Monday, October 4, 2010
ARTsPARK at NorthPark inspires the artist in all of us
ARTsPARK was an eye-opening experience, especially to rid Dallas of the phrase, “there’s nothing going on out there.”
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Figure 1Northpark Mall, Dallas, Texas. By Flickr Tilton Lane
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DALLAS — There was artistic treasure buried deep in the heart of Big D, and this weekend those creative gems found their way to NorthPark Center.
ARTsPARK welcomed more than 100 theatrical, musical, and visual arts organizations to the shimmering stone walkways of NorthPark to give shoppers a fulfilling idea of all of the wonderful art-filled events the city has to offer.
The ever present City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, of course made a grand appearance to highlight the exciting events coming up this season at its cultural centers, including the South Dallas Cultural Center, the Latino Cultural Center, and last but not least the Bath House Cultural Center. Each facility offers a rich exploration into the various cultures of our community and hosts every genre of the arts including, jazz, stage performance, and visual arts.
The most intriguing organization was MADI (Museum of Geometric and MADI Art). Not only is the edifice which holds the mesmerizing configurations of art visually appealing, but its history and influence is a bold lesson within itself. MADI’s roots can be traced to the 1940s MADI movement initiated by Carmelo Arden Quin, however, the existence of the Dallas MADI museum dates back to 2003. It features an international list of artists who still follow the influences of Quin today. The conceptual art museum reaches out to the community via student workshops, encouraging young to understand the relationships of color, space, design, and shapes.
Another colorful little secret stumbled upon at ARTsPARK was the African-American Repertory Theater. Founded in 2007 by Irma P. Hall, Regina Washington, and Vince McGill, the theater has found a quiet little home at the Corner Theater in DeSoto. Over the past three years, the small triumvirate of talent has produced memorable performances such as Having our Say and A Raisin in the Sun. Besides entertaining the community in which it resides, ART also host workshops for both children and adult actors looking to hone their skill as stage actors.
The Dallas Arboretum in fall 2010
On a more natural note, the all-time favorite family and tourist draw, the Dallas Arboretum made a surprising visit to the art walk. This floral fantasy land offers year-round scenery for nature lovers; this fall it's a pumpkin path of 40,000 orange orbs lighting the way. Not just for weddings and fancy balls, the arboretums doors are open to school groups by day and during the spring and summer, and families are welcome to come out and enjoy musical moments from locally-known bands that brighten up the night with old familiar tunes. Many of the passers-by were surprised to see the arboretum among the many artistic offerings at ARTsPARK on Saturday; however, just one look at the exquisite arrangements throughout the laden lane landscape gives one an understanding that it takes pure artistry to create such a fascinating façade of flowering fields.
Keeping with nature, children were naturally drawn to the colorful display of butterflies which are always on exhibit at the Texas Discovery Gardens’ Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House. Although the garden is open year round, be advised they usually take a break after the State Fair. Their education and outreach, which serves children year-round as well, includes hands on experiences to make young minds soar. Texas Discovery Gardens are also looking for volunteers.
Rounding out the perfect stroll through the art-filled aisles was the program Slant 45. This service oriented organization aids children in understanding the importance and impact on giving back to the community through volunteerism. Schools, after-school programs, and even church organizations can participate. Sponsored in part by the North Texas Super Bowl XLV host Committee and the creative learning organization Big Thought, it encourages student participants to provide acts of kindness to make their community a better place to live.
ARTsPARK was an eye opening experience, especially to rid Dallas of the phrase, “there’s nothing going on out there.” Take a moment and look around at all of the exciting artistic organizations that keep art in Dallas alive and well. Perhaps the most intriguing factor of most of the organizations on display was the opportunity not just to enjoy the music, dance, theater, and visual arts so prevalent here in the DFW area, but also that all are welcome to volunteer so that others can indulge in the hidden treasures of the Dallas artist communities.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Exhibit review: “His & Hers” art exhibit at Continental Lofts in Deep Ellum
Opposites really do attract.
DEEP ELLUM — If God hosted an art opening for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, DJ Rave would have been a serpent slithering around the digitized one’s and two’s, and De Los vodka would flow as constant as the Euphrates and the Tigris. Delete the biblical allusion, and what remains is “His & Hers” art opening at the Continental Lofts in Deep Ellum, an intriguing and colorful contrast of “he said, she said.”
