Tulsa International Mayfest - May 13-16, 2010

The Tulsa Mayfest is coming and everyone will be joining the fun and festivities at this year’s event. The outdoor tribute to the world of music and the arts was started in 1972 and continues today bigger and better than ever with a whole host of activities and entertainment.

The Tulsa International Mayfest will begin on May 13th this year and continue through Sunday, the 16th. Opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m. except Sunday when they will close at 6 p.m., the Tulsa Mayfest is a free event and the number of visitors this year is expected to be over 350,000 people.

Presenting artwork from about 120 artists, which includes Juried artists and Market artists there will be a little something to peak everyone’s interests. The Juried artists are only accepted after having gone through a selection process. This is designed to choose only the best for displaying their items made from wood to clay and various other materials.

The Market artists are those who are selling items ranging from toys to t-shirts that have been hand painted to calligraphy. The artists booths open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sunday when they will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

The Tulsa Mayfest will feature 120 artists, 4 indoor galleries, 3 entertainment stages and KidZone. The younger attendees of the festival will enjoy KidFest  immensely. Consisting of many activities such as stilt walking, creating art projects, side walk chalk art and chasing bubbles this is guaranteed to make your children happy for awhile.

This event will be on the H.A. Chapman Centennial Green at 6th and Main. The activities planned for children will include artists that will perform on the KidZone stage. A few of these are Prairie Dawgs, Buffalo Fitz and Lunch Money. The children can create their own art projects and enjoy the entertainment.

A bear clinic will be hosted by Children’s Hospital on Saturday,  May 15the from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to help children understand there is no reason to fear doctors or hospitals. The kids are recipients of a free bear which they decorate and take to the clinic for a check-up.

Part of the artwork that will be on display will be from members of The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. The center will be in the new YMCA downtown in the Mayo Building and will be open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A new feature that will be introduced this year is the “Green’ Gallery. The artwork in this gallery will be created from reused and recycled materials. This will include several types such as painting, metal smiths, photography, fiber artists and sculpture. The categories for awards in this gallery will include the Best Use of Materials and Best in Show.

A major part of the Mayfest celebration is the Mayfest Young Artist Awards. These awards are presented to five students of area high schools to develop personal growth and advancement in the arts. In addition there is also the Stephanie Jackson Outstanding Young Artist Award. This award was created in honor of Stephanie Jackson who has spent over 35 years as a volunteer of the Tulsa International Mayfest.