OU Fine Arts’ Fundraiser Goes Virtual, Offering the Public a Look Behind the Curtain
For the first time in 30 years, the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts will hold its annual fundraising gala in a virtual format that will be open to the public at no charge.
Set for 6 p.m. CST on Sunday, March 7, at link.ou.edu/2021ArtsArtsArts, this year’s “Arts! Arts! Arts!” gala will showcase exceptional student talent and entertainment while also offering an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the college’s main stage productions, concerts and exhibitions.
“It is a pleasure to invite the community to join us for this year’s virtual ‘Arts! Arts! Arts!’ to celebrate our remarkably talented students and to appreciate how the fine arts enrich all of us at the University of Oklahoma and beyond,” said Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. “This year’s gala promises an unforgettable experience, and we are thrilled that the virtual format allows us to share our students’ creativity and mastery with a larger audience than ever.”
Over the last three decades, “Arts! Arts! Arts!” patrons have contributed over $1 million to the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, providing generous support for student scholarships, special project grants and other opportunities to enhance students' educational and artistic development, as well as faculty development.
A highlight of the evening is the third annual Arts Luminary Award, to be presented to distinguished A. Max Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre alumna Adrianna Hicks. Hicks, a 2011 OU Musical Theatre graduate, has worked nationally and internationally alongside many inspiring and well-established artists, including Jerry Mitchell, Michael Bublé and Heather Headley.
Currently cast as Catherine of Aragon in the original Broadway production of SIX the Musical, Hicks’ previous credits include the roles of Celie in Broadway's revival of The Color Purple, Dorothy in The Wiz at the Sacramento Music Circus, and the Fortune Teller in Disney’s popular Broadway production of Aladdin.
“I am extremely grateful to be honored as this year’s Arts Luminary Award recipient, and I send my love and gratitude to my family, friends and professors for their continuous support throughout my career and life,” Hicks said.
The 2021 “Arts! Arts! Arts!” committee chair is Scott Davis, an Oklahoma City entrepreneur and long-standing benefactor of the arts throughout Oklahoma. This year’s “Arts! Arts! Arts!” committee is formed by Joy Reed Belt, Helen Green, Debra Hubbard, Karen Mayfield, Sandy Meyers, Chip Oppenheim, Steve Pugh, Jackie Pugh, Chuck Thompson, Jim Wade, Max Weitzenhoffer and Rachel Zelby.
“We greatly appreciate the support of our exceptional committee, chair, sponsors and friends who attend ‘Arts! Arts! Arts!’” Holt said. “Their participation makes possible pivotal artistic and academic opportunities for our students and faculty, and their experience at OU is wonderfully impacted by these opportunities.”
Sponsorship opportunities and event information is available at link.ou.edu/2021ArtsArtsArts. Donations of any amount can be made at any time and throughout the event and by visiting the same secure weblink. For questions, contact David Barocio, development director, at (405) 325-7376 and dbarocio@ou.edu.
Adrianna Hicks, 2021 Arts Luminary Award recipient
Article Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2021