Last night, the local chapter of AIGA (The American Institute for Graphic Arts), gathered ten clever people from OKC to share their creative highlights from 2016. DC on Film Row overflowed with creativity, inspiration, humor and people, so many people. While each of the ten storytellers were motivating and inspiring, a few highlights included:

• Jabee discussing being arrested and jailed for wearing a hoodie at Penn Square Mall as inspiration for his Black Future album this year. 
• Tracey Zeeck sharing the battle to bring The Not In Here Story to print and the reminder that sometimes what we need in OKC is to look “in here” instead of “out there,” the big cities that we automatically think of. 
• Aly Branstetter bringing Sunnsyside Diner to life in 2016 and using the space to deliver and serve almost 1000 Thanksgiving meals to families infected and affected by HIV/AIDs. She’s already announced her goal of 1500 in 2017. 
• Jack Fowler and the challenge of painting the Bricktown Octopus mural on a 200-foot long wall. Fun fact: there are 88 hidden images in the painting. 

The overwhelming takeaway was that this place is full of talented and creative people, Oklahomans, who have chosen to call this city home. For more information about upcoming AIGA events, go here. To buy Tracey Zeeck’s new book, support local and buy it at Full Circle Books. To see upcoming Jabee concert dates, go here. 

Artwork by Sam Washburn.