Creative couple Ken and Maureen Womack welcomed guests and patrons with their distinct displays of artwork. While one might expect to see grand influence -- either the husband on the wife or the wife on the husband -- this painted playfield is anything but over-flowing with similarities. Each work provides a unique validation on a spectrum of levels. Opposites really do attract.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Tulips" from His & Hers exhibit
Ladies first. “Hers.” Nakedly abstract in delayed layers, mainly acrylic on canvas, the paintings took on a life of their own. To each beholder, images which may or may not have actually been present revealed themselves in Maureen’s work like playful poltergeist. “Certainty” seems somewhat unsure of itself as it attempts to hold its perplexing colors of discordant hues into place. Whereas “Paris,” bursting with primary color piercing through, is unpretentious, bold, and visually gratifying, like a good wine, meant to be savored.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Pomegranates" from His & Hers exhibit
The brightest moment of the “Hers” showing was perhaps “Tulips.” Brilliant oranges, gorgeous deep grassy greens, and very little lighting showed the cheerfulness this work had to offer. Definitely feminine, brazen, and unabashed, this gem had the potential to be the star of the show. Instead, it begins a journey to a “tutty-fruity fresh and gritty” array of fruit-themed renderings, which somehow look as if they had been left in grandma’s attic for far too long. However, this neglected look added to the depth and meaning of the satisfyingly simple, yet tenaciously toned paintings. While the rousing reds in “Pomegranates” were perfectly predictable, “Pink Vase” bestowed nostalgia of the precious things we were forbidden to touch as a child and now hold even more valuable in our adult memores.
Now “His.” Enter “His” lair and a pair of wide, penetrating shimmery green eyes follow your every move. It is the “Foo Lion,” mixed media, encaustic, enthralling. The colors dynamically make their way through strong dark lines to form the Asian influenced revered hunter. “His” is like a whole other world. “His” side has thrown caution to the wind and does exactly as it pleases. The encaustic pieces (encaustic: painted with wax colors) “Womb & Feed” and “Project,” take us back to the days of the album cover for Cars or Duran-Duran: It's symmetrical, geometrical, bright, but dated.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Markers" from His & Hers exhibit
“Markers” is a large, looming, and interesting piece with defined deep lines and quick quips of hues, reminiscent of Le Corbusier, regarding positioning of color and shape. The most visually invasive conversation piece was “Pompidou” which begs the question, “pompidou-what?” With deep melon yellows, masked pinks, and gazing oranges, the mix-media becomes mixed emotions, struggling to encompass the true meaning, if only for its namesake's sake. Perhaps the distraction is the moniker strategically positioned across the lower half of the painting. Perhaps it is better to lend verbiage to the old cliché that some things are better left unsaid.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"On My Mind" from His & Hers exhibit
The passage through “His” territory leads us to the end of the beginning of a Warhol-inspired homage to the greats such as Sophia Loren, James Dean and yes, Marilyn and Elvis. The iconic interpretations demurely lead to two of the last smashing images. “On my mind” and “Donald’s Girl” possess a circular, target-like impression that looks like a love offering from an American psychopath, but they work. Hauntingly, they work.
This voyage through the visual relationship of two married artists was definitely revealing. It exposes how truly different two people are, in the depths of their talent as well as their strengths and weaknesses as artist and lovers. Expecting a connecting familiar theme between the Womack’s can be dashed aside upon entry. Maureen admits that their work was so comparatively different that it was impossible to commit to a common theme for their creations, thus was born “His and Hers.” Perhaps their next show will be entitled “Cain and Abel”?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Exhibit review: Facets of Felt by Elizabeth Anyaa at Janette Kennedy Gallery in Dallas
The work speaks of home, of strangers in strange lands of warmth and comfort.
DALLAS — It is evident upon entry into the Janette Kennedy Gallery at South Side on Lamar that artist Elizabeth Anyaa is completely inspired by environments of past and present. There is warmth and welcoming feeling to her work as cozy as grandma’s embrace. The maternal yet modern softness of her work is spread lusciously throughout the cove-like gallery.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Dance Interrupted" from Facets of Felt exhibit by Elizabeth Anyaa
Originally from West Africa, Anyaa was inspired by her surroundings to create her own style, which began her career in fashion. Gracing Dallas with her hopefully-permanent presence, her collection “Facets of Felt” is well received. Using what some textile historians consider the oldest fabric known to man dating back to 700 B.C., Anyaa brings to light something so familiar and at times so often forgotten.
