Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain

For nearly thirty years I was a member of the artist-faculty of the Oklahoma Arts Institute. During that time, I regarded the experience as a highlight of my professional year. Why? The administration is completely focused on being a diverse faculty, some nationally and internationally recognized, to share their expertise with young students in Oklahoma. These students are accepted in a competitive process and come from cities large and small to join a community who value the importance of creativity and imagination. I know that many of these students regard their experience at OAI as life changing and feel that Quartz Mountain is “home.” OAI offers young people with a place and n opportunity that is unavailable to them in their own communities. I know that the experience of OAI has served to launch students into successful professional lives. That OAI is a gem in the Oklahoma landscape is unquestionable. It serves the citizens of Oklahoma who value the arts, who value education, who value the very best for their children.

I have been lucky enough to be involved with OAI in one capacity or another for the past 10 years and have witnessed the positive affect they are having on education in the State of Oklahoma. Through the incredible opportunities they provide educators through the Fall Arts Institute to the life changing experiences students have during the summer, they work tirelessly to better the quality of arts education around the state. Oklahoma is lucky to have OAI!!

Amazing organization that has sent many high school students in Oklahoma on lifelong journies in the arts

OAI is an amazing organization, helping students and adults refine their craft. I attended OSAI as a Film student for three years. A great learning experience and way to connect with other students in the arts across the state.

I spent an amazing two weeks at Quartz Mountain a couple years ago. Since then, I have been counting down the days when I can work there. This is an amazing opportunity for high school students in Oklahoma. I HIGHLY recommend it. Since my time there, I have been pursuing my dreams. I can honestly say that the training I received while there was high quality and unlike anything I have ever experienced since.

As an Oklahoma educator, it was a bonus to experience continuing education in the language arts. Having an opportunity to learn from world class teachers added so much to my school year.
There was time for individual instruction, which enhanced our experience. The class was paced to allow us to work at an advance level, while still managing to accomplish a piece to take home.
Everything about Oklahoma Arts Institute was designed to help us bridge into a new way of learning and teaching.
During times in collaborative session, I made connections with other Oklahoma educators that are still strong.
I cherish the memories and friendships that came from my classes.

Oklahoma Arts Institute is one of the greatest educational and cultural assets for young people in the state of Oklahoma. My own child has attended twice but I have also known many other young people in various disciplines who have had the opportunity to attend. It is an inspiring, confidence-building, life-changing experience that is accessible to kids throughout the state regardless of income level. Exceedingly well run with deeply committed staff and administration.

Quartz Mountain lives up to the hype.

In my life I've only known a few places where I've felt like I belonged; places where people know not just my name or any vapid, shallow details about me, but who I am at my core. I had few places where I felt totally free to be myself. And after all, that's what every teen wants in their world. I was just lucky enough to find it.

The arts programs themselves are unmatched in Oklahoma, the teachers are incredible, and one of my favorite parts of the day was every evening when there would be either a presentation by an artist, or a concert by the students. The creativity that runs through this place is mind boggling, and the kindness and respect of students is remarkable.

When I came to Quartz, I had my doubts, I worried it would be too competitive, or that I wouldn't find a group of friends. Within the first day these anxieties were shattered. Most people at Quartz Mountain, are the creative outliers in their schools, and somehow it was established that Quartz would a place for all. I have learned, time and again, that there is room enough in the world for your art, and the art of others, and Quartz exemplifies this quality to the max. The student's, teachers, counselors, and coordinators all work to make this place their own. And in doing so, they have created a gem of a summer camp, and one the has had a lasting impact on generations of young artists.

My child attended summer camp 2016. World class mentoring....and she had a wonderful time with new friends.

My time as a photography student at the Oklahoma Art Institute gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the arts. While there I learned more about my art than I could have ever imagined and made so many lifelong friendships. The scholarships provided by the Art Institute and its many donors allow students from all demographics equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.

