets isn't tied just to a community's quality of life. It also boosts the economy through tourism, drawing outsiders to art venues in the city, said Joe Hopper, Norman Arts Council president-elect.

"It's not just important. It's absolutely essential," said Droke, enunciating the "absolutely."

Baker, who following a background in theater, now heads the business side of the Sooner Theatre, said the two industries, art and business, are companions; they support each other.

With a taste of both sides, Baker understands the heightened caliber needed from both, noting the undercurrents that rocked her as she adjusted from the creative to the entertainment's polar side of numbers and long-term strategy.

Baker said her performing venue wouldn't be able to open its doors without the support of businesses, who in exchange receive public recognition for pinning their company to an arts event.

"People think you can get money from your ticket sales," she said, shaking her head. "We rely completely on our grants."

Nanette Light 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com