Greeting guests and gawkers is “Dance Interrupted.” This smooth eggshell, muddled white cloud-like felt creation contains pitch black euphoric twig head dancers spiraling out of control, scattered softly throughout the fabric. It perhaps represents the diaspora of the chances we take in our creative lives.
“My Angel” is a stream of sanctuary composed of softly spun felt locks of creamy white safety. It stands waiting to engulf you like sun warmed sheets hanging from a wire clothesline, waving in the wind, rustling quietly.
“A Woman Defined” captures the suggestive unseen curves of a woman: demure, modest, and with simple, shameless, shapeless sexuality that is completely wearable, as if it were truly a dress.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Memories" from Facets of Felt exhibit by Elizabeth Anyaa
“Memories” and “Majestic” both burst with color set in deep purples and blues, complemented by the suppleness of yellows and oranges throughout the course of the cushy cottony canvas. “Majestic” begins as a fire in ends with purple desire. How could a body not want to feel the scratchy warmth and tug of this woolen-felt, falling flawlessly at the feet? Both “Memories” and “Majestic” are colorful indicators of who the artist Anyaa was, who she is, and what she will be in the future.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"On the Wings of an Eagle" from Facets of Felt exhibit by Elizabeth Anyaa
“On the Wings of an Eagle” stands shyly at the end of the cumulative collection but reaches its black and bronze wingspan to beckon you into its fold. It is a majestic intrusion of elongated texture, taking an imaginative, magical night flight.
Anyaa has also proven that she is willing to step off the softer path and mix mediums with melodious methods. Her sculptures are instinctively intrusive, making no excuses for the hardness of their softened existence being interwoven with gentle coil of felt. It is as if they bulge and stretch out, hypnotically pulling in unsuspecting admirers into tangible forbidden fondling. Golden swollen vases sprout nappy twirls of chocolaty felt, thick and cool. A stoneware and rainbow felting sculpture flowers up like prehistoric petals with bold Jurassic orange, pinks, and greens, shimmering subtly to quell the harshness of the stone.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Sculpture by Eizabeth Anyaa
Anyaa has no fear in the naturally unusual, yet her felt renderings are pleasantly inviting. The alluring devices of her imagination are haunting, dull with sudden burst of crude color, attractive as a flame to dry cotton. Consumable. Her work is encouraging to the novice, the student and the seasoned expert. The work speaks of home, of strangers in strange lands of warmth and comfort. What could be more consoling than the visual ease of flowing felt softness in a hard, harsh world?
The exhibit runs through October 30.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dance review: Savion Glover and Bare Soundz at the Meyerson Symphony Center (October 10)
Explosions of foot-founded sound swept through the grand hall like thundering, hypnotic hail.
DALLAS — There was no sweeping grand entrance music, but rather three simply dressed, rail thin dancers entered the stage of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, led by the incomparable choreographer Savion Glover. Immediately there were enthusiastic applause, howls, and hoots. The energy was well received by Glover, who humbly asked, “Are you ready?”
kaaitheater.be
Savion Glover and Bare Soundz
Suddenly there was a swelling, ballistic sound of feet on wood. Three simple platforms gave height to the rhythmic revelers as they mystified the audience with phenomenal tap-artistry. The titillating tap trio dazzled at first step, and unified precision gave the small ensemble a larger-than-life sound. Explosions of foot-founded sound swept through the grand hall like thundering, hypnotic hail. The crowd swelled with accolades as the tapping trio match each step toe-to-heel-to-ball-to-toe. Once again Glover managed to dance his way into hearts and minds as he did years ago as a young phenomenon onstage at age 12.The resonance of rhythm was naked at Glover's performance Sunday. Bare. But no one seemed to acknowledge the fact that there was absolutely no music.
As the show continued, the trio was sanely synchronized as the leader, Glover, smiled and savored each move in his all-familiar swing and swaggering way. Then for a moment, Glover relented and gave the spotlight to the amazing movements of Marshal Davis, Jr.
