MUSKOGEE-BASED FILMPRENEURS RECEIVE SPECIAL RECOGNITION AT GOVERNORS ARTS AWARDS for excellence in the arts.

 

Governor Brad Henry honored 20 individuals and three organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state.  the 30th Annual Governor's Arts Awards Ceremony was held on the 4th floor Rotunda of the State Capitol on Tuesday, November 29, 2005.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

OSCAR and SHIRONBUTTERFLY RAY, Muskogee, are co-founders of the Darkwood Film Arts Institute and the Bare Bones International Film Festivals, which were born out of their commitment to establish and help maintain a viable film arts community in Oklahoma.

 

Oscar began acting on stage in 1972.  Screenwriter, stunt performer, actor, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, songwriter, production designer, make-up artist and sound engineer are just a few of the many roles he undertakes when making and marketing independent motion pictures.

 

ShIronbutterfly is a motivational speaker turned filmmaker know for her sharp wit and straightforward advice.  Regularly featured in the "Ask Ms.  Butterfly" columns for the Indiewood Reporter, she manages motion picture sets, film festivals and training programs as well as promoting and supporting independent filmmakers worldwide.

 

"For forty years, the Oklahma Arts Council has supported Oklahoma's vibrant non-profit arts industry," said Betty Price, executive director of the Council since 1983.  "Created by the Oklahoma legislature to encourage and stimulate all forms of artistic endeavors, the Oklahoma Arts Council is responsible for increasing the access Oklahomans have to the arts and represents the institutional infrastructure that is now a part of the cultural fabric of the state."

 

"This was an honor unlike any other for us," said ShIronbutterfly, "We are enthusiastic about the coming years as we continue to grow the independent film industry in Oklahoma and continue to reach youth as young as eight years old and seniors as old as eighty years old". 

 

"It is indeed a priviledge to be associated with such a group of recipients whose credentials range for decades of tireless works," said Oscar.  "When ShIron and I started this venture we never expected to garner the gratitude and encouragement that we've received and we are appreciative and enthused."