Plaza Shopping Guide…for the Fellas

Since it’s December 22nd, now’s the time to post the Plaza Shopping Guide for Guys, because you’ve all just realized Christmas is Friday, and you probably haven’t gotten your special ladies anything yet. Well, here it is all laid out for you fellas, short and sweet:

Velvet Monkey: Gift Card. Get this card for the pampering of your wife, girlfriend or mom. For hair cuts or massage, or go all out and get both!

Necklace at Collected Thread

Collected Thread: Pretty, pretty necklaces. I’m a lady and I would love to get one of these. Simple and pretty-just like your special lady. Trust me!

DNA Galleries: Plenty of pretty jewelry here, plus original art to show you care? Score.

Lyric Theatre: Gift Card, or season tickets. Valid for many dates in the future. Fellas, I’m telling you, dinner and a movie? So cliche. Dinner and Lyric show? Classy, smooth and cultured.

No Regrets Tattoo: Tattoo or gift card. How else to show your forever love, than a forever tattoo, or the chance for her to get a forever tattoo? She’ll be forever grateful.

SHOP Good: Ladies love a guy with a heart, show her you care by shopping good. This retail shop has plenty of accessories, cute clothes and art that are sure to warm her heart.

Bad Granny’s Bazaar: This place is for the fella who really knows his lady. You’re likely to find a funny or funky gift that triggers an inside joke or special memory. Example: Buy a vintage record of a song that holds a certain memory, or a vintage Bridge game to remind her of that time you played with her and Grandma while snowed in all day. I can’t really help you find the perfect gift here, but try and use that left side of the brain and I’m sure you’ll come up with something and she’ll really be impressed.

OK, now get to it! There isn’t much time!

Artist Studio Space for lease!

Three Artist studios available for lease in the Plaza District

Geraldine Studios, 1609 Blackwelder Ave
(2 available with retail storefront)1,000 Sq Ft/$1,000 mo
I available w/out storefront 1,000 Sq ft/$800 mo
1 bedroom
newly renovated
Studios will be leased to artists seeking to live/work in OKC’s Historic Plaza District
contact kristen@plazadistrict.org for more info
Available Feb 1, 2010

link to video walk-through of one studio (all have different layouts): http://tinyurl.com/ycm9n4b

Your Plaza District Holiday Shopping Guide!

Ok, It’s Dec 10th, and in terms of the holiday season time is running out! It will be here before you know it, so be sure to shop local and support artists this holiday season. Speaking of shopping local, the Plaza District just happens to be the perfect place to get it all, and get it all LOCAL!

Check out my expert holiday shopping picks below!

Vintage at Velvet Monkey

Velvet Monkey Salon- So who doesn’t like amazing style, cut and color. Someone you know is bound to need a freshen up for the New Year, so a Velvet Monkey Salon Gift is a great way to go! Also, be sure to check out the Vintage Boutique in the back, packed with you-name-it vintage finds that are sure to be one of a kind!

Duffle Bags from Collected Thread

Collected Thread-While Collected Thread is packed full of handmade goods, I really adore these bags by Pansy Maiden. Perfect for a student starting Spring semester, or just your everyday carry!

Art Books from DNA Galleries

DNA Galleries-Usually I go straight for the unique hoodies and tees from DNA, but they now have an assortment of art books.Check out these awesome books featuring Tara Mcpherson, Scott Musgrove, Mark Ryden, Mike Giant, Camille Rose Garcia Xmas card sets and a hardcover collector’s compilation of Hi Fructose magazine.

Everything Goes Dance Studio- Dancing? yes please! EGD has it all, salsa, flamenco, hip-hop, tap, ballet–for all ages! Stop in for a gift card for your kiddo, your aunt or anyone who might be interested in taking a dance class. Take it from your’s truly, my hip hop class prepared me for future dancing endeavors…you never know,”Dancing with the Plaza Stars” anyone?