Davis shifted with fluid ease into a sensational solo of mythical metric proportions. The beats thrown from his feet were unbelievable; with only two pair of dactyl help, Marshal became a mass of pattering sound that drove the crowd mad with approval.
Bare Soundz promo video
Here's video to give you an idea of what you missed at their live performance at the Meyerson in Dallas on October 10. Video posted by alkantaralisboa on YouTube.
Davis then bestowed the spotlight of beats on the third dancer, who gave exactitude to his tapping ability. He was methodical yet unpredictable with enigmatic energy, holding his own while the audience held its breath in anticipation of his next astounding back step.As the evening rushed on, Glover’s trio regain their group momentum, as if their dance became a familiar song, an old favorite, flourishing in a new way. Spasms of convulsed catches and rolls of creative clicks become integrated incantations, reminiscent of distant African drums thundering in the untamed distance of dance.
Their acrobatic essence was slowed to feature Glover, who stopped to let us know that the title of the dance he is about to perform was “My Buddy Bones.” It was a playful ode to the sound man, and each step echoed through the height of the grand hall like mayhem through Herot. Rampages of rhythm grabbed hold and tightened their grip as the culmination ended with a simple swish of the toe. Brilliant.
Again Glover clutched the microphone as his legs and feet commanded the synchronized beats. He sang in a sweet mellow tone “I got it all from you” in a tribute to bass player Andy McCloud, III who died in May of this year. Impressive not only is his voice but also his amazing ability to sound to pure and steady while his feet tapped out the heavenly homage.
As the undulating trio continued, Glover’s signature buns of dreads flopped with familiarity as he led his team toward the final leg of the show. The talented tapping team meandered melodically through hip-hop, jazz, and sometimes calypso-like clacks. One cannot resist watching their feet as if they are illusionists attempting to fool the crowd with some amazing feat. The movements were simply magical.
Ticking like a rumbling clock, tocking like a thousand clicks, each strike became part of the pulse of the audience as the team began an amazing tag-team round-about demonstration of pure tapping talent. The finale was an almost-tribal ritual of time steps. Frenzied with fierce foot action, the frantic trio pounded out their hearts to the wanting, panting populous crowd. Each dancer, an individual and innovator in his own right, gave a more than memorable conclusion to an amazing performance. Then came a thundering rain of appreciative applause.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Photo gallery: Jack-o-lantern carving party at Lee Harvey’s
There was even a Lady Gaga pumpkin.
DALLAS — Lone Star beer and a sharp knife: the proper tools at Lee Harvey’s for their annual pumpkin carving contest. Kaz Ferns welcomed guests in as if it was her front yard. With a good drink, the smell of delectable appetizers in the air, and light laughter, the carving commenced.The brain behind the idea is Michael Hickey. “Every year I’d get a group of friends together and we carve out pumpkins vote for the best and celebrate,” he said. So he thought it would be a great idea to bring out to Lee Harvey’s and it caught on. Contestants showed up with tools straight from the kitchen.
Jack-o-lantern carving party at Lee Harvey's (October 14)
Photos by Paula Sanders
Lori Atkinson, joined in the BOYP (bring your own pumpkin) fun. Taking a break from her waitressing job, she told me, “what could be better than a beer and a good carving knife on your day off?”A giggling group of friends, Christopher, Kristin, and Nicki joked as they jiggled their knives through the plump pumpkin flesh.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Yoda"
Photographer Tyler Sharp drove all the way from Grapevine to join his friends in his former neighborhood in the Cedars. His idea was a bit more cosmic as he and his “sculpting assistant” John, tackled the Grand Master Jedi Yoda.Perhaps the most focused artist of the evening was Michael Galicia; he worked purposefully on his pumpkin, morphing it into a lunar-like glowing gourd.
David Kennedy and Katie Sweet quietly cleaved out a creative character of cocktails. “We don’t really have a direction,” David said as he and Katie discussed design and the possibility of more drinks.
The moment of truth
Each artistic pumpkin-turned-jack-o-lantern was placed picnic tables at Lee Harvey’s for a very peculiar pumpkin parade. Third place went to “Little Goblin,” a grossly glowing gourd that looked as if it was devouring another little gourd by a contestant known only as Nicki, very creative.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Thunder Cat"
Second place went to “Grand Master Yoda” by Tyler Sharp and assistant “John.”And first place prize, which included a gift certificate and t-shirt, went to the well deserved efforts of Michael Galicia “Thunder Cat” (well, that is what everyone kept calling it), and the crowd went wild.
