By Traci Chapman

Artists, musicians and those who love the arts came together Thursday evening for El Reno’s annual Appetite for the Arts Festival.

El Reno artist Eric Wright demonstrated his craft – constructing concrete blocks and combining them with various media to create what he called his “parent-child series.”
Wright said one of his creations, called “Burnout,” was a symbol for a recent change in his life – from corporate “drone” to independent artist.

“I worked a corporate job for 17 years and left it in May to pursue my dreams,” he said. “I went from working in a cubicle to working with cubes.”

“Upside down” artist Dana Helm said she first discovered her unique approach to art in classes at the University of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City resident said she decided to start drawing her pieces upside down after taking a class in upside down art at OU.

“It’s amazing how creative you can get and how even people who don’t think they have artistic talent can create this way,” she said.

Visitors toured 11 locations, looking at a variety of mediums, from Bert Allen’s metal pieces created with a plasma cutting torch to Lindy Taylor’s photography, displayed at El Reno Tag Agency.

Children had their own chance to express their artistic talents. A sidewalk chalk drawing contest was sponsored in front of Canadian County CASA, and Wesley United Methodist Church and El Reno Arts Council teamed up to host a crafts area where youth could create items to take home.

Shoralle Franklin made a beaded bracelet after painting papier-mache fruit. She said making jewelry was one of the “funnest” things at the festival.

A variety of musicians and entertainers entertained the crowd. El Reno vocalist Christina Bender – also a re-enactor at Fort Reno – performed a set, as well as local band The Merge. Desert Fire belly dancers also drew a large crowd.