Lyric Theatre-Mom, dad, friends-pay attention here. My pick for Lyric is a gift card. These cards are forever valid, but this gift probably won’t be stored away for long. With a line-up like this, it is bound to be redeemed right away! Upcoming shows include Snapshots and Driving Miss Daisy at the Plaza Theatre, then Pump Boys & Dinettes, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and 42nd Street at the Civic Center! Great gift for anyone who loves theatre, or might enjoy being introduced to theatre. (plus fits very well in a stocking:)

Oklahoma Hoodies at Shop Good

Shop Good-What’s better than shopping local? Shopping Good! A portion of every purchase at Shop Good goes to a local or global cause! I’m really liking their new messenger bags, knit hats, and Oklahoma hoodies!

Punch bowl set from Curious & Curiouser

Curious & Curiouser- This place is named appropraitely, filled with curious finds and antiques. I especially love this holiday punch set. I found a great lamp shade I was going to highlight, but then I liked it so much I decided to purchase it. Sorry folks, first come first serve!

Felt Accessories at Bad Granny's

Bad Granny’s Bazaar-Well, if you’ve been to Bad Granny’s, you’ll understand how much there is to pick from! I really like these handmade felt accessories, which would make great stocking stuffers. There are also vintage ornaments to adorn your tree, but what I really love about Bad Granny’s is the assortment of records and books. They are really fun to dig through, and you’re sure to find a unique book or record that would really make a special gift for someone!

Books from Bad Granny's

JuJu Gallery-Stop in JuJu, and you’ll find art by local artists, all very different but all with a unique, colorful New Orleans style. From paintings, to small hand painted magnets…you’ll be able to find great gifts and great stocking stuffers!

No Regrets Tattoo- Diamonds are forever, but then again, so is a tattoo! Give a forever gift, a gift card to No Regrets Tattoo! Any of the four artists will be happy to work with your gift recipient, ensuring a quality, custom “no regrets” tattoo.

Parts & Labor-My pick here? There is a wealth of vintage tees and fashion, available for purchase and exchange. Don’t take my word for it, go make your own pick!

Interiors at 1708

1708-No gifts here, unless you’re interested in throwing a party or special event. This wonderful space is available for private parties, meetings and gatherings. Stop in and check it out, available year-round!

So there you have it folks, take some advice from a Plaza District Shopping Pro! Don’t forget to join us THIS Friday for LIVE on the Plaza, where you find all these great gifts!

Adventus:a city-wide art collaborative at LIVE this Friday!

Learn more about this upcoming art show happening at the Convergence Collective this Friday here

What is Adventus?

Adventus is a city-wide art collaborative responding to the season of Advent.

Christmas and the holiday season has become rather thin for our culture.  It comes and goes year after year without us giving much thought to what we’re really doing other than going into debt in gift purchases and thinking about our wish list.  We wondered if there was a way to call Oklahoma City to actually take time to think about this season of Advent, reflect on it, its complexities, as well as its beauty, allowing all of us to approach this time of the year with a new vision and understanding.  Adventus is playing out practically in two ways:

1) A Call To The Artists

We’ve called all local artists to take time to intentionally engage with this season, and then respond by creating artwork that expresses some of the things they’ve learned or saw along the way.

2) A Call To The City

On Dec. 11th, we’re inviting the city to see the variety of responses submitted to Adventus during Live in the Plaza.  We will be hosting an art show at Convergence as well as live performances (music, poetry, etc.) from 7pm-11pm.

A LIVE on the Plaza Holiday!

LIVE on the Plaza Second Fridays
December 11th, 7-11 PM
NW 16th between Indiana & Blackwelder

Happy Holidays! The Plaza District is the perfect place to shop local this holiday season! Give handmade, local art, local retail and find plenty of gift certificates for everyone!

Here is the scoop for the Holiday fun at this Friday’s LIVE on the Plaza!

8 PM- Holiday Carolers will be out on the plaza!
Be sure to pick up some coffee and cider outside No Regrets Tattoo!

Velvet Monkey Salon- featured artists, live music and holiday shopping in the vintage boutique!

