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ATTENTION OKLAHOMA SENIORS: Convert Your Home Equity into Cash! *

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Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School. AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Spring is in the Air!

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650 MANAGING EDITOR

And with it, milder temperatures and the glorious sights, sounds and smells that typically arrive in force in Oklahoma in April. For many, spring is less about spring cleaning than about getting out and enjoying the outdoors, exploring an area or place you've never visited before, or perhaps even scouting out some high-adrenaline adventure. If you're not afraid of heights and love adrenaline rushes, you might want to check out Sandridge Skytrail; towering at a whopping 80 feet high, it holds the title of the world’s tallest structure of its kind. The trail features six levels of challenges involving a variety of rope bridges, balance beams, zig-zag elements and more. The higher you climb, you’ll notice new layers of difficulty arise at each level. Make it to the top? Take your pick of zooming down the structure’s highspeed 72-foot Sky Slide (see related photo, this page), jumping from the 80-foot Rumble Drop free fall, or catching magnificent views on the SandRidge Sky Zipline as you fly across the Oklahoma River. (See related story, page 20.) Peter Levinson suggests an adventure of an entirely different kind in his column this month. Next time you visit a fine dining establishment with a true working chef, ask for him and declare, “Just bring me whatever you think is best.” You will rarely come away disappointed, he avows. When visiting new cities, museums and art galleries often can be found on my to-do list. In this issue, you'll learn about a new show running at Exhibit C Gallery titled "Purpose and Pattern," featuring works by five First American artists celebrating the fusion of tradition, culture and self-expression through patterns in art. The mediums featured in this exhibit include basketry, pottery, intarsia woodwork and textile design. It's well-worth the visit. When you've completed all your exploring or high-octane adventures, you'll probably be ready for a little rest and relaxation. In another article, you'll read about an architecture/interior designer/custom home builder collaboration that resulted in a stunning home. The homeowner is pleased as punch with her home, which isn't surprising since she was the interior designer! There isn't space to elaborate on everything in this issue, but I hope you'll take a few minutes (between fun- and adventure-seeking forays) to peruse this issue and learn more about the unique community in which we live and work.

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Kaylin Hill | kaylin.hill@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTR ATIVE ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Debbie Copp, Jerri Culpepper, Lindsey Davies, Kristen Grace, Susan Grossman, Kaylin Hill, Lacey Lett, Peter Levinson CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Kaylin Hill

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Now, go have some fun! JERRI CULPEPPER, EDITOR @CIT Y LIFE S T Y LE _OKC

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in OKC City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 Riversport OKC’s Sandridge Sky Trail

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Get Active ENT ERTA I NMENT

Curb Appeal HO ME + DES I GN

Chef ’s Selection LI FE + C U LTU R E

Must See A RTS + C U LT U R E

28 Purpose & Pattern

Events

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Culture and Self-Expression

Locals Only LI FE + C U LT U R E

Perfect for All Tiers of Adrenaline Junkies - Even Newbies!

22 Beautiful and Welcoming

Edmond Home Combines Features Masterful Architecture, Interior Design

26 “... Whatever You Think Is Best”

Looking for Some Culinary Adventure? Let the Chef Make the Call

Exhibit C Gallery Showcases Artworks That Fuse Tradition,

O N T H E C OV E R

A young woman laughs as she soars down the 72-foot Sky Slide zipline at Riversport OKC’s Sandridge Sky Trail. Towering at 80 feet high, Sandridge Skytrail is the world’s tallest structure of its kind.

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: Crowds gather for the dedication ceremonies and dedication Mass for the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. 2: Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City 5: Sister Marita Rother, Blessed Stanley Rother’s biological sister, sits with other family members during Mass.