Honorable mention was pumpkin “Lady Gaga” by Kristin, with a funky furry cape and even a twinkling tiara!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Season premiere recap: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team
If your thighs are spread out all over that screen like pink peanut butter, you can just about hang it up.
Photo by Linda McKinney
Cowboys cheerleaders
DALLAS — For the first episode of CMT’s Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, we expected to see a lot of pretty girls with a lot of pretty tears. Cha-ching!
More than 700 hundred girls stood in the shadows of the beautiful, brand new Cowboys Stadium, hoping to soon grace the field clad in the classic uniform, wowing the crowd with their curls, twirls, and girls. (The push-up bra does wonders.)
There were plenty of perfectly shaped, bleached blond dancing damsels, all performing for the judges, including director of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Kelli “You will never be this cute” Finglass; choreographer Judy “Do I look like I’m playin’?” Trammel; and beefcake trainer Jay “Personal trainer of pain” Johnson.
Every contestant says they've been dreaming of being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader since they were little girls. It's the chance of a lifetime. Trammel gives the girls a reality check. “Dreams are gonna be made. Or we’re gonna break their hearts,” she said.
Trammel and and Finglass studied the galloping group of girls intently as they were plastered across the 72 feet high by 160 feet wide screen. Let’s face it, some girls just are “HD ready.” If your thighs are spread out all over that screen like pink peanut butter, you can just about hang it up.
Although a few contestants didn’t get the memo that physical fitness and dancing skills were required, I lift my glass of Moscato to the few passionately plump performers who threw caution (and a workout regimens) to the wind and maneuvered their moves before the stone faced judges. It was reminiscent of the classic Chippendale dance off battle between the two late greats: Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze.
As the premiere of the reality show went on, Finglass channeled Jerry Maguire and told the girls earnestly, “Help me, find you.” The smiles on the faces of the cheering hopeful could have lit up the Dallas skyline as they merged into the semi-finals. One by one, their numbers are called as shock, disappointment, and excitement circulated and the hopefuls came one high-kick closer to their dream.
At this point, we wonder, does the audience care? Have we as the viewing public connected with any of the contestants? Is it enough to keep me watching next week? It is tempting to see the finalists pitted against the “real” Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, but it's tough to take in a show that further reminds us it's time to hit the gym.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Theater review: There’s No Business in Show Business at Bishop Arts Theater Center
Teresa Coleman Wash's play allows audience members to decide what is fact and fiction, as well as how the play really ends.
TeCo Theatrical
There's No Business in Show Business stars Eric Window as Troy and JuNene K as Frankie.
OAK CLIFF — Bishop Arts Theater Center artistic director Teresa Coleman Wash takes the stage pre-curtain to welcome the audience to TeCo Theatrical's original production of There's No Business in Show Business. She admits with a smile that she had no idea of the level of drama and commitment, along with a passion for the arts, that went into keeping a theater afloat, especially in a waning economy. But that very factor inspired her to write about her experiences with a careful yet reflective pen. She concluded by stating that she would leave it up to the audience to decide what was real life and what was real fiction.
In There's No Business in Show Business, budget cuts, deadlines, clashing co-workers, and an out of control home life make for just another day at the office for artistic director Frankie Fitzpatrick (played by director/actor JuNene K). The smart, sexy, and savvy theater administrator is caught between a barely smoldering marriage, the impending birth of her second child, and maintaining a theater in a downturned economy. Keeping Frankie afloat are her mostly faithful employees.
TeCo Theatrical
Frankie (played by JuNene K) with Fernando (James Casarez) and his Grey Goose
James Casarez plays the flamboyant, know-it-all assistant Fernando. He's young, impatient, and persistent, and fires off flawless one liners while knocking back a little Grey Goose Vodka. Mild-mannered Megan (played by Danielle Hardwick) shows us the frustration of the ambitious playwright-artist with big buck ideas at a basic budget theater. Buster Spiller brings to life Mr. Truman, the theater's self-appointed sage and house manager who finds it impossible to keep his opinions about everything to himself. At one point he exclaims, "Reality TV was the worse thing that could have ever happened to Whitney Houston!" Thus we have the clash of titan egos, managed with patient precision by Frankie, the goddess of savoir-faire.