Collected Thread-holiday sales & shopping

DNA Galleries-Featured artist Anthony TW Meyers. Each original work for sale is an illustation from his latest zine “the death of charlie”. Also, holiday shopping & sales!

Lyric Theatre-tours of the historic Plaza Theatre, 7 & 8 pm. Great chance to see the theatre and learn about it’s interesting history!

Coffy’s Cafe- open Mic night

Shop Good- holiday shopping & sales

Convergence Collective-ADVENTUS Art Show. a city-wide art collaborative dealing with themes of advent.  The show is 7-11p @ TWO VENUES: Convergence + Geraldine Studios (1609 Blackwelder).

Bad Granny’s Bazaar- holiday shopping & sales

PhotoArt Studios- 8:30 PM deadCENTER Film ShortSuite Screenings: Nothing Says Holidays like Family
These shorts explore with humor, humility, and incredible diversity the challenges and delight of family. Each film tackles our blood relationships in a different way, but stay tied together with the enduring bonds of family.  TRT 89min

Studio FJ- Grand Opening! Come out to see the new space, have a drink… and be ready to get your B-Boy on! B-boy Photo Shoot with props provided!

JuJu Gallery-9 PM-Live adult puppet show by Balcum Rancum puppetry “Mr. Pickles Birthday”!, holiday shopping and sales.

Chaparney- open house

No Regrets Tattoo-open house

Parts&Labor- holiday shopping & sales

Paula & Company Realtors- Wii Mario Kart Tournament! Sign up in advance, $5, contact 405-205-4492 to sign up!

Vote December 8th!!

Please vote on December 8th. We recognize there are many opinions out there, but the key to having your voice heard is to VOTE on December 8th!

The Plaza District Association believes that MAPS 3 will create a better city for us to live, work and play. In addition, we believe the impact of this initiative will spur further growth for our district in regards to tourism. Our association has been supported by the City of Oklahoma City, and our experience has proven the city’s leadership believes and is accountable for the prosperity of ALL areas of Oklahoma City–even the little 1 1/2 block of NW 16th Street. If you haven’t in a while, talk a walk down our little stretch of 16th Street. You will be able to see how the vision of our city leadership to invest in this area, the hard work of the community and the dedication of our city’s law enforcement have all worked together to create an exciting and energetic district. We feel MAPS 3 will create an even better example of the public/private partnerships that continue to make our city a place we want to live.

The original MAPS created thousands of jobs, encouraged companies to expand and locate here, and resulted in more than $5 billion in private investment. This has helped us weather the national recession better than any other city in America. (We have the lowest unemployment in the nation, and were recently named the best city in America in which to start a small business!)

This MAPS will set the course for our economy for the next 20 years, with a new convention center that will triple the economic impact of our convention business. Economists estimate that nearly 9,000 construction jobs alone will be created over the next 10 years in completing these projects.

Voting YES will create jobs.

Learn more about MAPS and the incredible impact it promises for Oklahoma City’s future at YESforMAPS.com. Don’t take this city’s future for granted, vote Yes on December 8

Tonight in the Plaza District!

ARTGALA: Fundraiser

LivingWellProject: Safe water wells in Pucallpa, Peru

Monday, November 30, 6:00-9:30 PM

Convergence Connection 1755 NW 16^th Oklahoma City, OK 73106

FEATURING:

*Silent Art Auction – Purchase beautiful pottery, photography, paintings or music for your home or a Christmas gift that will also give clean water in Peru.

*Music- Sons of Thunder, a local rap/hip-hop band featuring Vince Carter, ex OU/NFL will be performing their funky blend of rock, rap and gospel.  Talented contemporary folk singer Adelina Longoria will also be performing. Adelina’s new album “Finding My Purpose” features songs written for exclusively for LivingWellProject: and the cause of clean water and will be available for purchase.

