A budget deal that prevents any tuition increases this year was announced June 9 at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. The USAO Board of Regents approved a new $13.1 million budget that is mostly unchanged from last year.

“This is effectively a standstill budget,” said Regent John Nelson of Chickasha, who chairs the Regents Finance Committee.

The new budget reflects an unusual partnership between local, state and federal agencies, said USAO President John Feaver.

“This is an unprecedented year,” Feaver explained. “Given the failure of state revenues and limited appropriations for all public colleges and universities, USAO could be spending the next few months making painful cuts. Instead, the federal ARRA money will provide a critical two-year buffer.”

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Three campus beautification projects were approved by the Regents in the June 9 meeting. One of these projects is a decorative base for the restored Verdin clock recently erected east of Sparks Hall. For the past 15 years, the clock stood west of Nash Library before it was removed -- to make way for the bronze sculpture, “Flight” -- and meticulously restored. The clock will get a brick and mortar base that eventually will be extended as a plaza area between Sparks and the Student Center.

Although the Rock Island Arts Festival in Chickasha isn't scheduled until October, a call for photographers, potters, painters, jewelry makers, sculptors and other artisans to participate is underway during the month of June.

Chickasha's first-ever Rock Island Arts Festival is scheduled Oct. 2-3 at the Rock Island Depot in downtown Chickasha. The Chickasha Area Arts Council is spearheading the event.

"A 10 foot by 10 foot booth space is available on a first come, first serve basis at a first-year special rate of $50," said Reginna Zhidov, chair of the festival. The $50 fee includes electricity.

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The historic Rock Island Depot in downtown Chickasha will be the center of the Rock Island Arts Festival Oct. 2-3. A call for photographers, potters, painters, jewelry makers, sculptors and other artisans to participate is underway during the month of June. The artisan booth application is available on the festival website at www.rockislandartsfestival.org. Applicants also can request a booth application by leaving a message at 405-574-1320.

String players of all ages will have an opportunity to work one-on-one with one of the world’s premiere violinists at “Fiddle Fun” this summer at the University of Science and Arts. Internationally known violinist and conductor Yuval Waldman will teach the violin, viola and cello camp, scheduled July 13-17 at USAO.

The weeklong camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is $275 per person of all ages. A nonrefundable deposit of $75 is due by July 1, with the balance due July 13. A late fee of $10 will be added for enrollment after July 1. Students are responsible for their own snacks during the mid-morning break.

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Internationally recognized violinist and conductor Yuval Waldman will direct “Fiddle Fun,” a music camp designed for violinists, violists and cellists July 13-17 at USAO. Registration is available for musicians of all levels and ages.