CONTINUED >

C I T Y SC E N E

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

1: Oklahoma City Dodgers team president/general manager Michael Byrnes addresses the media Feb. 21. 2: Byrnes and Alex Freedman, Oklahoma City Dodgers communications & broadcasting director, discuss the upcoming season. 3: Media attending the preseason news conference and media event Feb. 21 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Photography by Oklahoma City Dodgers

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @CityLifestyle_OKC

The Importance of Tracing Assets in a Divorce Case Tracing separate property or assets in a divorce can be an important issue for lots of individuals. Take a situation where somebody has a 401k or IRA before marriage. They have put money into this account before marriage. They then get married. After marriage, they continue to contribute to this 401k or IRA. At this point, pre-marital separate funds and marital funds are being mixed. The parties then file for divorce. In these situations, the one spouse is often asking that the entire 401k or IRA be divided in the divorce. The spouse who had funds in these accounts before marriage argues that the pre-marital portion should be set aside to them entirely. And they argue that

C I T Y SC E N E

only the funds put in during the marriage should be divided through the divorce. The reality, however, is that the separate funds need to be traced out from the account. This often requires a forensic accountant reviewing statements and doing an analysis to determine the amount that was in these accounts during the marriage. At a minimum, parties may need to subpoena the statements from the date of the marriage to try to determine the amount that was in there. However, it can often be hard to obtain statements at the exact date of the marriage. In addition to 401ks or IRAs, tracing can be important for other assets like bank accounts, investment accounts, whole life insurance policies,

and other assets where a party might have built up cash value before marriage. In some instances, a party might consider having a prenuptial agreement drafted before getting married. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law, estate planning and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-8050595.

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Little Loksi to Premiere at First Americans Museum Oklahoma Children's Theatre's premiere of Little Loksi (Little Turtle), slated for 2 p.m. April 30 at the First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, shares the story of Little Loksi, who is having fun with his family, when all of a sudden, his world is turned upside down! Flipped onto his back, Little Loksi finds he must rely on his friends and family to help him out. For more information and tickets, visit FAMOK.org

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Get Your Modern Frontier Attractions Pass

OKC Zoo Veterinary Technician Honored

OKCMOA to Present ‘Art in Bloom’

Discover the energy and authenticity of Oklahoma City by downloading the FREE Modern Frontier Attractions Pass. From museums to an urban park, the mobile passport will guide you to the best attractions in OKC. The Modern Frontier Attractions Pass allows you to gather and cash-in points for prizes! Earn points by checking in to participating locations or by using a coupon on your purchase. To obtain your pass, visit VisitOKC.com/ plan-your-visit/trip-ideas-guides/ modern-frontier-attractions-pass

Elizabeth "Liz" McCrae, a veterinary technician at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians conference. Liz is one of only a dozen zoo professionals worldwide to hold specialty credentialing as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Zoo Medicine with the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art will host its fourth annual “Art in Bloom”—featuring floral sculpture interpretations of works from the museum's permanent collection sculpted by area designers— from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 14-16. Programming will be available for all ages. A new event concept, Bubbles & Blooms, will make its debut in conjunction with the event from 7-10 p.m. on the museum's roof terrace. For ticket info and other details on both, visit OKCMOA.com.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.

BR EN T GIBSON | NICOLE R ICK EY FOLLOW US ON

Visit BRENTGIBSON.COM to tour more beautiful homes. 405-340-1980 | 415 W. 15TH ST, SUITE 1, EDMOND, OK

True Sky Foundation’s Mission: Enriching Communities, Empowering Families and Serving Those With Physical and Financial Needs

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

When True Sky Federal Credit Union launched in the Oklahoma City metro area back in 1946, it had one clientele: the Federal Aviation Administration. Over the years, the not-forprofit, member-owned financial institution has greatly increased its scope. Today, True Sky is open to employees of True Sky’s business partners, immediate family members of True Sky members, and others who belong to or become a member of the American Consumer Council. Although True Sky has a long history of giving back to the communities in which its branches are located, only recently did the credit union formalize this commitment with the establishment of a foundation whose mission is to enrich its communities, empower families, and serve people with physical and financial needs. Julie Gamblin, True Sky Federal Credit Union’s senior vice president and chief administration officer, recently shared information about the fledgling foundation and its scope.

