By Robert Barron, Staff Writer
Enid has 600 arts and cultural assets that will be featured in an upcoming brochure compiled by Enid Arts District Committee.
Julie Baird, chairwoman of the committee, said the number was a surprise to her. The list includes many individuals, organizations and events that celebrate the arts, she said. Chairmen of all arts district committees met Friday and determined to design a brochure outlining the cultural and artistic assets in Enid.
“We wanted to identify those for people who are visiting and wonder about the arts, or attend an event, or call the chamber,” she said.
Baird hopes the brochure will be produced by the first of the year. It will not be a list, but it will identify the number of vocalists, musicians, actors, plus organizations like Enid Symphony Orchestra, Gaslight Theatre, Scribner’s Art Gallery and Enid’s museums, and events such as Tri-State Music Festival, Cherokee Strip Days and the Ethnic Indian Pow Wow sponsored by Leona Mitchell Southern Heights Heritage Center and Museum. All are considered cultural assets, as are Enid’s historic buildings, she said.
“It’s a step toward helping the community take pride in what we do have,” Baird said. “So often we hear people talk about what we don’t have, or used to have; we’re focusing on what we do have and making the arts and culture strong in Enid.”
The group determined the logical step would be to develop a brochure that can be displayed, she said, and is one example of the way all of the arts and cultural organizations can support each other.
Art and history work together, Baird said. If the people who are involved in the arts district think there are not many venues here, people who are not as familiar with the arts will think there is nothing to do, she said.
Jon Blankenship, executive director of Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber receives calls daily asking about things to do in Enid. Having a brochure that packages all of those events and assets together will help, he said.
“It’s a good marketing piece focusing on arts, culture and history. I’m glad they’re doing it,” Blankenship said.