I attended OSAI at Quartz Mountain for three years as a student in the 90s and the fall institute for educators as an English professor years later. As a young writing student, I learned extremely valuable lessons not just about my craft but about my role as an artistic citizen and about the discipline required of professional artists. Interacting with and learning from world-renowned professionals at that age gave me confidence that I lacked and made me feel more at home in the wider world as a Native American student from a very rural community.

I went on to get a doctorate in creative writing (poetry), and I was well-prepared for th experience of upper level writing workshops because of my Quartz Mountain experience. When I attended the fall institute as a professor and writer, I found myself invigorated and revived as an artist, just as I had when I was a young student.

The Oklahoma Arts Institute is one of the most valuable experiences I have had as a person and artist. I am so grateful that it is in my home state, and I hope it will continue to sustain our arts community for many years to come.

The Oklahoma Arts Institute gave me the amazing opportunity to spend two weeks surrounded by artists. They provided college level training that pushed my ballet technique and artistry each and every day. I hope one day I can work for them to show my thanks!

I was a student at OSAI- Quartz Mountain for 3 years. It was some of the most productive and creative years of my young career. It pushed me to get a degree in Modern Dance Performance and I now dance with a professional company, all because of the wonderful people who invested in me at OSAI. So thankful for this organization.

I have attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain for two summers, both for orchestra (clarinet), and it has been the greatest experience ever. Because of OAI, I plan to major in music performance in college. Being in a place where every students is as passionate about their art form as you helps make it a wonderful experience.

I attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute in 2013-2014 and during my time there I made tons of new friends and learned an enormous amount about the arts. OAI has greatly impacted my life and I hope to someday give back to the organization as much as it gave to me.

Life changing! I attended OSAI as a student for 3 years and returned as a counselor in 2016, because this program altered the course of my life and the lives of those around me. This is the most valuable arts-related non profit in Oklahoma, and there are a lot of amazing ones.

As a teacher, I have attended the Fall Institute five times and cannot begin to describe how those workshops have impacted my classroom. My students have greatly benefited from the ideas, techniques, and knowledge I have brought back to the classroom.

Another value I have found in attending the Fall Institute if the sense of serenity and the ability to recharge it has given me. Teaching is an "all or nothing" profession and having four days to immerse myself in art and beauty makes me a better teacher and it carries through my entire year and beyond.

Amazing program! Gives talented young adults a place to share, excel, bond, and grow within their dicipline... as well as creating an environment to reflect, relax, and enjoy their talent. Sometimes these brilliant kiddos get intense and just need a place where they can be themselves and share their passion!!

My daughter attended the Oklahoma Arts Summer Institute at Quartz Mountain for the first time. It was a great experience for her and very unforgettable. Made new friends, intensely worked on her arts discipline for two weeks, learned about other arts disciplines, worked under Professionals in the field brought in from other places, etc. She felt this was a prestigious camp and worked hard to audition in. She plays the violin.

As a parent, was very impressed from the beginning when dropping our daughter off to camp. All was very organized. They made everyone feel very welcome with a smile and willingness to meet any needs. It was great all the way through from the concerts parents could attend on the weekends, keeping the kids safe by not allowing anyone in but on certain times, limited use of cell phones, set rules in place to keep all things running good...again, very organized.

What a wonderful organization that helps promote the arts in the state of Oklahoma! My daughter cannot wait until next year. This organization made sure our kids thanked the donors who allowed our kids to be there for almost a $2500 valued scholarship. I know my daughter also received a letter too for participating. Good etiquette is always good for our kids to learn. This organization made sure each and every kid was recognized in their local town newspapers as well as news lips being done on TV. Very impressed!

I attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute for high school artists for the first time in 2011 as a student in their symphony orchestra. I remember very vividly the first day with our guest conductor, Maestro Jeffrey Grogan, as we sat down and opened our two-week experience with the finale to Ottorino Respighi's "Pines of Rome." I had never felt so much power and emotion swell into me as I did playing in that exact moment and I felt like all of my preconceived notions about the world and the people in it had vanished. As the week went on, I watched Oklahoma's most talented youth pour their hearts out through their craft, both thriving in their environment and struggling to be better not for themselves, but for the people around them. We all met people younger, older, male, female, gay, straight, lesbian, black, white, or whatever it is that they identified as and none of it mattered. OSAI brought us together and, without trying to, taught us to care for each other and collaborate through our individual crafts. I can't think of another place where so many people who were all so young could have felt that unified. This organization is more than just guest speakers, workshops, and a fun two weeks away. The Oklahoma Arts Institute is creating beauty in the world, changing lives, and truly bringing out the best in every individual that has ever had the opportunity to attend their programs.

I was lucky enough to participate in the Arts Institute twice. In 1989 as a member of the Orchestra for the youth program and again 25 years later in the teaching program. I had an amazing learning experience both times. As a teacher, I was able to study African music from an instructor from Africa. I was then able to take this knowledge back to teach my own students. I would not have been able to attend without this being fully funded. I am grateful for the experience and love every minute spent st Quartz Mountain.

This organization is absolutely amazing, and it has changed my life for the better. I learned so much and made many new friends at Quartz mountain. I honestly wouldn't change a thing at this camp. The staff is wonderful and friendly, the environment is amazing, the view is fantastic, and everyone there is just having a good time.

I've only been able to attend once, but it was a thoroughly pleasant experience. Teachers are forced to endure hours and hours of boring in-service training, but Quartz Mountain Teachers' Arts Institute was a breath of fresh air, literally. The people were wonderful, the food was amazing, the training was inspiring, the outdoors setting was relaxing. I'm so grateful that I was able to attend due to the donations of caring individuals and organizations.

The Oklahoma Arts Institute is literally the best arts camp. It has definitely changed my life, and now I know that I want to pursue a career in music. Having the institute at Quartz Mountain just adds on to the unique and awesome experience. The faculty hired to teach the students are first class and one the best in their fields in the world. The students who attend the Oklahoma Arts Institute are passionate about their discipline, which is something I don't see everyday in my hometown. I am so lucky to be apart of the institute'd family. I owe so much to this institute.

Being a part of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and seeing professional artists is literally the turning point that switched my perspective from small dreams to life changing dreams. I saw myself in those people and a part of me--my true artist--had never been seen that way before. I realized that I could pursue my art and move my lil' scared small town self to the big city to pursue my dreams. I am now a working actor and I founded a leadership camp out in California--all because of this camp. I truly owe my artistic career to OSAI and it's one of our state's most precious and needed resources for youth.

It never dawned on me the possibilities and opportunities available of being involved in the arts, for me music, and the rewards that come with it until after I attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI) provided by the Oklahoma Arts Institute. After attending two years of OSAI as a student, I have met other inspirational students from across this state that are also passionate and hard-working in their artistic discipline as well as professional faculty that I look up to as great role models. Furthermore, the OSAI that I attended was not just a two-week long workshop for just photography, orchestra, modern dance, chorus, ballet, film and video, creative writing, acting, and drawing and painting or any discipline alone; it is an Institute for all arts listed combined for a true arts program, so we are able to draw inspiration, not only from students in our discipline, but also from students in other disciplines.

There are also many students in the state who cannot afford to attend workshops or camps. The Oklahoma Arts Institute makes it possible for them to by providing scholarships, provided by donations, funds, and grants, to every student accepted.

I was a student at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute this summer, and I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life so far. It was such a supportive environment, and I learned so much, not only about vocal performance, but about life as well. I made many new friends, learned a lot about myself, and grew as a musician and person. Everyone there was so passionate about their disipline, and it was so great to be surrounded by people who love what they do just as much as I love what I do. The Arts Institute is a great organization and I highly recommend.

