Family Fun in Tulsa
Green country is full of fun, family-friendly activities and events. Here are a few you won’t want to miss this month!
January
1. Project Unity, Hope and Compassion at Living Arts
Dates: January 8-22, 2021
EXHIBITION STATEMENT: Throughout history, downtowns and town squares have served as the foundation of society’s freedom of expression and the center of community discourse. Downtown Tulsa is certainly no different. At an incredibly tense time in our community, and in the midst of planning for unprecedented events, we found an opportunity to showcase Downtown Tulsa’s core values on temporary canvases throughout Downtown. More than 300 artists responded to a last-minute call for art on June 18, 2020. Within hours, commissioned artists began painting storefronts thanks to permission from businesses and the generosity of an anonymous donor. Within two days, we were able to mobilize more than a dozen artists to paint murals and messages inspiring hope, unity, and compassion throughout Downtown. While the storefronts were restored and businesses reopened the following week, the conversations sparked by this art and the core values it represents continue.
2. Second Saturday Silents: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) (Virtual)
When: January 9, 11 a.m.
This FREE, virtual screening will be available on Circle Cinema’s YouTube Channel.
A classic silent romantic drama with Bill Rowland providing accompaniment on Circle Cinema’s original 1928 pipe organ.
The film, starring Lon Chaney, is based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, and is notable for the grand sets that recall 15th century Paris as well as for Chaney’s performance and make-up as the tortured hunchback Quasimodo.
Fun Fact: Lon Chaney’s make-up was his most extreme yet. A knotted wig, nose putty on the cheeks, some false teeth and fake eye made up his visage. The final touch was a plaster hump which, contrary to popular opinion, was only about 10-15 lb. and did not cause Chaney any back problems.
Presented with the Sooner State Chapter of American Theatre Organ Society, TulsaKids Magazine, and Arts Alliance Tulsa.
3. Clay Day at ahha Tulsa (101 E. Archer St.)
When: January 13, 12-9 p.m.
This is your once-a-month chance to play and create with clay in THE STUDIO at ahha Tulsa! https://ahhatulsa.org/
4. Tulsa MLK Day Parade (Virtual)
Date: January 18, 11 a.m.
Tulsa’s 2021 MLK Day Parade will be broadcast on Channel 8. The theme is “Standing Strong: For Justice, Truth and Freedom.” Learn more at mlktulsa.com.
5. Dismantling Racism: Beyond “I Have a Dream”
When: Thursday, January 21, 12-1 p.m.
Join TulsaKids Editor Betty Casey, OSU-Tulsa Professor Quraysh Ali Lansana and others in discussing the life and dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., and how it can apply to our lives today. This event will be broadcast to the OSU-Tulsa Facebook page and shared to the TulsaKids Magazine Facebook page. Viewers are invited to ask questions and comment in the comment section of the live discussion. Learn more here.
6. Out-Lit: YA Book Club (Virtual)
When: January 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
We’ll talk about issues No. 1 of the graphic novels “Backstagers” by Tynion IV and Sygh; “Lumberjanes” by Watters, Ellis, Stevenson and Allen; and “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” by Gigi D.G. Get e-books on Hoopla. Register online at www.tulsalibrary.org/events to be emailed the Zoom link. For ages 12-18.
7. Full Moon Hike at Tulsa Botanic Garden (3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr.)
When: January 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Take a self-guided night hike to experience the sights and sounds along a nature trail through native prairie and forest. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight for this 1.5 mile hike on mowed paths and rocky trail. Not recommended for children under age 6.
Hot cider, s’mores kits, beer and wine will be available for purchase before or after your walk and fire pits will be nearby. Cost is $10 per person for Garden members; $15 for non-members.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance at tulsabotanic.org
8. Online Color Explorations and Experiments with Gilcrease and Discovery Lab
When: January 29, 12 p.m.
Join Gilcrease on Facebook Live as we explore colors and the color spectrum, and even check out an experiment all about color with our friends at the Discovery Lab.
