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Free public performances will draw thousands to Quartz Mountain during the 2017 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI), with guest artist and student performances wrapping up week one of the two-week fine arts academy.

The first public performance of OSAI takes place on Friday, June 16 at 7 pm and will include a presentation by creative writing faculty member Carolyne Wright, followed by a concert by guest artist Barron Ryan. Wright, an award-winning poet and educator, has authored nine poetry volumes and the groundbreaking anthology Raising Lily Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workspace. Ryan is a classically trained pianist who draws influence from a range of styles for his performance “Classic Meets Cool.”

The following evening will feature performances by the 2017 Institute Chorus and Orchestra. This year’s chorus conductor, Eph Ehly, was named “one of the most sought-after choral conductors” by the American Choral Directors Journal. Orchestra students will be led by Philip Mann, music director of the Arkansas Symphony. This performance begins at 7 pm on Saturday, June 17.

The prestigious academy for Oklahoma high school students also features a variety of showcases by OSAI students during ONSTAGE Weekend, Fri., June 23 and Sat., June 24, including poetry readings, film screenings, a gallery opening, and music, dance, and theater performances. All lectures and performances take place in the Robert M. Kerr Performing Arts Center at the Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center in southwest Oklahoma. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening thirty minutes prior to each event.

See the complete listing of public performances.