Quartz Mountain Arts Institute is an amazing opportunity. I went for the first time this summer (2016) and I discovered that there was a whole new world just waiting to be discovered. Quartz Mountain isn't just a place where you go and better your training in what you want to do. It's a place where you meet new people and you get the opportunity to let go. This place is a dream come true. The minute you leave is the minute you want to come back. I would go back to Quartz Mountains Arts Institue any chance I got.

This outstanding fine art program brings in high school students from all over the state for two weeks in the summer for master classes with world renowned artists and experts in their field. This is an opportunity that few young people ever have the opportunity to experience. The OAI also presents Fall and Winter master classes. Their contributions are considered investments in the future of fine arts in the state of Oklahoma.

There is no other place like Quartz Mtn. It's spiritual appeal, with the mass presence of extremely talented artists, young and old throughout the year is unmatched. My son and daughter attended four summers between their high school years - they count those 4 summers as life changing, life challenging and life rewarding. Solid life time friends, strong professional contacts, invaluable training and memorable experiences and professional exposure. They will return as counselors when ready. I have volunteered to deliver instructors (famous actors, performers, composers, educators) to and from Quartz to OKC. It is ALWAYS a pleasure. Quartz Mountain, one of Oklahoma's and America's crowning jewels.

These guys are AMAZING. They have been a point of high esteem and prestige in Oklahoma ever since my grandmother was a child. I went to their 2012 camp, and was literally changed forever. I have made life-long friends, and experienced some of the absolute most amazing music and art in general ever. I consider it my fantasy home. It is my Hogwarts.

Oklahoma Arts Institute provides a summer two-week experience for highschool Oklahoma students. I have volunteered in various ways at this summer program, and I have seen unbelievable talent and how much a student can do in only two weeks. I also have attended a fall poetry writing class for teachers, and it was amazing!

Nothing else quite like it in the United States. Being in the midst of such talented and enthusiastic students and teachers that all wanted to learn and grow was such an inspirational week for me. The staff always at the top of their game, and always able and willing to be of service. They put on such a perfectly run show, I can only recommend that if you want to have a life changing experience, you need to go to Oklahoma Arts Institute.

The staff works well together to create a surreal atmosphere for art education.

I attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute for three years in the 1990s. I then returned as a counselor in the 2000s. The program was astounding and truly changed my life, as I know it has changed the lives of many other people.

My son attended Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain in the summer of 2012 and summer of 2013. It was an immense honor for him to be chosen for the Orchestra and to perform with talented students in such an exciting, stimulating, and beautiful experience. When we had attended events, you could see and feel the atmosphere of coordination and sharing between all the arts happening in one place.

The art institute at quartz mountain uses only nationally recognized teachers to contribute to the education of their students . They pamper us with great accommodations, a wonderful variety of meals and a plethora of courses from which to choose. The staff is very helpful and kind. I could not be more pleased
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I attended Quartz in 2012. OSAI was a wonderful experience and I wish that I could return. Quartz came into my life exactly when I needed it. The creative and artistic opportunities are unmatched, the friends I have made there are still in touch, and there is not a day that passes when I am not thankful and count myself lucky to have been accepted into this program last summer.

My daughter was a student at OSAI in 2011, 2012, and 2013. I can clearly say that the experience gave her the opportunity to explore different artistic disciplines and shaped her into the person she is today. I wholeheartedly recommend OSAI to any teenager who loves the arts

This is by far the best arts program for teenagers and adults alike. It is unbelievable how much good this organization does for the state of Oklahoma and the nation.

Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute is a wonderful opportunity for art teachers, artist and those who are engaged in art in any way. I have attended OFAI several times to attend workshops taught by professional artists and instructors. The quality of instruction has been excellent. And the opportunity to work over a four day period with a specific medium without interruption is awesome! It has given me the opportunity to grow as an artist and teacher to take new skills/ideas back to my art class and implement them with my students. The fact that OFAI is a scholarship based opportunity makes it available to teachers who could not otherwise afford such a rich art immersion experiences. Oklahoma artists are so fortunate to have this program.

I attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute my freshman and senior year of high school and cannot express what an impact it has had on my life. Quartz brings in the most talented and passionate people in every discipline and allows students to submerge themselves into a hard, challenging, empowering, and rewarding atmosphere for two weeks during the summer. The application progress to get into the program is rigorous and competitive, but getting in allows students to reap incredible rewards. I attended the program for choral music and got to work with some incredible conductors. The time I spent at Quartz shaped me into who I am today -- a passionate and successful music education major. I have made dear and lifelong friends that share similar passions and was able to make a large amount of connections. Attending Quartz is one of my most fond experiences in high school. I hope to go back someday as a liaison!

I was a student at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute(OASI) in 2008 and 2009. Those two weeks that I spent on the mountain at Quartz Mountain, completely immersed in my art form, were the best two weeks of my life. Being able to learn from people who have achieved such success as Tony Awards, Grammy Awards and Academy Awards is a great and wonderful experience. I wish there was a program like this in every state.

Oklahoma Arts Institute is a wonderful opportunity for both high school students and art teachers. I have attended OFAI several times to attend workshops taught by professional artists in subjects ranging from photography and printmaking to watercolor and oil painting. The quality of instruction has typically been excellent. And the opportunity to work over a four day period with a specific subject/medium without interruption is awesome! It gives me the opportunity to grow as an artist and to take new skills/ideas back to my art class.
I encourage my freshman students to audition for OSAI and several have been accepted. It is such a rich experience for high school students! The fact that both OFAI and OSAI are scholarship based opportunities makes it available to students and teachers who could not otherwise afford such rich art immersion experiences. We are so fortunate to have this program in Oklahoma!

I first attended the Oklahoma summer arts institute as a high school student. They recognized my talent in my lacking audition, and helped me foster my love for art throughout the three years I've attended. Now, I have a national award and am published, and I owe that to this summer program. The program is wonderful because students receive a scholarship if accepted, and learn from renowned artists in their field.

In the years, I attended the Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute as a teacher, the instruction gained was intense and of highest quality. Each year, teachers would scramble for the workshops that could enhance their students education. After retiring as a classroom teacher, I continued to participate due to the excellent experiences. The Oklahoma Arts Institute provides an avenue for Oklahoma students, teachers and professional artists to hone skills that would not otherwise be available.

I first attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute in 1979 after graduating from high school. I studied print making with my instructor Dan Kiacz. With his encouragement and guidance, I decided to major in Art in college. I am in my 25th year of teaching Art and have trained 6 student teachers to become Art teachers, I've also had many students go on to major in Art and get Art careers. I have attended the OFAI many times studying every visual Art they offer. Each time it impacts my personal Art and my students. I would not be as successful as an Art teacher today if it wasn't for the initial 2 weeks of Quartz Mountain Arts Institute when I was 18, and for all the training I've received since I began teaching in 1984. I am grateful for every time I'm accepted and for every teacher I learn something valuable. I am a direct product of the Oklahoma Arts Institute and it's positive impact on the Arts in Oklahoma.

Both of our sons attended OSAI (the summer session) of OSAI and it made a HUGE, positive impact on both of their lives. One of the first comments made by our older son was that "he was amazed to be in a place where EVERYONE is an artist and a good one" and that "it really felt good to NOT be competing with the jocks for resources". Both sons, after being enrolled in college a short time, expressed amazement that other states don't have programs like this and how great it was to be able to completely focus on their art 24/7 for two whole weeks! Because of the enormous positive impact that it made in their lives and other students, I readily joined the board. Now I can also see just how hard the impressive staff works all year long to provide excellent arts education opportunities to Oklahoma high school students. This is a GREAT organization!