Episode 10: Mazen Abufadil, Photography Teacher at Holland Hall

You’re listening to Tulsa Talks, a TulsaPeople Podcast, episode 10. I’m your host, Anna Bennett. 

This episode is brought to you by Gilcrease Museum, presenting the exhibit Americans All! 

On this season one finale, I talk with Mazen Abufadil, an artist, educator and immigrant, whose work is currently featured at the Gilcrease Museum.

Plus, Jerry Wofford takes a look back at the best musical moments of 2018. 

There are two things I notice immediately about Mazen Abufadil — he’s got a quiet voice, and a curious mind. 

After finishing the interview and leaving the office, he was back moments later to share an observation he’d has while looking at a nearby sycamore tree, just to make sure I knew his updated viewpoint; event though the mics were off.

But that’s just who Mazen is — an educator, as much as an artist, one who’s generous with his time and knowledge. His unflappable patience, no doubt a boon in the classroom at Holland Hall, is honed by raising four children of his own.

Mazen was born in Lebanon, and spent his earliest years in Beirut. But life changed forever for Mazen and his family in the late 1970s. The Lebanese Civil war broke out, bringing with it years of violent conflict. Mazen’s family fled to the United States. He shared his recollections of arriving in Tulsa during our interview.

Thanks for listening to Tulsa Talks! We’ve had a blast bringing you Season One; it’s been an adventure and a labor of love for all of us. And, I’m thrilled to announce that Season Two begins on January 2nd, and we’ve got some super awesome guests on the roster that I can’t tell you about yet, but that you’re going to love.  

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, then all we want for Christmas is a rating, review, subscription or share — we’d love to find some positive feedback in our stockings.

Every episode, we play you out with some local music. In the spirit of the season, today’s selection is “Hey Skinny Santa” from JD McPherson’s new Christmas album, “Socks.”

To purchase and find upcoming tour dates, visit JDMcPherson.com.

Original music by The Earslips, recorded and mixed by Mike Gilliland at Auggy Reed Studios.