The Performing Arts Studio presents the glass mosaics of Arisha Burlingame and  architectural sketches of Erica Goranson opening April 5 and continuing through May 3 in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones.  A reception for the artists will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 5.  Dennis Borycki will provide smooth piano jazz during the reception.

Glass Mosaic by Arisha Burlingame

“Much of my life’s work has been with healing and the education of women of diverse cultures"  Burlingame says.  “Through that work we have been blessed to celebrate our differences, our gifts, our struggles, failures and accomplishments and the reconnected purpose which comes from arising above our challenges.”

The mosaics of African, Asian and Native American women, “are a way of telling stories about women, their optimism, their wisdom and their exotic beauty” Burlingame says. “I am fascinated and inspired by the moods, textures, designs, and color combinations in their ethnic, traditional garments.”

“My mosaics express the emotional impact that nature, beliefs and history have on the environment these women are surrounded by.” she says. “Perceptions of their lives and life styles emerge in each mosaic.”

Erica Goranson is in her final year at the University of Oklahoma’s school of architecture.  In her second year, a professor mandated that each student carry a small sketchbook to chronicle not only ideas, but also observations. 

For Erica, this sketchbook ignited a passion for capturing “place” in quick ten to twenty minute sketches.  A semester abroad at Sheffield, the University of Central England, produced over eighty sketches showcasing various architectural icons, details, textures and landscapes.

The sketches were instrumental in obtaining an internship with Bockus Payne Associate Architects in Oklahoma City.   In her fourth year of school, Erica was privileged to take part in a three day design workshop with internationally renowned architect, Antoine Predock.  Shortly thereafter, she accepted his invitation to spend a summer interning at the Antoine Predock Architect Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

“Erica has been one of my students, both in design and graphics, over the last two years.  Her talent and skills amaze me.  She loves what she is doing and it shows," says Dave Boeck, associate professor of architecture. “Her sketching of places in Norman show an eye for detail with an innate ability to locate the interesting places people drive by all the time but don’t notice or stop to enjoy.  Erica captures their beauty and interesting detail in her sketches.”

Erica plans to pursue a Masters in Architecture.  Growing up in Edmond, Oklahoma, she has great pride in her state and “hopes some day to design with cultural and visual sensitivity in order to enhance Oklahoma's fine attributes.”

Performing Arts Studio hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 most Sundays.  For more information on PAS programs, phone 307-9320.

Gallery Exhibitions at the Performing Arts Studio are made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.