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Q. WHAT AREA NONPROFITS DO THE TRUE SKY FOUNDATION COLLABORATE WITH, AND WHAT ARE THEIR MAIN CAUSES? A. We have donated $80,000 in the past two years to Children’s Miracle Network; they have been very helpful in providing us with ideas and suggestions on how to continue to develop and grow our foundation, including grant opportunities. True Sky Foundation is still very young. We received our 501cs status in 2020, but due to COVID, we did not start our fundraising efforts until 2021. Our foundation has been a grassroots effort, as we started with a balance of zero and our employees have supported us via payroll deduction and by volunteers.

Q. CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS SOME OF THE RECENT PROJECTS IN WHICH THE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN INVOLVED? A. We hosted an annual golf tournament the last two years and were able to raise over 100k both years. We also hosted a food drive for the

Regional Foodbank, and our volunteers provided 479 hours of volunteer service there as well. We donated over 200 turkeys for the community for Thanksgiving. We gave out five scholarships totaling $7,500 to high school seniors for their education and hosted teacher shopping sprees so they could get supplies for their classrooms. We also supported ACE camp, a camp that teaches seventh and eighth graders about aviation. We also supported the World Credit Union Foundation with matching funds from our employees to support their initiatives around financial inclusion, safety, gender inequality and leadership relevance. In all we do, we draw on the foundation’s mission statement: To enrich our communities, empower families, and serve people with physical and financial needs. The foundation was developed to help the credit union better serve the needs in our communities.

Q.WHAT IS TRUE SKY’S PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? A. The foundation was developed to assist the credit union in serving the needs in our communities. Our mission of SERVE. EMPOWER.ENRICH is how we operate the credit union and the foundation. The foundation is the hands and feet to help support that mission.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE FOUNDATION? A. I was a founding member of the foundation and have served as the president and chair of the board since its beginning. We currently have a five-person board for the foundation and they have been instrumental in our fundraising efforts as well as supporting the foundation’s development. Sean Cahill, the current CEO of True Sky, was an advocate for starting the foundation from the beginning, and we would not have been able to start it without his support!

Q. WHAT ELSE, NOT COVERED ABOVE, WOULD YOU LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ON THIS TOPIC? A. We are passionate about serving and we can’t wait to see how far the foundation has progressed in the next five to 10 years. Learn more at TrueSkyFoundation.com

TOP: True Sky Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President and Chief Administration Officer Julie Gamblin BOTTOM: The True Sky Foundation hosted teacher shopping sprees so they could get supplies for their classrooms, among other outreach activities.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

ARTICLE BY KAYLIN HILL

RIVERSPORT OKC’S SANDRIDGE SKY TRAIL

Skytrail perfect for all tiers of adrenaline junkie needs, even newbies.

Riversport OKC's Sandridge Skytrail holds the title as the world's tallest structure of its kind.

PERFECT FOR ALL TIERS OF ADRENALINE JUNKIES - EVEN NEWBIES! There are so many options available for thrill seekers out there. Driving a racecar, skydiving, roller coasters. But Oklahomans might be surprised that we house one of the most unique thrill-seeking opportunities right here in the heart of our state with Riversport OKC’s Sandridge Sky Trail. Towering at a whopping 80 feet high, Sandridge Skytrail holds the title of the world’s tallest structure of its kind. The trail features six levels of challenges involving a variety of rope bridges, balance beams, zig-zag elements and more. The higher you climb, you’ll notice new layers of difficulty arise at each level. Whether you’re a new or seasoned thrill seeker, the Skytrail is truly perfect for all tiers of adrenaline junkie needs—even if you’re a newbie! Beginners can exit the structure when they have reached their limit and pros are faced with options to overcome obstacles they might not

G E T ACT IV E | EN TERTAINME NT

have seen before—making this a fun event for families, groups or individuals. Make it to the top? Take your pick of zooming down the structure’s high-speed 72-foot Sky Slide, jumping from the 80-foot Rumble Drop free fall, or catching magnificent views on the SandRidge Sky Zipline as you fly across the Oklahoma River. Learn more about SandRidge SkyTrail and other OKC Adrenaline Rush experiences, which also includes several types of water fun (white water rafting, flatwater kayaking, etc.), high-speed slides for the kids, a youth zone, a bike park, and more at RiverSportOKC.org.

