JENKS ART PROJECT RECEIVES OCI AWARD
March 26, 2009
JENKS ART ON MAIN RECEIVES AWARD
The Oklahoma Community Institute (OCI) presented Jenks' Art on Main project with the Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award at OCI's 10th Annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference Tuesday, March 24.
To preserve the image and reputation of Jenks' historic downtown district, community leaders formed an idea to display local art in the windows on vacant storefront spaces. In the fall of 2004, the first Art on Main event was held, and the art show has become an annual tourism attraction and economic rejuvenation for the community, attracting more Oklahoma artists and visitors every year. Over 120 Oklahoma artists, wineries and musicians participate in the event, which showcases local artisans to the community
Jenks Main Street merchants have expressed that they see their highest retail sales of the year in conjunction with Art on Main. Julie Kastler, owner of Abbey Road Antiques, said she saw a 40% increase in sales in the month of October due to Art on Main.
Last year, Art on Main had nearly 8,000 attendees. Because of the cultural and economic success Jenks experiences from this art show, a grant has been awarded to community each year by the Oklahoma Arts Council to host the event. This show is also supported by the Jenks Chamber of Commerce's Community Foundation and the City of Jenks.
Community leaders in Jenks said they believe that art and cultural initiatives enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses, and contribute significantly to the social economic vibrancy of the community.
OCI's Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award is designed to acknowledge, reward, and share the great things that are happening in Oklahoma communities. Selection is based on the degree to which the project, program or activity has had a positive impact in the community, demonstrates the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and innovative ideas, and lends itself as a model in other communities.
Art on Main was one of two recipients of this award; the Ardmore Young Professionals Organization also received recognition for its community involvement.
The Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative Award is sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Institute. The Oklahoma Community Institute is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that has been helping build leaders and their Oklahoma communities since 1995. OCI specializes in community-wide strategic planning, the Citizens Academy leadership program and the annual Conversations on Community Renewal Conference
For more information about OCI's leadership awards, annual conference or other programs, please contact Amy Draper at adraper@ocionline.org or (405)208-8882.
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