Forty Norman students and two Noble students have been accepted to the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain (OSAI), a prestigious residential arts academy held in June in southwestern Oklahoma.  The high school students were among the 270 students selected through competitive statewide auditions from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants.  In conjunction with their acceptance, each student will receive a full scholarship to the program worth over $2,000. 

 "A record number of students auditioned this year, and the talent level was truly exceptional," said Emily Clinton, Oklahoma Arts Institute director of programs.  "The fact that so many Norman students were accepted testifies to Norman's excellent teachers and arts programs.  Norman students can look forward to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study with the nation's top artists."

 OSAI provides training with award-winning artists in nine different artistic disciplines.  OSAI faculty have included winners of the Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.  This year's artists include John de Lancie of "Star Trek" fame and former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins.

 Norman-area students accepted to OSAI 2009:

Creative Writing – Erika Barker, Jordan Doerfel, Ali Van Swearigen  Alternates: Allison Russell, Megan Smith

Ballet – Talya Krumholz, Michelle Yu  Alternate: MacKay Whalen

Orchestra – DJ Handy, Michael Benson, Clayton Blosser, Kelsie Brooks, Regan Burdett, David Burris, Sarah Enders, Skylar Gilbert, Justin Hoelscher, Hyerin Kwak, Kacie Morgan, Dylan Reif, Michael Stafford, Samuel Wang, Benjamin Zhou  Alternates:  Alan Pate, Samantha Rudder, Tony Zhao

Choir – Chris Carbin, Caitlin Royse, Amy Whelchel, Melissa Whelchel, Rebecca Ziegler

Film & Video – Katie Allison, Kendall Haney, Dane Schoelen  Alternate:  Audra Blake

Photography –  Julie Bragg, Caroline Chapman, Mariah Gillespie, Katie Shauberger, Ethan Yates  Alternate:  Bailey Nolan

Drawing & Painting – Michael Lombardo

The Norman students' scholarships and program funding are provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and various foundations, corporations and individuals. However, parents who can afford to financially contribute to their child's OSAI experience are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to help offset program expenses.  Donations can be accepted online at www.oaiquartz.org or by calling Shana Rutz, development director, at 321-9000, ext. 223.

The Oklahoma Arts Institute is a private, non-profit organization developed in 1977, with a vision to cultivate established and emerging artists and educators through art workshops, immersion and awareness. OAI administers a fine arts program for talented Oklahoma youth and a series of continuing education workshops for adults.

Moore students selected include Robby Ray, Cate Lyn, Jeanne Lyn, Tyler Martin, Kirsten Therkelson and Mary Melton.