RIVERSPORT OKC 800 Riversport Drive | Oklahoma City, OK 73129 405.552.4040 | info@riversportokc.org

A young woman finds her thrills on one of Skytrail's zip lines.

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

BEAUTIFUL AND WELCOMING Edmond Home Designed by Brent Gibson, Built by Adams Kirby Homes

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLIN HILL Amber McCullough loves every aspect of her four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in northeast Edmond, as well she should! Amber, an interior designer, collaborated with the Brent Gibson Classic Home Design (BrentGibson.com) team on the home’s floor plan. She started by providing the architecture team with a sketch she created on her iPad, then showed them some of the design elements she wanted to see incorporated. The home features a study, media and sitting area. Special details include a marble fireplace surround, a concrete Native Trails bathtub, Brizo plumbing fixtures and custom lighting.

LEFT: The living room looking into the hallway, leading to the drink bar, media room, pool and bath area. CENTER: The cabinet color in the pantry/back kitchen was inspired from a rug. Built with function in mind, it includes a warming drawer and extra refrigerator, plus lots of storage. | RIGHT: The master bedroom features a vintage seatee recovered in a gorgeous mohair fabric.

C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E + DE S I GN

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Home owner and interior designer Amber McCullough and architect Brent Gibson AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

“Stay true to yourself! Let trends inspire or push you, but don’t let that dictate how you want your home to look and feel overall.”

The outdoor living space features phantom screens, a pool and even a putting green for backyard entertaining. Phantom screens are retractable rather than fixed, hinged or sliding; instead, they retract into the wall or a recess, where they can be hidden from view. While the home features high-end finishes throughout, Amber says her end goal was to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for family and friends. For example, two kitchen islands make socializing easy during food preparation. Amber didn’t have to look far to find a custom builder, either. Amber is the exclusive interior designer for Adams Kirby Homes (AdamsKirbyHomes.com), a family-owned boutique custom home builder based out of Edmond founded in 2005. She is also the daughter of Adams Kirby Homes builder Rick Adams and his other daughter, Michelle Kirby, also a builder. “Adams Kirby Homes build quality, luxury homes, where attention to detail is their top priority,” Amber said. “We keep the business small so that we are able to maintain a high standard of home building, giving each customer exactly what they deserve and want when building their custom home.” In addition to serving as AKH’s interior designer, Amber runs her own design business, Amber McCullough Design (Instagram @ambermcculloughdesign). For anyone thinking of working with an architect and/ or custom builder to build their next home, Amber advises people to first educate themselves on design trends, but not necessarily to copy them. “Stay true to yourself! Let trends inspire or push you, but don’t let that dictate how you want your home to look and feel overall. What makes interior design work so special is that it allows you to keep creating, not just repeating the same look or design over and over—that would be boring! I love to mix different styles, materials and finishes in each of my designs.” Many people will also find it advantageous to work with an independent architect who will truly listen to them, as well as provide valuable advice base. “We have worked with Brent and his team for a long time,” Amber notes. “He is really great at listening to what the

C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E + DE S I GN

customer wants in a floor plan and giving them a really functional and beautiful floor plan layout and exterior elevation! “Brent has an amazing gift and is very talented. And he draws his initial concept drawings by hand, which shows that he is a true artist as opposed to someone whose work is largely based on computer drafting programs. His staff then generates the final plans on the computer. Clients are provided with color 3D renderings of the final plans. Brent Gibson Classic Home Design Founder/owner/architect Brent Gibson, whose work has been described as “classic” and “timeless,” has been designing custom homes for over 35 years. He came to Edmond in 1990 from Weatherford, where he had been active in design and construction since 1978. He has an extensive background in home construction, which gives his firm a leading edge in designing and understanding home construction. When launching his firm in the economically challenged 1990s, Edmond was starting to see a growth in housing. At the time, no one was specializing in class home design based on historically proven architecture—a void he filled by starting a Country French and English design movement. Before long, the style took off and quickly became all the rage in home design. Today, Brent’s team includes daughter Natalie GibsonFrancis, the firm’s new-home consultant. Natalie’s prior work experiences are in the areas of construction loan lending and cabinet design. Homes designed by Brent Gibson Classic Home Design can be seen in the newer sections of Nichols Hills, in Edmond’s Oak Tree and Iron Horse Ranch Estates, among many others, and in northwest Oklahoma City’s Muirfield Village, just-underway Camden Park and other neighborhoods where Gibson is the sole designer. Brent’s clientele list includes several celebrities, including Toby Keith, pro golfers Bob Tway and Scott Verplank, and Oklahoma State Cowboys head football coach Mike Gundy. Brent Gibson Classic Home Design is located at 415 West 15th St., Edmond. To schedule a consultation, call 405.340.1980.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