*Interactive Global Gallery- Children will be able to experiment with the arts, music and international food as they learn about hunger, poverty, disease and the difference clean water can make in the lives of the world’s children. This will be fun for the whole family, with great lessons about culture and giving.

*PLUS Amazing food from Peruvian restaurant El Pollon & Café Beverages from Althea’s Vault Café & Bakery, including coffee, tea and hot chocolate!

There is a world-wide health crisis that stems from lack of access to safe water. Water-borne diseases are responsible for the deaths of 5,000 children under the age of 5 every day. This is preventable and you CAN do something. We believe that the gift of clean water brings help, healing, and most of all hope to those who have nothing. We would like to invite you to join us on Monday, November 30 at 6 p.m. in the Oklahoma City Plaza District as we celebrate art, music, Peruvian food and culture, all for the sake of clean water. All proceeds from the event will go to building safe water well in Pucallpa, Peru (near the headwaters of the Amazon River).

The LivingWellProject: was founded by students at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. We are passionate about bringing clean water, medicine and hope to the nations, as well as serving the poor, sick and needy in our own communities.  Peace, love and water.

Help the LivingWellProject:

Give the gift of clean water this Christmas.

For more information please contact the LivingWellProject:

at livingwellproject@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

Shop Local, Black Friday.

We just have to admit it…it’s that time. Holiday shopping is in full swing! To kick off the holiday shopping season, the Plaza District is asking you to Shop Local, Black Friday.

Imagine this. You wake up at 5 am, role into some grungy clothes, tip toe out of your house into the freezing cold. Your car is frosted, so you wait and scrape, then off you head into the dark, dark morning to….Sears. You see, you just HAVE to get the amazing deal on a power drill, an off brand DVD player and fancy alarm clock/ipod dock. Important stuff. You finally find a parking space, far away from the store and head into the madness. So, after you’ve ran over small children, and someone “accidentally” elbowed you, you hunt down your items. You can’t find the fancy alarm clock, so you ask a saleskid where it might be. He goes to check the computer system, which is frozen, so he points you to an area of the store, which turns out was the completely wrong place. You’re tired of the madness, so you wait in a long, long line…purchase your amazing gifts and head back in the dark morning to your car far away in the parking lot, and head to your home..in the dark.

Or imagine this. You wake up a 9 am, full of energy and excitement! The sun is shining! It’s cold, but you bundle up in your favorite scarf and coat, and get in your car ready to go. You drive through historic neighborhoods of Oklahoma City, admiring the trees and the last of fall colors. Then, you turn down 16th street where you are greeted by a little quirky district full of character and funky businesses. First, you head into Collected Thread, greeted by the smell of apple cider and Lindsay Zodrow knitting at her counter. The store is full of handmade, local gifts. You find a scarf for your daughter, some handmade soap for your aunt, and the cutest little baby shoes for your sisters new baby. You check out with Lindsay, and take your cider and cookies over to DNA Galleries. You’re greeted by the smell of hot cocoa, Amanda and her precious pup KoKo. In DNA, you find your nephew an Oklahoma Tshirt, your neice some handmade bracelets…and though you never planned on buying a work of art for your best friend, you notice a painting you know she would love. After check out at DNA, you walk down the street to Shop Good, one of the Plaza’s newest businesses. Inside, you find handmade goods, handprinted tees, accessories perfect for your friends and family. Plus, you discover that a portion of ALL merchandise sold goes to a local or global cause. You’re not only shopping locally, but buying is giving too, so you’re truly shopping GOOD! Next door, at Bad Granny’s Bazaar, greeted by a store full of curious and funky finds. You find some small funky furniture for your friend’s new apartment, and a vintage hat for your cousin. You spot a few things you’ll for sure be coming back for yourself! Then you head down to JuJu Gallery, greeted by Stephanie in her cute studio and gallery. You purchase some art pieces, and affordable art magnets as stocking stuffers. You’re brother in law has been waiting to get a new tattoo, so you pop into No Regrets Tattoo for a gift certificate! Lastly, you head over to Velvet Monkey Salon’s vintage boutique and find a vintage fur coat for your upcoming holiday party. Then, after completing a good deal of your holiday shopping, you head home for a lazy afternoon with your family and leftovers!