In the midst of the theatrics at the theater, Frankie is pressed to support her overly ambitious husband Troy, perfectly portrayed by Eric Window. His desire to dominate the mayoral elections in Dallas clouds his judgment and his appreciation for his woman. This lack of adoration for Frankie pushes her into the protective tempting and titillating tango-twirling arms of Sergeant Maxwell Lockhart.
TeCo Theatrical
Sergeant Maxwell Lockhart and Frankie get close in There's No Business in Show Business
Frankie struggles to balance her need to find funding for the theater with her husband's need for her support (when it's convenient for him), all while dodging the forbidden phone calls from Sergeant Sexy-Man. Her attempts to woo philanthropist Amy Stacy (portrayed by Laura L. Cutler) fall flat despite Frankie's expertise and Fernando's tenacity, and rejection comes at the most crucial moment. As if those weren't enough, there's also a covert cooperation between two unfaithful forces.
These culminate into a situation that gives the audience members just enough rope and then leaves them completely hanging. The ending is harsh, abrupt, and startling with riveting revelations. While it may appear incomplete, the message is in what is not uttered. What is seen and what is perceived is much stronger than what can actually all be said. Insert your own ending here.
Monday, November 1, 2010
New DFW social networking site hopes to stay relevant in web-obsessed climate
So is a new social networking site necessary when we've got so many? The local organizers think this one will keep busy people involved.
Event postings are easy to navigate on DFW Interact.
Virtual social calendars are filled with invites and reminders of events present and past; like cyber ghosts, eventually they pop up to haunt you. Yet many users of the various social networking websites still end up missing out on events. Could one more social network make a difference? Maybe, if you are a member of the ever-growing interactive industry in the DFW area.
DFW Interact (Beta version) proposes, according to their press release, to “bring together the best groups of like minds to share, learn and keep up with what's going on.” So what exactly is DFW Interact “bringing together” besides marketing what other groups or organizations may find a tad bit redundant? According to Michael Klasberg, DFWI "brings together like minds in specific industries [and] gives colleagues a place to 'meet' online and share information. More importantly, DFWI provides a place for these colleagues to plan events via groups, promote these events, and discuss the event when it’s done.”
Developed by Tom McCracken of LevelTen Interactive, DFW Interact appears simple and inviting, easy to understand and navigate. The initial page is cut and dry with Upcoming Events, Newest Community Groups, and Most Popular Tags. The feature that makes this site unique is that is serves a specific purpose and specific group: the interactive community which includes marketing, design, public relations, and public speaking. “DFWI is specifically for the interactive, professional community in DFW, which allows for more quality-control than Facebook,” Klasberg said.
Users can look forward to more information that is apropos easily finding events and other useful posts. “The largest difference, however, is the signal-to-noise ratio that DFWI has. On [other social network sites], users are barraged by other users’ personal blogs, lunch updates, Foursquare check-ins, family photos, on and on … DFWI has a very high signal-to-noise ratio, meaning all information shared on the website is relevant, useful, and informational.”
What should set DFW Interact apart is not just the user group’s ability to post follow up events and discussions, but that it is least likely to become an obsolete option because DFWI developers are always upgrading the site to make it more accommodating. Klasberg adds that, “We feel DFWI will probably always be in Beta because as soon as it’s not, we are not progressing.”
Is there a fortunate future for this website? The growth of the interactive community will be the definite judge of that. But if they, the interactive community, stumble upon it, will they join?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Interview: Regina Taylor reflects on The Trinity River Plays and her journeys as an actress and playwright
Taylor told the group about her writing style, "I pour myself into other people’s skin and see what I learn as a human being."
reginataylor.com
Regina Taylor, author of The Trinity River Plays
DOWNTOWN DALLAS — In the intimate setting of the Horchow Auditorium at the Dallas Museum of Art, a modest crowd of artsy admirers patiently waited for Dallas daughter Regina Taylor to emerge from the velvety black folds from backstage.
