New Light

The teens who planned the May 22 Teen Night dish Q&A style on why teens should attend

Just like the rest of us, Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council has spent much of the last year on Zoom. Their plans for a big 2020 kickoff for teen programs at Oklahoma Contemporary were thwarted, but they pivoted to meeting -- and bonding -- online, doing arts projects long distance (even using snail mail!) and looking forward to what they hoped 2021 would bring.

Though some COVID restrictions will be in place for Saturday's Teen Night (capacity is limited, masks are required and the event will be held outdoors), the OCTAC is ready to show metro teens what their group -- and Oklahoma Contemporary -- is all about.

Learn more about OCTAC and the event from the 15 teens behind the Council (five sophomores, five juniors and five seniors from 14 metro-area high schools) in the Q&A below.

What is the Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council?

Aidan: “The Oklahoma Contemporary Teen Arts Council is a group of teens who love the arts and want to help build community!”

Amy: “Just a cool group of teens doing cool things and planning cool stuff. We’re diverse, but we all know that life hurts. Solidarity.”

Why is OCTAC holding Teen Night?

Simone: “Why wouldn’t we? The Teen Arts Council is for teens. Teens like art and gatherings. ’Nuff said!”

What should a Teen Night guest expect?

Aidan: “Live music, drag queens, poetry writing, tarot card and palm readings, screen printing and fun!!”

Jaiahna: “A cool, chill night — drag performances, food and different forms of art.”

What about Teen Night are you most looking forward to?

Bradley: “I’m excited to see so many people have a fun time after the crazy year 2020 was.”

George: “I’m hoping that Teen Night will be a fun, safely interactive and social experience. Free food and entertainment with a community-feeling experience.”

Why should teens attend Teen Night?

Amy: “Well, I won’t tell you what to do, but … it’s free and swag, so … you should come (if you want to). Did I mention Teen Night is completely FREE?”

Why did you join OCTAC?

Amy: “I am an overachiever who happens to be an artist. And free dinner! Also lonely on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30. This cures it. Did I mention FREE dinner?”

How did OCTAC help you cope during a pandemic?

Bradley: “OCTAC had given me the escape I needed from reality! Distracting myself from the craziness once a week!”

What are your favorite OCTAC activities?

Simone: “Being with interesting people with different interests. That sentence alone should explain why we have good conversations … that leave me with creative questions. *Insert thinking emoji*”

What did you gain from a year in OCTAC?

George: “I learned about advertising, organizing and connecting with peers.”

Bradley: “I gained a new experience I’ve never had before. Opening [my] eyes to new things, meeting new people and making memories.”

Tickets are still available for Teen Night. Grab yours here.

Image: OCTAC members prepare a mural wall for Teen Night. Attendees will be encouraged to "write a message to 2020" on the mural.

Tags
OCTAC teens teen art Teen Arts Council performance

Share

Return to New Light.