Eufaula artist Pamela Husky is among artists who will be honored during the 19th Annual Paseo Arts Awards Dinner & Silent Auction to be held Nov. 13 in Oklahoma City at the Skirvin Hotel.
The PAA’s Annual Arts Awards were created to recognize and honor those individuals who have contributed to the artistic creativity and well-being of our state.
‘The Awards were created to recognize and honor those individuals who have contributed to the artistic creativity and well-being of our state. By recognizing artists through these awards, we hope to strengthen the Oklahoma art community. We wish to thank all the artists, patrons, supporters, teachers, authors, collectors, and overall appreciators of the arts,” said a press release.
The awards dinner, ceremony and silent auction also serve as a fundraiser for the Paseo Arts Association, helping to support arts events and programs year-round, such as First Friday events, kickstarters for artists such as Paseo FEAST, the Paseo Arts Festival in May and so much more.
Pamela will receive the Michi Susan Award.
Michi Susan was an admired and accomplished mixed-media Oklahoma artist who was recognized nationally and internationally. She mentored and encouraged other artists and provided financial support to arts organizations. The Michi Susan Award recognizes artists who live in her same spirit and work to mentor and encourage Oklahoma visual artists.
Pamela, a fifth-generation Oklahoman, has worked as a fiber artist for 50 years. An alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, where she obtained her master’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis on art education, therapy and history, Hunt taught art for over 20 years throughout the state.
Focusing on a vast array of mediums, including weaving, dyeing, bookmaking, paper making, 3-D design and felting. Husky’s teachings have helped and influenced countless artists.
Husky has exhibited across the nation, including the BASF National Exhibit in Atlanta, National Intermountain Weaver’s Conference in Colorado Springs and the 108 Contemporary State of Craft, as well as throughout Oklahoma with public exhibitions at various venues such as the Broken Arrow Medical Center, University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State Art Collection.
OTHER AWARDEES LaQuincey Reed, Artist of the Year This award recognizes an emerging or established artist who has distinguished themselves and their profession during the past year.
Mary Margaret Holt, Lifetime Achievement Award This award honors a person who has spent his/her life contributing to the enhancement of the arts in Oklahoma either as an artist, supporter, arts educator or arts administrator.
Klint Schor, Public Art Award
This award recognizes an individual/organization that has contributed to the cultural fabric of the city with innovative and creative artistic contributions and/or exemplary commitment and leadership in the field of public art.
Clarence Long III, Emerging Artist Award This award recognizes an artist who has emerged onto the Oklahoma art scene within the past few years and has contributed to the diversity and growth of art and culture in Oklahoma.
Curbside Enterprises, Creative Placemaking Award This award honors an individual/organization that has made substantial contributions to strengthening creative communities, making the role of art essential in enhancing local character for positive economic development and community outcomes.
About the Nov. 13 event at the historic Skirvin Hilton
The Paseo was built in 1929 as the first shopping district north of downtown.
The curved, two-block street has maintained its Spanish revival architecture with original stucco buildings and clay tile roofs still intact.
The Paseo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The arts have always been a part of the Paseo.
The Elm’s home in the 1930s, located at 28th and Walker, was the first Oklahoma City artist salon and gallery. In the 1950s, Paseo had the beat generation and Jazz clubs.
The 1960s brought counter culture and its arts to the area. Formally organized in the 1970s, the Paseo Arts Association began the revitalization of the Paseo. Today, a vibrant group of artists and other interested people are transforming the community through creative thinking and arts activities.
Currently, the Paseo is home to over 20 galleries and more than 80 artists, all within walking distance. Intermingled with the galleries are fabulous restaurants, a vegan donut shop, shoe and clothing boutiques, gift shops, a yoga studio, barber shops and a hair salon. The Paseo hosts the First Friday Gallery Walk every first Friday of the month, rain or shine, from 6-9pm. First Fridays feature new work of studio owners and guest artists, as well as live music and a unique family friendly atmosphere.