After a brief introduction from Dallas Theater Center artistic director Kevin Moriarty, the conversation began -- more like a private conversation than an interview as the group discussed Taylor's new works, The Trinity River Plays. Taylor answered with polite enthusiasm and southern charm, speaking as a veteran actress.
Moriarty began at home. Taylor grew up in Dallas, a resident of the West Dallas Projects. She claims to have had the “best of both worlds” in that she was an only child within the folds of a large extended family. Her mother, a teacher for some years, “empowered her to think creatively” and helped write her first book, made of construction paper and conceptualized on the living room floor. Taylor said although she always had a passion for writing, her love affair with acting did not surface until years later when she was a student at Southern Methodist University. There she took an acting class because she thought it would be an easy “A.” The easy part turned out to be her true calling into the world of theater.
She remembers fondly stalking Henry Fonda in a performance of The Oldest Living Graduate, where she was approached by an agent who asked if she was an actor and then told her about an audition. This incidental meeting backstage led to a role in Crisis at Central High, where she co-starred with Joan Woodworth. After graduating from SMU, Taylor left for New York in pursuit of her dream.
However, her dreams didn’t happen overnight. As she looked for work as an actress, she worked temporary assignments, even posting theater advertisement posters in the middle of the night for up-and-coming productions. Hard work paid off and Taylor became the first African-American woman to portray Juliet Capulet on Broadway. In the '90s she would go on to star in the TV show "I’ll Fly Away," which she says was one of the “best experiences of her acting career.” She also recalled accepting the role with ease because she knew the character already. Lilly, in a sense, was her mother and her grandmother -- the other women who worked, loved, and sacrificed for their families and profoundly influenced Taylor herself.
Being in New York City was inspiring time for Taylor. “Each block has a story happening in the moment,” she said. “As a writer, you are trying to find your way. Just as the great Miles Davis, whose sound we know immediately when we hear it, was still always trying to re-invent himself as an artist. Well, so does a writer.” As a playwright, Taylor attempts to capture the “…tenacity of the human spirit. I pour myself into other people’s skin and see what I learn as a human being.”
Taylor’s current work, The Trinity River Plays, is set in Oak Cliff and reflects the cycle of change that a young woman must face in her lifetime. The catalyst for the creation of the plays was the passing of Taylor’s mother. She describes the birth of the play as “trying to reconnect and move through the world that you feel may just blow away.”
Although not quite autobiographical, Taylor admits that it was "over-whelming, yet embracing. I wanted to write a piece that came from the soil, about where you come from and how it follows you through the processes of life.”
The Trinity River Plays run November 6 through December 1 at the Wyly Theatre.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Exhibit review: Discover Reptiles and Other Critters at Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas
The exhibit was full of gross-you-out facts -- a major hit with the kids.
Photo by Paula Sanders
"Whose Scat is That?" let Jason Alex Davis, II and other kids freely analyze and talk about animal poo. You can imagine how much they liked that.
FAIR PARK — Children naturally gravitate towards all things creepy and crawly; this would include my 6 year old son who is a certified critter lover. On Saturday, the Reptiles and Other Critters exhibit at Discovery Days at the Museum of Nature and Science gave kids a opportunity to get up close and personal with a few of those fun, flying, swimming, and slimy creatures of the great outdoors.
The greatest learning experience was the scavenger hunt, where kids had to note facts about each critter featured.
Photo by Paula Sanders
We couldn't believe how enthralled the kids were with the bee exhibit.
Upon entry, the Texas Honeybee Guild seemed to attract the adults as well as the kids. A live hive of buzzing bees, along with a fact-filled front man, kept the kids' attention for a record five minutes. Looking for the queen bee seemed to be the most magnetizing while we got up-close-and-personal with the bees without feeling the repercussions.
We got to see educational examples of live creatures at Wildlife on the Move Game Show and the Fort Worth Zoo. The Heard Museum also provided an opportunity to invade the personal royal space of a king snake.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Bug eyes were a big hit for Jason Alex Davis, II.
Bug Eyes in 3-D was a popular stop along the way. Using 3-D glasses, kids were able to get a microscopic view of a bug’s eye. High up on the scale of the gross-out factor, they were also able to use cool kaleidoscope-like lenses to see exactly what a bugs sees.