Now doesn’t that sound better? Join us on Friday, November 27th from 10am-7pm to Shop Local on Black Friday! 1700 Block NW 16th

Plaza and MAPS 3

If you aren’t familiar with the MAPS 3 proposal to be voted on December 8th, please visit www.okc.gov/maps3/, or www.yesformaps.com to learn more.

As director of the Plaza District Association, I really wanted to shine some light on the possibilities this proposal could bring to our district. Aside from the many benefits these projects will add to the entire city, there are a few that have the potential to become incredibly beneficial to the Plaza District.

Convention Center-We need a convention center. The opportunity to have large amounts of visitors spending money (downtown, hotels, food) in our city (and then leaving) is one of the greatest aspects of this proposal. When people travel, even on conventions and conferences, they will shop. What does one do before traveling? Well, they get online and search for things to do. I know, that by the time our new convention center is built, when a traveler googles “things to do in oklahoma city” the Plaza District will come up as one of the places to be. They’ll want to come to DNA Galleries to get a Oklahoma tshirt, or handmade scarf from Collected Thread. They’ll notice there’s a unique performance happening at Lyric Theatre while they are in town. That’s why the Plaza needs the convention center. Our district holds the local, unique flavor that visitors long for.

Transit-While it will be our job to get their attention, they’ll need to be able to get here easily. We’re lucky to have the buses stopping in our district, but the public using the buses are not the public using many of our businesses. While the first phase of public transit will be met with MAPS 3, it will likely not extend this far into 16th. It is important that the groundwork for public transit is laid, and that it is laid now. My hope is this will open doors in public transit to the plaza for the future.

All in all, the increased tourism generated from these projects will not only benefit the Plaza District, but the city as a whole. Many of the other projects will play an integral role in the further development of our district. While not a direct impact for the plaza, the focus on health initiatives associated with the trails, senior centers are so valuable for a state ranked so high in obesity. The cultural opportunities the park and river projects will provide are exciting-venues, public art and gatherings that will enhance the arts in our state.

I posted this blog for, and encourage discussion. Feel free to comment your ideas and views. Also, we will be hosting a MAPS 3 Forum on Monday, November 23rd with Mayor Cornett at 5:30 PM. PhotoArt Studios 1738 NW 16th. Please come to learn more. Feel free to email me at kristen@plazadistrict.org for more info.

LIVE it up, Short n’ sweet

So much to do in this action-packed LIVE on the Plaza, so I thought I’d make a short and sweet listing to guide you through the night!

Bad Granny’s Bazaar-vintage, retro, antiques and funky finds. LIVE music by Sleeper

PhotoArt Studios-Deadcenter Film Screenings. llan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family, by Bryan Beasley and Steeped by Peter Hermes 8 pm

Shop Good- Grand Opening. Apparel, accessories and more all benefiting a local or global cause. Live music by Gum

Coffy’s Cafe-open mic. Gluten-free and vegetarian meals, coffee and tea

JuJu Gallery- Grand Opening. Art by Cryptolicious Creations, Spiritual Sparkles, Felix Matos. Hosting book author Dennis McDonald. Raffle for gift basket

Chaparney-Art Opening with works by Don Narcomey and guest artists Ron Ferrell, Larry Pickering and Joe Slack.

No Regrets Tattoo- $40 Oklahoma themed tattoos. First come first serve

Parts & Labor- Open house

1708-private party

Paula & Co.-Thanksgiving dinner and open house. Kareoke after 9 pm

DNA Galleries-Featured artist Michelle Heimes McRay. Oklahoma inspired merchandise

Collected Thread-open house. Oklahoma inspired merchandise

Velvet Monkey-Live music by Asleep, Audience, Dream! 7 pm