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Momentum Experience the forefront of Oklahoma’s artistic talent at Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still, presented by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. The multimedia event will be held March 1-2, 2013 from 8 pm – Midnight at 50 Penn Place, 1900 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. 
Momentum 2013
It’s one of the hippest art events of the year, boasting works from the youngest artists in Oklahoma, full of conceptually-constructed sculptures and traditional photography to uniquely-crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry, not to mention some outstanding works in a variety of paint types. We’re talking about Momentum of course, happening this Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2 at 50 Penn Place.
“Momentum was created to give Oklahoma’s young artists a venue designed just for them, allowing them to gain experience in exhibiting their work, interacting with the public, and submitting to juried exhibitions,” Kelsey Karper, Associate Director of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition explained. “Momentum began twelve years ago when the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition gathered a group of young artists and volunteers, asking them to help design an event that would feature young artists and give them the experience they need to move forward with their artistic careers.”
“This will be the 12th year of Momentum,” Karper said. “While it has grown tremendously over the years in numbers of attendees and artists, each year is very different from the last thanks to the featured artists and our committee of volunteers who create the atmosphere of the event.”
One of the things I love most about Momentum is that you really don’t know what to expect
In 2008 OVAC (Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition) added the Momentum Spotlight, which has grown into a core component of the show.
“Artists submit proposals in advance for new work they’d like to make for Momentum Spotlight,” Karper explained. “The curators choose three artists from those proposals to each receive $2,000 and several months of curatorial guidance. With the additional funding, feedback, and support of the Momentum Spotlight award, these young artists are able to realize ambitious projects and receive valuable interaction with the curators.”
The curators for Momentum 2013 are PLUG Projects (www.plugprojects.com) and Taryn Chubb.
“PLUG Projects is a curatorial collaborative made up of five artists from Kansas City, MO,” Karper told us. “Chubb, selected as Momentum Emerging Curator, is Assistant Professor and Gallery Director in the Art Department at East Central University in Ada.”
OVAC and its curators for the 2013 show were proud to announce the spotlight artist as: Matthew Kaney of Norman, Erin Latham of Norman, and Zachary Presley of Durant.
“Kaney’s project invites attendees to play arcade-style video games rich in social commentary. Latham’s immersive installation will take viewers to a new environment, creating a sea kelp forest from printed and meticulously hand-cut recycled paper. Presley, a Chickasaw artist, is planning a performance that takes on stereotypes associated with Native Americans,” Karper clarified.
As with every Momentum show, the two opening nights are dedicated to two different experiences.
“The art and performances are the same on both nights of Momentum, but the mood is set by live music provided by local bands,” Karper said. “Momentum: Downtempo on Friday night includes music by Fifth Fret, Erik the Viking, and R.e.A.L. Momentum: Full Speed on Saturday features performances by Em and the Mother Superiors, Wurly Birds, and Kali Ra.”
Along with all the other activities happening during the opening nights, OVAC was pleased to add a new social media element.
“Yelp is the official check-in and photo contest for Momentum,” Karper told. “Attendees can use the Yelp app on iPhone or Android to upload photos from the event. One winner will be chosen from each night. Prizes include Keep it Local OK cards, $50 OECU gift cards, and more local goodies.”
As an attendee over the past several years, we thought about trying to explain the energy of Momentum; however, Kelsey did a much better job.
“One of the things I love most about Momentum is that you really don’t know what to expect,” Karper exclaimed. “Because the show features emerging young artists, many of them are still doing a lot of experimentation in their use of media, concept, and presentation. They are taking a lot of risks in their work. This is what keeps Momentum fresh and relevant each year, and keeps audiences guessing about they will see next.”