A Main Event

Celebrate Oklahoma’s finest art, wine and jazz music as downtown Jenks presents the 5th annual Art on Main.

Celebrate Oklahoma’s finest art, wine and jazz music as downtown Jenks presents the 5th annual Art on Main, Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join more than 8,000 people who come to Jenks to view the works of more than 100 of the state’s most talented artists, to sample wines from Oklahoma wineries, to enjoy live entertainment from world-renowned jazz musicians, and to savor great festival food.

Art on Main features thousands of artisan items for sale, including original oils, acrylics and watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics, black and white photography, wood carvings and lots more. Many are one-of-a-kind items.

Some artists demonstrate their skills on site, such as portraits, charcoals and henna freehand work, and some accept custom orders. You can get a little something to take home for as little as $5, or you can splurge on something special.

“The art displayed is one of a kind; it is a juried show,” says Annette Bowles, president of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce. A panel of judges carefully examines vendor submissions and selects 100 to 110 to participate in Art on Main.

Annette says that she is amazed at how much jewelry from the show makes its way under Christmas trees. After watching so many men make jewelry purchases, she decided to ask some questions. Again and again she heard how husbands would casually nod as their wives pointed out what they’d “love to have.” A quick beverage run is all it took to sneak back and make their purchases.

As wine production grows in Oklahoma, so does the interest in what these wines from a not-so-ordinary wine climate taste like. As many as 10 Oklahoma wineries will offer wine tasting and take-home bottles for sale.

This family-friendly street festival draws thousands of new visitors along with repeats who wouldn’t miss the opportunity to have fun and do some early holiday shopping. “There is positive energy all along Main Street,” says Melissa Wright, director of member services. “You see families, strollers, dogs on leashes.” The already quaint and charming historic downtown Jenks could almost pass for a European marketplace.

So of course that means live music too. At 11 a.m., guitarist and composer Joesf Glaude will delight the audience with his unique harp guitar. Then at 2 p.m., the sounds of smooth jazz will fill the air as saxophonist and recording artist Grady Nichols takes the stage. Both returning performers are from Tulsa.

New to Art on Main this year is a children’s creativity center, under the direction of the Tulsa Children’s Museum. This museum without walls travels to local shows and festivals with interactive exhibits designed to teach subjects such as science, health and art in a fun but educational way. Kids are welcome to participate free of charge. A Young Rembrandt’s section will showcase children’s artwork.

Art on Main is made possible by sponsorships with AEP-Public Service Company of Oklahoma, BancFirst of Jenks, AT&T, Metro HD, Bank of Oklahoma, F&M Bank, IBC Bank, the Tulsa Oilers, and a cooperative grant funded through the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Experience the sights, sounds, aromas and tastes from the best Oklahoma has to offer. Be a part of Art on Main, Saturday, October 11 from 10 until 6 in Jenks. Admission is free, and there is plenty of free parking all around Main Street.

For more information, contact

Art on Main

(918) 299-5005

www.myspace.com/artonmain