Bringing Russian Sam to OKC

[ljbab728]

For those who are interested, a Russian interpreter is now on board for the visit. I'll provide updates whenever possible. Curious - what areas of town do you think Russian Sam should see if he makes it to Oklahoma City?

This may seem like a stereotype answer but I would think the Cowboy Hall of Fame would be a good choice. We have a lot of great attractions but that is somewhat unique and would give him some perspective on where we came from. And, at least a drive through the Health Sciences Center area might encourage him to add that to his downtown creation.

[HOT ROD]

Please refrain from negativity so as to ensure the success of this effort. Thanks!

[jmarkross]

This may seem like a stereotype answer but I would think the Cowboy Hall of Fame would be a good choice. We have a lot of great attractions but that is somewhat unique and would give him some perspective on where we came from. And, at least a drive through the Health Sciences Center area might encourage him to add that to his downtown creation.

I think he would LOVE the CHF...great idea...

[dmoor82]

^^Yes The CHF would be a good choice and maybe even The Oklahoma History Center/Muesuem!A Thunder game for sure though!

[metro]

Take him to the downtown library and they may have more paper models of downtown OKC.

[Steve]

It's interesting to see the Cowboy Hall of Fame getting such prominent mention. I think a lot of us locals take it for granted, but then we're always quick to embrace it all over again when we hear from visitors how great it is. I must admit it's been a few years since I've truly toured it and I've yet to take my kids there.

[metro]

Take him to Norman and let him interact with all the Russians, they seem to have a good Russian population. Maybe they will convince him to move here.

[rondvu]

If approved think we need to see what is happening in and around OKC. So R.S. can see many attractions, events as well as the sites. We would not want him to come in a dead month and sit at his hosts home watching TV and being bored out of his mind. I am thinking April-May and October.

[Platemaker]

OK not to be Debbie Downer here, but wanted to explore this thing further. I'm personally surprised no one has brought the flip side up either. I used to be totally for bringing him over. Right now I don't really have a personal opinion as I want to hear both arguments. What is the main purpose of bringing him over, to see his paper model in person? to get him to move here? to pick his brain? I haven't really heard the true goal other than to get him to the "World" Creativity Forum. This whole "World" Creativity Forum is a whole other discussion. It's more like an Oklahoma Creativity Forum with some of Oklahoma's brightest or most successful. It's not a true world-caliber forum like some other places have, but I guess you have to start somewhere. It just seems to me it's like a Chamber type buzz-word frenzy project du jour because everyone else is doing it, and because OKC is still big on yesterdays buzzword "World-Class". OKC is a "World Class NBA City, "World Class rowing facilities", we have the "World Creativity Forum", etc. etc. Again, you guys know I am a big cheerleader and supporter of OKC, but on this one I guess I'm missing the boat on it? Anyone else care to chime in on the other side of the fence?

We have nearly 20 countries attending the forum with delegates from 12 districts of creativity. Nearly half the states have representatives as well. So, it’s more than Oklahoma – we are just the hosts of the event. And, it is open to Oklahomans to attend at a discounted rate.

We also have an international art biennale going on for the next two months with international artists.

[jmarkross]

We have nearly 20 countries attending the forum with delegates from 12 districts of creativity. Nearly half the states have representatives as well. So, it’s more than Oklahoma – we are just the hosts of the event. And, it is open to Oklahomans to attend at a discounted rate.

We also have an international art biennale going on for the next two months with international artists.

It certainly would not be a stretch to call Sam's work "art"...maybe that angle could be exploited...

[metro]

If approved think we need to see what is happening in and around OKC. So R.S. can see many attractions, events as well as the sites. We would not want him to come in a dead month and sit at his hosts home watching TV and being bored out of his mind. I am thinking April-May and October.

You do realize they are trying to bring him for the "World Creativity Forum" that is held on Nov. 15th don't you?

[Steve]

Plan A is to bring Russian Sam to the forum. From what I understand, there is certainly potential for a Plan B.

[dmoor82]

[dmoor82]

^^Oops!Russian Sam(Elijah) made this awesome diagram of DT OKC buildings and posted it on SSC!Enjoy!

[ljbab728]

This shows the buildings in the downtown area but obviously isn't meant to show them in an accurate portrayal of the buildings as they are in relationship to each other.

[jmarkross]

This shows the buildings in the downtown area but obviously isn't meant to show them in an accurate portrayal of the buildings as they are in relationship to each other.

Looks much nicer laid out like this...hindsight sure helps...

[metro]

How much funds have been raised so far?

[Steve]

Congratulations OKC Talk - Russian Sam has his Visa and he is set to arrive for the World Creativity Forum on Nov. 16!

[ljbab728]

Congratulations OKC Talk - Russian Sam has his Visa and he is set to arrive for the World Creativity Forum on Nov. 16!

Keep us updated, Steve. It will be of great interest to know what he does while visiting and what his impressions are after seeing the city that kept him busy with his project for so long.