NEA Big Read event with author Thi Bui Oct. 25

After kicking off last weekend, the 2024 NEA Big Read Lawton hosting a special author event.

As part of the program, the McMahon Auditorium Authority, along with local partners such as Cameron University’s Writer’s Studio, is hosting the event with Thi Bui, author of this year’s chosen book, “The Best We Could Do,” said Caitlin Gatlin, City of Lawton Communications & Marketing Manager. The event will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Cameron University’s Shepler Ballroom.

Attendees will have the chance to hear Bui read excerpts from her memoir and engage in a discussion about its powerful themes of family, identity, and resilience, Gatlin said.

In addition to the author event, this year’s NEA Big Read Lawton brings exciting opportunities for area artists:

• Participate in a Collaborative Art Installation: Local artists are invited to create original artworks inspired by themes from Thi Bui’s memoir, such as personal journeys, identity, and belonging. These creations will be showcased in a collaborative art installation during the author event on October 25th.

• Enter the “Artists’ Only Raffle” for a Chance to Win $200: Artists who take part in the art activities can enter an exclusive raffle for a $200 prize. Participating in various activities increases your chances of winning, and raffle entries will be drawn at the author event on October 25th.

Art Guidelines & Contest Rules:

• Attend an NEA Big Read Event, visit the City of Lawton Arts and Humanities Office at 801 NW Ferris., or the Life Ready Center Library at 702 NW Homestead Drive to pick up an Artist Packet.

• Create your two-dimensional artwork using the provided template and additional art media of your choice.

• Art pieces must be submitted with an “NEA Big Read Art Entry Form” to the Life Ready Center Library, 702 NW Homestead Drive, by Oct. 23. Submission earns another raffle entry.

• The raffle drawing will take place during the Thi Bui Reading on Oct. 25. Artists must be present to win, and attendance at the event earns an additional raffle entry.

• All artworks will be part of a public display at the event, contributing to a beautiful, collaborative art installation.

• Artists can retrieve their pieces on Nov. 15 at the Life Ready Center Library. Any unclaimed art will become part of a permanent display after Nov. 20.

The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Arts Midwest, that brings communities together through shared reading experiences. The program is also supported in part by funds from Oklahoma Humanities. The McMahon Auditorium Authority is proud to bring this enriching program to Lawton, fostering creativity, discussion, and connection.