(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 11/12/12) – The Okla. chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will host the second annual Art in the Heartland show at Oklahoma City University on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. This art show is also hosted by the Oklahoma City University (OCU) chapter of Muslim Student Organization (MSO), and serves as an opportunity for Oklahoma Muslim artists to showcase their work, express their identities as both Oklahomans and Muslims, and create a space for broader dialogue within the arts community.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 / Open Gallery 1-4PM; Reception 7-9PM
WHERE: Wanda Bass Atrium, Oklahoma City University
CONTACT: CAIR-OK Operations Coordinator Jenell Mapp-Maynard, 405-415-6851, jmaynard@cair.com; CAIR-OK Communications Director Jillian Holzbauer-Frazier, 918-261-2303, jholzbauer@cair.com
SEE: Art in the Heartland Artist Lineup http://www.cairoklahoma.com/event/art_in_the_heartland.html
Art in the Heartland is a local initiative inspired by cultural diversity and Islam in Oklahoma, and offers an outlet for Oklahoma Muslims to combat stereotypes through creative expression. The participating artists hail from Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and Stillwater, and represent a true crossroads of the Oklahoma Muslim community, spanning a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages. This diversity is reflected in their artwork, as this year’s participants engage art through photography, painting, music, textiles, and more.
“My photography gives an insight into my life and my identity as an American Muslim,” said Norman-based photographer Nadia Martinez. “Living in Oklahoma my whole life, I am drawn to its unique features, hidden beauties, and diverse communities. I use my photography to convey the compassion and fun we have in the Oklahoma Muslim community, as well as to express Islam as the beautiful and peaceful religion that it is.”
This year marks the second year MSO and CAIR-OK have teamed up on Art in the Heartland. “Last year this event showcased a great blend of wonderful Oklahoma artists with beautiful Islamic art,” said MSO chapter president Samer Abdelkader. “This is an important event because it allows Muslims and those of other faiths to experience a perspective of Islam in Oklahoma and the Midwest which is not often seen. “ Wednesday’s event will kick off with an open gallery showing from 1-4PM, and an artists’ reception will take place from 7-9PM. CAIR-OK plans to take the show to Tulsa in spring 2013.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Operations Coordinator Jenell Mapp-Maynard, 405-415-6851, jmaynard@cair.com; CAIR-OK Communications Director Jillian Holzbauer-Frazier, 918-261-2303, jholzbauer@cair.com; CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com