Allied Arts

On December 15, Allied Arts shared the power of arts and culture with members of Rotary Club 29 at the club’s weekly meeting at the Petroleum Club.

Allied Arts’ presentation began with live performances from several of its member agencies.  O.K. City Chorus and Canterbury Choral Society members greeted Rotarians with holiday carols, while Cimarron Opera’s “Opera Idol” winner, Audra Faust, led the club in the National Anthem. Throughout the program, Rotarians also enjoyed a performance from Oklahoma City Ballet dancer Audrey Johnston and Glen Thomas, of City Arts Center, created a bust of Rotarian Meg Salyer, during the meeting.

In addition to allowing Rotarians to see, hear and experience the arts, Allied Arts’ presentation included speeches from business and community leaders highlighting the need for strong support for the arts in Central Oklahoma.  Mark Funke, Lyn Adams and Linda Haneborg each spoke about the impact of the arts on business and economics, quality of life and educational development.  Haneborg and Allied Arts board chairman, Ann Johnstone informed the club of Allied Arts’ upcoming annual fundraising campaign and encouraged each member to get involved. Johnstone also recognized Judy Love along with her husband, Tom Love, as the 2010 Campaign Honorary Chairs.

With so many speeches and performances, it is hard to pick one presentation highlight; however one agenda item certainly got a lot of attention. To serve as a presentation ice breaker, Allied Arts challenged three club members to try their hands at different arts activities while being filmed. Under the direction of skilled artists, City Councilwoman Meg Salyer tried her hand at sculpting, Rotary President Jeff Simpsen received a Philharmonic cello lesson and Rotary President-Elect Clayton Taylor donned tights and ballet slippers for a dance with the Oklahoma City Ballet.

In addition to providing the audience with comic relief, the video showcased the talent of several Allied Arts member agencies and illustrated the power of arts education. To see the “Allied Arts Challenge” visit Allied Arts’ YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/AlliedArtsOKC.



Allied Arts President Deborah McAuliffe Senner with Rotary President Jeff Simpsen and loyal Allied Arts supporters and board members Mark Funke and Linda Haneborg.



City Arts Center sculptor Glen Thomas with the bust of Meg Salyer that he created during the presentation!