PRESS AND RECOGNITION
Stories, conversations, and national recognition exploring SPARK! Creative Lab’s work alongside Oklahoma Veterans and artists.
Through creative programs, public performance, and community partnerships, SPARK! is helping expand the conversation about Veterans - not only as people who have served, but as artists, leaders, collaborators, and essential members of our creative communities.
FEATURED IN 405 MAGAZINE
Giving Veterans a Creative SPARK!
By Lavinia Crewsa | 405 Magazine | November, 2026
405 Magazine shines a spotlight on SPARK! Creative Lab and the Veterans and artists using creative expression to build connection, share stories, and strengthen community across Oklahoma.
The feature traces the origins of Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening, inspired by the late Dr. Neil Chapman, and explores how his story sparked an expanding body of Veteran-led workshops, collaborations, and performances.
“For me, this is everybody’s work. This is American work.”
Read the full article in 405 Magazine to discover how Oklahoma Veterans are shaping SPARK!'s creative work and how you can help make room for more Veteran voices.
FEATURED IN AACT’S SPOTLIGHT
Inclusivity in Theatre: Making Room for Veterans
By Michelle Swink | American Association of Community Theatre | Fall 2026
The American Association of Community Theatre’s official magazine, Spotlight, features SPARK! Creative Lab in an extended national article about the power of theatre and collaborative art to build connection, belonging, and creative leadership alongside Veterans.
The story traces SPARK!’s journey from Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening—inspired by Vietnam Veteran Dr. Neil Chapman—to an ongoing body of Veteran-centered programs shaped by the Veterans who now participate as artists, facilitators, storytellers, and organizational leaders.
“Do not just thank Veterans. Make room for them.”
WANT TO BUILD A MORE MEANINGFUL CONNECTION WITH VETERANS?
SPARK! partners with theatres, arts and community organizations, and Veteran-serving organizations to create welcoming, collaborative experiences rooted in creativity, listening, and relationship.
AUGUST 5, 2026
National Grant Expands Free Veteran-Led Arts Programs Across Oklahoma
SPARK! Creative Lab has received a Creative Forces® Community Engagement Grant to expand free, Veteran-led workshops and creative cohorts for Veterans and their families across Oklahoma.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE
DOWNLOAD THE MEDIA KIT
VIEW UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
IN THE NEWS
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY THEATRE SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE | FALL, 2026
VETERANS AND ARTISTS UNITE IN OKLAHOMA CITY WITH SPARK! CREATIVE LAB
MID-AMERICA ARTS ALLIANCE
OKC ARTIST COLLECTIVE SPARK! RAISING AWARENESS OF VETERANS’ CHALLENGES WITH ‘DITTY BOPS’
THE OKLAHOMAN
405 BUSINESS
OKLAHOMA GAZETTE
OTHERING & BELONGING INSTITUTE
MY ROLE IS TO LISTEN; MY ROLE IS TO YIELD
OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY | NEW LIGHT
CREATIVITY BELONGS TO ALL OF US: AN INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE POOLE & JESSICA RAY
MAKE OKLAHOMA WEIRDER
SPARK! GIVING IMMERSIVE POP-UP PERFORMANCES ACROSS OKLAHOMA CITY
THE OKLAHOMAN
PRESS, PODCAST & SPEAKING INQUIRIES
Interested in speaking with SPARK! about Veteran-centered arts, creative community-building, Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening, or bringing this work to your organization?
Contact Nicole Poole, Founding Executive Director
