​​Agenda
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7:45-8:00:
Poncan Theatre – Pastries, Coffee, and Socializing

8:00-8:30:
Arts & Culture Overview & Economic Impact Discussion
Kelsey Wagner

8:30-9:00:
Poncan Theater Art History & Tour
Luke Garrison

9:00-9:15:
Walk to Ponca Playhouse

9:15-10:00:
Ponca City Arts & Culture Panel - Ponca Playhouse
Evans Children’s Academy/Poncan Theatre – Luke Garrison
Ryan Brown & Marlys Cervantes - Ponca Playhouse
Red Dirt Rosie – Mural Artist

10:00-10:15:
Break and Walk to the City Arts

10:15-10:30:
John McNeese Gallery & City Arts History

10:45-11:00:
Walk to Library

11:00-11:30:
Library Tour of Matzene Collection

11:30:
Load Bus for Rusty Barrell

11:45-12:45:
Lunch at the Rusty Barrell

12:45-1:00:
Travel to Ponca Tribal Library
Dr. Headman

1:00-2:00:
Ponca Tribal Language Discussion

2:00-2:15:
Travel to Sunny Days Murals

2:15-2:45:
Walking Tour of Sunny Days Murals

2:45-3:15:
The Alley and Placemaking Discussion
Ponca City Main Street

3:15-3:30:
Bathroom Break & Refreshments

3:30-4:30:
The Alley - Teambuilding Activity/AHA Moment/Evaluation
Kat Long, Theresa Sacket & Augusta Arling

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Meet Your Day Chair:

​​Mayor Kelsey Wagner

Kelsey has been deeply involved in strengthening the arts and cultural life of Ponca City. She served as Director of the Ponca City Art Center for two years, during which she expanded programming, built partnerships, and helped position the center as a hub for creativity and community engagement.

Her leadership extended beyond the Art Center into citywide arts initiatives. Kelsey join Ponca City Main Street as a board member, and played a key role in forming the Grand Arts District, a collaborative effort to celebrate and grow Ponca City’s creative identity through public art, placemaking, and cultural programming. She also was the community coordinator for the AEP5 (Arts & Economic Prosperity 5) study, ensuring Ponca City’s arts community was represented in the national data showing the economic and social value of the arts.
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A graduate of Leadership Arts Oklahoma, Kelsey has brought a statewide network and perspective to her work, advocating for the role of the arts in civic life and economic development. Now in her role as Mayor of Ponca City, arts still play a vital role in how she views community development. Her vision for Ponca City emphasizes that arts and culture are not only central to the quality of life but also essential to creating a vibrant, resilient community.

Read More About Kelsey's Art Advocacy

First Stop:
​Poncan Theatre

​History of the Poncan: ​Poncantheatre.org/theatre-history

​The Poncan Theatre is one of Ponca City’s most treasured landmarks and a shining example of historic preservation. Built in 1927, the theatre was designed as a grand movie palace and vaudeville stage, featuring ornate architecture, hand-painted murals, and exquisite details that reflect the glamour of its era. Today, the Poncan is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting live concerts, community theater productions, film screenings, and special events that bring people together from across the region. Operated as a nonprofit, the theatre not only preserves an important piece of Ponca City’s history but also continues to inspire new generations through the arts.

​Luke Garrison

​
​The Poncan Theatre is one of Ponca City’s most treasured landmarks and a shining example of historic preservation. Built in 1927, the theatre was designed as a grand movie palace and vaudeville stage, featuring ornate architecture, hand-painted murals, and exquisite details that reflect the glamour of its era. Today, the Poncan is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting live concerts, community theater productions, film screenings, and special events that bring people together from across the region. Operated as a nonprofit, the theatre not only preserves an important piece of Ponca City’s history but also continues to inspire new generations through the arts.

​The Ponca Playhouse

History of the Ponca Playhouse: Poncaplayhouse.com/about

For over six decades, Ponca Playhouse has been the heart of community theater in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Now celebrating its 66th season, the Playhouse continues to bring high-quality theatrical productions to the local community. As the longest-running community theater in the region, Ponca Playhouse has fostered a deep appreciation for the performing arts, providing opportunities for both seasoned and aspiring actors, directors, and stagehands to showcase their talents.

​Kortny Miller

Mural Artist

I’m Kortny Miller, but you might know me better as Red Dirt Rosie. Born and raised in the colorful state of Oklahoma, I fell head over heels for art at a young age. My artistic journey was sparked by the vibrant brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh and the dreamy landscapes of Claude Monet. Now, my style blends whimsical illustrations with bold, bright colors, creating pieces that radiate a playful charm and a dash of magic. As a mural artist, I’ve had the joy of bringing whimsical wonders to life all over the place, from assorted locations in Oklahoma, Missouri, and an exciting recent addition to Miami, FL, during the 2024 Art Basel. I’ve painted murals at various festivals and added my own splash of color to my hometown of Ponca City, where I created the first large community mural in 2020 (and got proposed to on a lift, no less!). I’ve also partnered with local businesses to make their walls and windows stand out with creative flair. But my artistry isn’t just limited to murals. I also pour my heart into canvas art and window splashes. My canvas pieces are where I get to dive deep into my imagination, crafting scenes that transport viewers to fantastical realms. Whether it’s a cozy corner of a storybook world or a burst of color that dances across the canvas, each piece invites you to explore and dream. And let’s not forget about window splashes! These vibrant creations turn everyday glass into a canvas of enchantment, making your ordinary view a bit more extraordinary. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a few awards along the way, with first-place ribbons highlighting my distinctive style. Whether I’m at a local art show or working on a mural, my goal is always the same: to reconnect you with a sense of wonder and to spark a bit of playful exploration in your day. So, if you’re ready to dive into a world of whimsy and vibrant color, if you’re ready to bring back the spark and dream up fantastical ideas and elements, I’d love to share my art with you. Let’s make the everyday extraordinary together!

​Sunny Dayz Tour

​Paige Powell

​Paige first entered the Oklahoma City arts community through the Paseo Arts Association, where she managed two galleries and produced major events like the historic Paseo Arts Festival. After five years at the PAA, she launched her own creative business while staying engaged in the district, founding Makers at the Market, a monthly First Friday night market that highlights local artists and makers. She currently serves as the Events Manager at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

A lifelong Oklahoman, Paige's work is driven by a passion for making Oklahoma a welcoming, vibrant and sustainable place for artists to live and work. She is a founding member of Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, Oklahoma’s first traveling mural festival for female and gender minority artists. Paige contributes her production expertise to nonprofit events like the Plaza District Festival, OVAC Momentum, and Uptown Outside. When she isn't making creative events happen, you can find Paige thrift shopping for vintage treasures or finding any reason to spend time outdoors with her dog, Lexie.

In 1988, McNeese founded the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and was recognized in 1996 with the Governor’s Arts Award of Special Recognition for his contributions to the visual arts in Oklahoma.