BY RICHARD L. FRICKER

Thus we begin a new orbit cycle around our nearest star, awaiting the newly minted, ultra conservative, religiously self-righteous, pseudo patriotic Legislature to convene Feb. 7 sporting funny red noses, floppy shoes and bicycle horns. This would be a good time to take a deep breath and enjoy the work of people who, perhaps slightly eccentric, are in fact sane.

The work of over a dozen artists is currently on display at four locations in downtown Oklahoma City as part of the Creativity World Biennale. First stop is the mother ship at [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd. Director Jon Burris has assembled these artists of global stature and elevated Oklahoma City to the level of Vienna and other world art hot spots.

The object is a melting of multiple disciplines and art forms into heretofore unknown or unseen displays. By using Untitled as the launch pad for the exhibit the show extends to three other locations in the Automobile Alley district.

Burris can best explain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHH_jSrijOg

A visit to the Untitled website give great detail about the works. This exhibit opened Oct. 15 and will run until Jan. 8 giving the artists time to get their work out of town before the Legislature convenes.

http://www.artspaceatuntitled.org/exhibitions/index.cfm?page=current

There are many aspects of the Biennale which require interaction. One piece is an actual 1,000-year-old Danish Rune Stone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdaT3TDbmSA

Unfortunately this exhibit will not return. As described by Director Burris it is a onetime only offering by people who make creativity a way of life. A little culture and creativity before the Legislature and the new conservative Taliban hit town may help things go down a little smoother over the ensuing weeks.

And, there is a bright spot even with the gang in town, pitchers and catchers start reporting on Feb. 13.

– Richard L. Fricker lives in Tulsa, OK and is a regular contributor to The Oklahoma Observer, providing both essay and video commentary [see Observer home page]. His latest book, Martian Llama Racing Explained, is available at http://www.richardfricker.com.