Contemporary Arts

This weekend is the end of the COMIX OK exhibit at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and they are celebrating with their very own comic convention.  ContempCon features the artists behind the comic book work that his been on display at the studio for the last two weeks.

Artist Johnnie Diacon speaking with a fan

I was able to attend yesterday to meet some of the artist, shoot some video and get some interviews for an upcoming project. Both the exhibit and the con highlighted the diverse types of art and artists that call the Sooner State home and featured how the comic book medium can include many different types of content.

 Interviewing Tulsa artist Melanie Gillman

The event included panels, demos, workshops, vendors, a cosplay fashion show and just about anything you could want from a comic convention but with a local focus.  Oklahoma has had (and continues to have) a large amount of comic book creators and cartoonists and it's about time they get their due.

Green Lantern from Tulsa's DC Marvel League cosplay group

The exhibit and the con are over this weekend but there will be plenty of chances to check out Oklahoma comic creators throughout the year.  I'm going to try to hit as many of those types of events as I can so stay tuned...

A Walk to Remember

Today is the day that Oklahoma public school teachers are staging a walkout at the state capitol in protest of low salaries and insufficient school funding.   So while I sit here in my bathrobe wishing them the best, it seems the best way to keep up with the protest is via Social Media.  Here are some of the highlights that I stumbled across so far:

@Jamiebh73 shows off his kid's ratty textbook which is only in slightly better shape than the textbooks of my youth.  I'm sure this book includes Oklahoma statehood but the fact that I'm not 100% sure is troubling.

@PhilBacharach points out that preparations have been made for the biological necessities that come up when any large group gets together.  Any good teacher could tell you that when nature calls you have to answer.

Former X-Man, current robot cowboy and native Oklahoman James Marsden hopped on Instagram to show off his snazzy new shirt and give a shout out to Okie teachers.

Protesting can be hungry business so, knowing that teachers don't get paid much, several local restaurants are offering discounts to entice famished educators.  Rep. Forrest Bennett (D-Dist 92) helped spread the word.

And, of course, if you're gonna protest you need to bring your strong signage game.  @TimothybBlack thought this one was his favorite and I think it's pretty good too, especially considering the pic from above.

Will the teachers get their raise?  Will Oklahoma text books start include the most recent couple of presidents?  We can only wait and see...