In 1973, Frank Parman met with a group of literary friends at the Norman Public Library with the idea of promoting literary endeavors, in public places, including the Town Tavern on campus corner.
Cottonwood's original founder, artist-photographer-playwright Frank Parman, 1938-2016.
STREET PLAYERS THEATRE was active at the time and needed support. A fundraising mechanism was required. Parman, Charles Levendosky, and others banded together to form the first iteration of Cottonwood Arts and apply for non-profit status as a means of promoting public performance.
While working at SUNY, Frank had written two plays, which were produced in New York and Champagne, Illinois. He wanted a similar mechanism in place for Oklahoma Artists. Norman Arts and Humanities Council, Renegade Theatre, Point Riders Press, and Individual Artists of Oklahoma followed. Frank was on the ground floor of these organizations. Many poets and artists enjoyed and benefitted from Frank’s vision
The foundation lay dormant from 2010 until Frank’s demise on February 5th, 2016 prompting a revival by his sister, Lynda Parman Shell. Sole surviving director, Arn Henderson, signed over control of the organization in March.
Original Cottonwood founders Arn Henderson and Frank Parman. Levendosky, Wyoming's poet -laureate had several books published by Point Rider Press during the 1980s.
A new board has been appointed, including new President Lynda Parman Shell and Board Members Micaela Langevin and Stephanie Powers.
The new vision for the Foundation is very true to Frank’s original design.