In honor of the season, I wanted to share a recent letter from the director which thanks local supporters of Leonardo's and Oklahoma Arts. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

From the Director…by Julie Baird

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” Mary Dunbar

Did you see that bright light shining on Enid? It was truly incredible and ONLY made possible by a dedicated army of public servants who love Enid, not only for what is has been and now is, but for what it could be in the future.
The Oklahoma Arts Council recently held their statewide conference in Enid. It was called “Arts at the Crossroads: Telling Our Own Story,” and many of your local arts entities, including Leonardo’s, did just that. It was a wonderful three days, bringing more than 200 artists and arts enthusiasts from forty-two Oklahoma communities here to see what makes Enid so special.
I had the privilege of serving as local conference chair, but I certainly cannot take all the credit for its success. The process actually started eighteen months ago when Maestro Douglas Newell of Enid Symphony Orchestra submitted the proposal. His was one of twelve received by OAC, and Enid was selected based on his promise that the entire arts community could pull together to host. He was right!
There are so many individuals and organizations to whom I owe my sincere appreciation: Thank you to Senator Patrick Anderson for taking time to welcome the conference to Enid. I really appreciate President Donna Rogers, and the entire Greater Enid Arts & Humanities Council who were with me every step of the way. From filling goody bags, to staffing the registration table for three full days, you all made work feel like fun. Thanks also to Shane & Sara Scribner and H. & Edna Mae Holden for outstanding opening night receptions in their galleries. On Thursday evening, GEAHC joined forces with the Chautauqua Council of Enid to provide food for a reception at Leonardo’s. Thank you to Dr. Eve Switzer and the Groovin’ G’s, who were our wonderful entertainment. Gaslight Theatre and Enid Symphony Orchestra also performed “vignettes” on Thursday evening, and Enid Public Schools provided bus transportation between venues both evenings. Some local restaurants also offered live local music both nights. I especially appreciate local businesses who donated items for “goody bags,” including NWOSU, Continental Resources, Enid Community Foundation, Autry Technology Center, and TPI Staffing.
More than Enid’s arts were showcased during the conference. Dr. Ron Duggins of the James Strate Business Development Center at Autry Technology led a breakout session on being an entrepreneur, and Lew Ward of Ward Petroleum shared why he is so supportive of local arts efforts during a general session entitled, “The Arts and Corporate Citizenship.” Mollie Babb and I also presented a marketing session called “Matching Your Organization’s Creativity to Fill a Community Need, ” and the Scribners served on a panel about revitalizing downtown spaces. Enid has so much to be proud of and now everyone knows it!
What will the future bring to Enid? Now that we have all worked together to host a successful conference, I hope all local artists and arts patrons will continue to seek ways to support each others’ efforts. Maybe someday, we will even have a recognized arts district which will improve economic development. Now that’s something we can all get behind! Let’s all share in the privilege and adventure of discovering Enid’s special light.