ever You “...What Think Is Best ” Looking for Some Culinary Adventure? Let the Chef Make the Call ARTICLE BY PETER LEVINSON

“Just bring me whatever you think is best.” I love requesting this from restaurant servers when I don’t know what to order. The surprise of what is brought adds to the dining experience. Even better than that, if the restaurant has a true chef working in the kitchen, I request the chef “make whatever he wants.” I have met many chefs who have come out to describe their creation and how it was created. Oftentimes, I have had the opportunity to eat something completely different from what is on the menu. So let me tell you the joy I had when I discovered a restaurant—Pachinko—with this option on the menu. Pachinko, 7204 N. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City (just north of 63rd Street), is one of the two restaurants over which executive chef Eric Smith presides and serves as managing partner. Pachinko’s menu, in the words of Chef Eric, “is constantly changing to take advantage of the unique flavors throughout

the world; even the most sophisticated palate will be delighted with the whimsical, creative variations on traditional Pacific Rim cuisine.” And yes, the menu is fantastic, but the best option to order on the menu is the “I Don’t Give A F@%$.” When you order this option, it comes with a consultation from Chef Eric to see what is off the table regarding food allergies, or please don’t feed me that. I have zero food allergies and will try anything, and my wife, Tara, is about the same. So, Chef Eric can fully “freestyle,” as he describes it, in the kitchen. Tara and I have partaken in this experience on multiple occasions, often with several friends to introduce them to the experience. No one left the meal disappointed or hungry. It’s an impossible part of the experience. The chef only stops bringing courses once you tell him to stop, and then you get dessert. To describe the entrees in my own words would not bring justice to the taste of what is served. So, if you are looking for a fantastic dining experience and you are a little adventurous, make a reservation at Pachinko, ensure Chef Eric will be available that evening, and tell them, “You Don’t Give A F@%$.”

Peter Levinson Along with leading the Levinson Real Estate Team with his wife, Tara, Peter Levinson also is an author, life coach and public speaker. He uses his unique blend of experiences and skills to help his audiences and clients achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

C HE F ' S SE LE C T ION | L IF E + CULTURE

A M O N G PA C H I N KO ' S O F F E R I N G S T O P : Wagyu Surf & Turf Roll with avocado and arugula R I G H T: PHamachi, Chinese grapefruit, compressed garlic, tufted potato chips L E F T: Pad see ew noodle, sweet potato puree, lobster, beef tenderloin and foie gras

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

Purpose & Pattern EXHIBIT C GALLERY SHOWCASES ARTWORKS THAT FUSE TRADITION, CULTURE AND SELF-EXPRESSION ARTICLE BY LACEY LETT

A winter sweater. A warm quilt. A woven basket to hold items in their own unique place. These are not just functional objects but beautiful works of art that require meticulous attention and time to create. The new exhibit, titled “Purpose and Pattern,” on display through June at Exhibit C Gallery in Bricktown, Oklahoma City, celebrates the fusion of tradition, culture and self-expression through patterns in art. The mediums featured in this exhibit include basketry, pottery, intarsia woodwork and textile design. “This exhibition showcases a stunning display of textures and patterns in various forms,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation. “Whether it’s beautiful wood inlaying, expressive pottery or ornate textile design, there is an expression of art to meet any art lover’s interest.” The exhibition features the works of Jennifer Berg (Navajo), Michael Dart (Cherokee), Tara Largo (Navajo), Lisa Rutherford (Cherokee) and Mary Wilds (Chickasaw). For more information, visit ExhibitCGallery.com.

