NORMAN, OK - Peru and Oklahoma might not share many commonalities on the surface, but if you look a little closer, you'll find some common threads, namely, a deep appreciation for the unbridled beauty and majesty of the horse.
Entre huellas y arenas - translating to "hoofprints in the sand" - is a collection of 37 bold photographs exploring the magnificence of Peru's horses opening at MAINSITE Contemporary Art on Friday, March 8 with a gallery talk scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by an opening reception.
The exhibition features the work of two Peruvian artists: Sandra Cannock Graña and Alejandra Iturrizaga. The Peruvian Paso and Arabian horse breeds are highlighted, each photograph exposing the features and differences between the two.
The Norman Arts Council worked with Mocy Munoz (of Mocy Productions) and Honorary Consulate of Peru in the State of Oklahoma Enrique Villar Gambetta to arrange the exhibit's debut in Oklahoma, which aims to travel across the country in hopes of promoting the cultural values of Peru.
Accompanying the show is the publication of a hardcover book -
featuring the photos on display - that will be available for sale at
MAINSITE. 
The work of Norman Arts Council Individual Artist Award winner Craig Swan will be on display in The Library.
Swan, who comes to Norman by way of Boston, says his work "has always been the product of tempering sweat-drenched aggression into something beautiful." His show will combine street-art styled images, woodcarving and paint into final works that reside somewhere between figuration and abstraction.
Swan also has recently completed two works for The Norman Public Arts Board, Sun Dial (installed this past fall at the corner of W. Main and Webster) and Ziggy Starduck, a tribute to David Bowie as a part of PAB's ongoing Duck Project.
The opening reception will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, February 8 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art in conjunction with February's 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. The exhibit will run through March 16 with a closing reception on Friday, March 8 from 6 to 10 p.m.
For further information on Entre huellas y arenas, to arrange to speak with one of the artists or to request high-resolution images, please contact Joshua Boydston at joshb@normanarts.org.