Free concerts part of summer arts program's weekend celebration

The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute celebrates its 30th year this weekend, inviting former instructors and visitors to join in the festivities.

Visitors' Weekend kicks off Friday night and events continue through Sunday.

OSAI students, some of the most artistically talented high schoolers in the state, will perform free orchestra and chorus concerts. Visitors are invited to dinner with guest artists, a tour of classes in action, a gallery opening and a tribute to the institute with University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren, who envisioned the Oklahoma Arts Institute while serving as governor, and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins.

"It'll be exciting to have all the people who have been such an important part of our program to all be there together to celebrate our anniversary and to see our kids reaping the benefits of that," said Julie Cohen, OAI president.

LEGACY
Cohen said once visitors see students perform at Quartz Mountain State Park, the scenic home of the institute's lodge in Lone Wolf, they will never forget it.

"It gives you an opportunity to see what our students are getting out of this program," Cohen said.

The OSAI is a two-week residential school that provides professional training to Oklahoma high school students in visual, literary and performing arts. Former students include actresses Megan Mullally from NBC's "Will & Grace" and Milena Govich of "Law & Order."

All performances are free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-9000. "?Lauren Hopkins

 

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