TARA LARGO Navajo Artist and New Mexico resident Tara Largo uses intarsia woodworking, a form of woodworking where pieces of wood are carefully fitted together like a puzzle. Her work results in a stunning piece of art with depth and texture, despite only starting in this medium two years ago. “I fell in love with woodworking after I learned how to use my first power tool when I created a wall piece for myself during the pandemic. It was something new and exciting,” she says.

Image: Navajo Artist and New Mexico resident Tara Largo uses intarsia woodworking, a form of woodworking where pieces of wood are carefully fitted together like a puzzle.

LISA RUTHERFORD Lisa Rutherford grew up near her Cherokee roots in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a Cherokee National Treasure for pottery. Lisa’s art is inspired by ancestral arts after learning some art mediums are endangered. “I feel a responsibility to make sure these arts are preserved and passed on,” she shares. Lisa takes on new themes, technologies and materials while creating her artwork, including experimenting with new clays and stains. For her, art serves as a means of educating the public about First American heritage. “I hope that it opens dialogue and helps create awareness of Native issues,” she said.

Image: Lisa Rutherford, a Cherokee National Treasure for Pottery, enjoys experimenting with new clays and stains.

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

JENNIFER BERG Navajo Citizen Jennifer Berg fashions stunning knitwear that makes a statement. “My work is a wearable piece of artwork. It’s made to keep you warm, comfy and a conversation starter,” Jennifer says. “I love using wool and the textiles that my great-grandmother used when she would weave. Also, making items that take care of those I love by keeping them warm brings me so much joy.”

Image: Navajo Citizen Jennifer Berg specializes in wearable works of artwork meant to keep one wam and comfy.

MARY WILDS Mary Wilds learned how to quilt and embroider from her grandmother, while her mother taught her how to make garments. “I am so proud to be a member of the Chickasaw Nation and love having the opportunity to tell my family history through my art,” she says. “I continue to tell the stories behind my art so that I can teach all interested persons about my very rich Chickasaw heritage.”

Image: Chickasaw Nation artist Mary Wilds enjoys telling her family history through her art

MICHAEL DART A Cherokee National Treasure, Michael Dart specializes in Cherokee and Southeastern tribal basketry and contemporary fiber art. He carefully selects materials from nature to create his basketry and ensures that he leaves something behind in return for the resources he uses. “As Tradition Keepers, we were given a great gift, but also a great responsibility to be caretakers of the earth. We must do our part to ensure there will still be natural materials for future generations,” he says.

Image: Michael Dart, a Cherokee National Treasure, specializes in Cherokee and Southeastern tribal basketry and contemporary fiber art.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

APRIL 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

A P RIL 1 ST - 2 N D

Opening Weekend at Oklahoma River Cruises

A P RIL 1 ST

Wheeler Ferris Wheel Season Opening Day

VA RIOUS LOCATION S , OKC Choose between five landings – Bricktown, Exchange, Meridian, Regatta or Stockyards – to board the climate-controlled vessel. Take a seat or venture out on the deck to feel the breeze as you spend the afternoon admiring sites along the Oklahoma River. OkRiverCruises.com

WHEELER FER R IS WHEEL, OKC | 8 :0 0 A M In addition to the Ferris wheel, the event will feature lawn games, hammocks, food trucks and much more. Bring the family and ring in spring at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel Season Opening Day.

A P RIL 1 ST

2023 Ballet Ball: The New West

T HE OMN I HOTEL, OKC | 7:00 P M Join us on Saturday, April 1, to support and celebrate OKC Ballet at the annual Ballet ball. Dress in your Western glam attire and enjoy cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing. OkcBallet.org/Balletball

A P RIL 8T H

Oklahoma Brewer's Fest

CHICKASAW BRICKTOW N BALL PA R K , O KC | 1 1 :0 0 A M Sample a selection from over 100 beers released exclusively for the event from more than 40 Oklahoma breweries. Stop by the 360 photo booth and enjoy the live DJ, T-shirt screen printing and vendors. CraftBeerOk.org

