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Win a Custom Farooq Karim Blossom

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

June 10, 2026

Farooq Karim, Allied Arts 2026 Campaign Co-Chair, is donating one of his renowned Blossom artworks to benefit this year’s annual fundraising effort – and you have the opportunity to win it!

Farooq Karim, Allied Arts 2026 Campaign Co-Chair, is donating one of his renowned Blossom artworks to benefit this year’s annual fundraising effort – and you have the opportunity to win it!

"Closer to the Heart Blossom" is a 32"x32" piece, constructed from paper and fabric used by Allied Arts member agencies including the use of: costume fabric from Lyric Theatre’s production of Annie, drawings from Norman Firehouse ArtCenter campers, pointe shoes of an Oklahoma City Ballet dancer, sheet music used in an Oklahoma City Philharmonic concert, pieces of a Canterbury Voices program and scraps from an Art Now Catalog from Oklahoma Contemporary.

To enter into the raffle to own this custom Karim piece, donate $55 to Allied Arts in commemoration of our 55th Anniversary. For every $55 donation, you receive an entry into the raffle. Enter by clicking here.

The winner will be selected and announced at our Campaign Celebration Event on June 17. Winner does not need to be present.

Displayed image is for general reference only. The raffle piece is an original work currently in progress and will differ from what is shown.

Raffle closes at 7 pm on June 17.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

The piece is named after "Closer to the Heart" by Rush, which is an anthem for positive change, arguing that a harmonious society begins with personal empathy and purpose. The lyrics suggest that living with love and emotional investment - rather than just "going through the motions" - can reshape the world from the top down.

I’ve always loved RUSH, and they exemplify the power of the arts in their creative storytelling about big ideas and life experiences paired with music that touch your head and heart. They’ve always stayed true to themselves, worked hard to hone their craft, and approach life and the world with great empathy and kindness.

When I listen to this song it beautifully captures my experience as an Allied Arts Board member and Co-Chair of this year’s campaign. While I have been engaged heavily in the arts community for some time, I wasn’t quite prepared for what I have experienced with our member agencies, the people that run them and the people they serve.

Each organization is unique, special and valuable. They are an important part of what makes our community such an amazing place to live, and we all need to do everything we can to help them as they work every day of “Enriching lives through advancement of the arts.”

There are several lines in the song that really speak to my experience with both Allied Arts and the campaign:

“And the men who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart”

“The blacksmith and the artist
Reflect it in their art
They forge their creativity
Closer to the heart”

“Philosophers and ploughmen
Each must know his part
To sow a new mentality
Closer to the heart”

The message insists that leadership isn't enough; we all have a role to play and anyone can contribute meaningfully. Whether it’s blacksmiths forging art or everyday people doing their jobs, the song is about approaching life with passion, love, kindness, empathy, compassion and care.

I’ve always known that the Allied Arts Team and our arts community were special but the more that I am around that team, the arts community and its people, the closer they are to my heart.


Terms & Conditions

1. Promotion Period

The Farooq Karim Blossom raffle (the “Promotion”) begins June 10, 2026, and ends June 17, 2026, at noon. Entries received after this time will not be eligible.

 

2. Eligibility

The Promotion is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.

Employees of Allied Arts and their immediate family members may participate but are not eligible to win. Void where prohibited by law.

 

3. How to Enter

Individuals who make a $55 donation to Allied Arts during the Promotion Period will automatically receive one (1) entry into the drawing.

 

No donation is necessary to enter or win.

To enter without making a donation, send an email during the Promotion Period to info@alliedartsokc.com.  Include your name, phone number, and email address and request a free entry into the “Farooq Karim Blossom raffle.”  Free entries will receive one entry.  Limit one entry per person.

 

4. Prize

One (1) winner will receive:

"Closer to the Heart Blossom" art by Farooq Karim

 

The prize is non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if necessary.

 

5. Drawing

The winner will be selected by random drawing from all eligible entries.

The drawing will take place on June 17, 2026.

The odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

  

6. Winner Notification

The winner will be contacted using the information provided at entry.

 

7. Use of Donations

All donations made during the Promotion Period support the charitable mission and programs of Allied Arts.  Participation in the drawing does not increase the value of the donation for tax purposes, and donors should consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility.

 

8. Publicity

By accepting the prize, the winner agrees that Sponsor may use their name and likeness for promotional purposes related to the Promotion without additional compensation unless prohibited by law.

 

9. Limitation of Liability

By participating in the Promotion, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Allied Arts and its employees, directors, officers, and volunteers from any liability arising from participation in the Promotion or acceptance, possession, or use of the prize.

 

10. Right to Disqualify

Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who attempts to tamper with the entry process, violates these Official Rules, submits fraudulent information, or otherwise acts in a disruptive or dishonest manner. Sponsor’s decisions regarding eligibility and the administration of the Promotion are final and binding.

 

11. Prize Release

Sponsor makes no warranties or representations regarding the prize. The winner accepts the prize “as is” and releases Sponsor from any liability related to the use, condition, or possession of the prize.

 

12. General Conditions

Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Promotion if fraud, technical failures, or other factors impair the integrity of the Promotion.

 

13. Governing Law

This Promotion is governed by the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and any disputes arising from the Promotion shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located in Oklahoma.

 

14. Winner List

The name of the winner may be obtained by contacting Allied Arts at info@alliedartsokc.com within 30 days after the drawing.

 

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