A P RIL 1 5T H

Oklahoma Wind Festival

SC IS S ORTAIL PAR K, OKC | 10:0 0 A M Join Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City to celebrate the marvels of wind and motion, compliments of Mother Nature. This event is free and open to the public. The first 100 people will receive a complimentary kite. Enjoy a spring afternoon outdoors during this family-friendly event. ScissortailPark.org/Events

A P RIL 1 9 T H

Day of Remembrance

O KC N ATION AL MEMOR IAL MUS E UM, O KC | 8 :30 A M Join state and local dignitaries, family members, survivors and rescue workers for the Day of Remembrance at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Music, 168 seconds of silence and a reading of the 168 names will be a part of the ceremony. MemorialMuseum.com/Events/Remembrance-Ceremony-2

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AP RIL 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in OKC. N E I G H BO RH O O D

OR IGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Pravada

$1,650,000.00

$1,475,000.00

89%

4.2

Nichols Hills Add

$1,599,500.00

100%

4.1

Buttram Estates to Nichols Hills

$1,380,000.00

$1,350,000.00

98%

4.2

Rose Creek

$1,375,000.00

$1,325,000.00

96%

4.1

Sierra Station Sec Two

$1,325,000.00

$1,200,000.00

91%

3.1

Wheeler District Ph 2

$1,257,177.00

$1,261,129.00

100%

4.1

Alba Court

$1,200,000.00

100%

6.1

Cobblestone Park III Sec 2

$1,199,000.00

$979,000.00

82%

3.1

Fairview Farm Sec II

$1,125,000.00

$1,090,000.00

97%

4.1

Oak Tree Blks 114-117

$995,000.00

$932,500.00

94%

3.1

Abbey Place

$985,000.00

$971,000.00

99%

3.1

Villagio At Deer Creek I Repla

$975,000.00

$950,000.00

97%

4.1

University Add

$975,000.00

$950,000.00

97%

3.1

Grandmark

$939,000.00

$925,000.00

99%

163

Turnberry at Oak Tree

$929,900.00

100%

3.1

Pravada

$925,000.00

$915,000.00

99%

5.1

Oak Tree

$899,000.00

100%

3.1

Golden Gate at Twin Bridges Sixth

$889,000.00

$860,000.00

97%

4.1

Unpltd Pt Sec 11 13n 2w

$879,000.00

$820,000.00

93%

3.2

Esperanza

$879,000.00

$859,000.00

98%

4.1

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HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR S O U L M AT E ? ARTICLE BY SUSIE GRAVES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

For Some, It All Began at a Bridge Table!

Cherry and Ramona

Bob, Ruth Ann, Sara and Lu

How did you meet your soulmate? Online, at work, at a party? For some, it was at the bridge table! Fun and Games is a nonprofit bridge club that meets at the south end of North Park Mall. Scanning the tables lately, a number of couples can be spotted whose romance began there. Sara and Bob just celebrated their wedding anniversary—which may never have happened had they not been at the Fun and Games bridge table. Their story takes several twists and turns. They each arrived separately for some bridge lessons from F&G executive director Susan Williamson. Bob had a different bridge partner at the time, but Sara immediately

LOCA LS ON LY | L IFE + CULTURE

spotted him and was hoping to be seated at the same table soon. After trying out a few other partners, Bob’s eyes finally locked onto Sara’s—and the rest is, as they say, history. Ramona and Cherry already knew each other but were searching for a pastime they could do together and that they could do wherever (since they travel in their motorhome frequently). For many (including the famous Bill Gates and Warren Buffet), bridge is the sport of choice and a lifelong educational and recreational passion. Ramona and her partner enjoy Fun & Games because it offers highly competitive bridge games and workshops to improve their game. When they travel, they can find a bridge studio in many locales, meet new friends and participate in tournaments, too. Fun & Games bridge is offered at 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 2 p.m. Sundays— along with special holiday events and First Sunday Potluck Bridge Lunches. Games and workshops for all levels of duplicate bridge players are offered. New players are welcome; no partner required! Gloria Smith, volunteer partnership chair, can be reached at 405.659.7373 or gs7089@swbell.net.

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