There were more ewws than ahhs as the youngsters learned the difference between herbivore and carnivore scat. This was a big hit with my son; he never passes up the opportunity to learn more gross-you-out facts. The learning activity, Whose Scat is That?, offered the opportunity to distinguish various droppings of animal scat by providing poop-like plastic examples.
In the nature building, kids crowded around the varieties of spattering turtles and tortoises. Splashing in water or munching on broccoli, the bashfully bumpy, rough reptiles were the center of attention. Subject matter experts from the DFW Turtle and Tortoise Club were on hand to gives helpful hints in handling and ownership of the shelled creatures.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Volunteers from DFW Turtle and Tortoise Club gave helpful information.
Our last stop of the day was Color-Changing Chameleons, where patient volunteers from the Junior League of Dallas helped little hands bead and form cool chameleon key chains. The fascinating fact that chameleons change colors was brought to life when my son stepped outside into the sunlight and the clear beads changed to a very cool purple hue.
Two hours after entering the Museum of Nature and Science, as we left behind the land of learning moments, my son recounted fun facts he learned and was anxious to know when we would return to the museum again. The whole experience was well worth the time for reptile and critter lovers of all ages.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Review: Exhibition at Studio 109 in X + Tyler Davis Arts District
It is clear that these artists who make up Studio 109 never colored in the lines as children.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Disco Party by Sherry Muldoon
OAK CLIFF — The small storefront studio of Studio 109 has classic high ceilings and art deco tin tiles, white washed walls, and primed floor. It's bejeweled with jewelry, sculpture, paintings, and framed photography. Studio 109 is an inviting, cozy, cube-like room with a view of images, hard, soft, colored, and sometimes fragile. Nestled neatly on a short 400 block of North Tyler, there dwells the rendering of creative and gifted artists, welcoming enough to allow the public a sneak peek of some of their most captivating efforts. Here, the collective works of Melody Hay, Dee Hill, Conor Muldoon, Sherry Muldoon, Regan Parenton, Paul Pena, Meredith Redard, and Jennifer Shipley reside peacefully together.
In the mildly cool evening, the collective hive of creative minds stand back shyly, as potential patrons peruse the walls of the somewhat secluded studio. Unlike a great deal of reality these days, this arrangement is pleasantly unscripted. It is clear that these artists who make up Studio 109 never colored in the lines as children. This fact is evident in their conspicuously cohesive embodiment of artwork as well as their humble surroundings.
Each piece of work seems to have found its perfect position, unpretentious, dynamic and as engaging as the quaint little space itself. A modest glass shelf stands amid the colorful spray of paintings and photographs, bearing its glistening charms like a virgin’s dowry, awaiting the first caress; forged by the skilled hands of Ashley Jones.
Photo by Paula Sanders
New York Etch by Paul Pena
Melody Hay, founder, photographer and painter, greets all who enter with a cordial smile and information as well as inspiration behind the groups’ collaborative spirit. Although the group’s last show did have a theme, “Yellow Definitive,” this time they wanted to present their art, not define it by theme. She and her husband relocated from North Dallas to the X + Tyler Davis Arts District to actualize the dream of presenting their untainted passion as artists to the public.
“We’re most excited about the grand opening on the 27th of November," she said. "Not only will there be more pieces to show but we’ll also have a guest DJ Regan Parenton, to set the mood.”
The ever-growing diversity of vision is what makes this little cove of creativity so inviting. Hay admits that the group is continuing to add new and innovative visionaries to the collective and she is obviously proud of the persistence of artistic progression. The modesty of Studio 109 provides an open forum for each painting, photograph, and even the extra-terrestrial like stoneware, to make its case without being over-shadowed by shallow trendy settings. If what you want to see is art, then Studio 109 is the place to really see it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Exhibit review: Art Show at the Where House (December 4)
There were no matte white walls with expensive track lighting at this art opening, nothing pretentious or preachy in the art or the creators.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Photography by Cassel Hiles
FORT WORTH — “…it was incredible to think of it happening at an art opening … But then, we weren’t just at the art exhibit, we were the art exhibit, we were art incarnate.” Andy Warhol made this statement following an unprecedented crowd of screaming fans at an art opening in Philadelphia in the '60s.
While there were no screaming fanatics at the Piranha Bear Where House art opening, there was a tremendous turn-out of support. Set in the historic Ryan Place area of Fort Worth near Texas Christian University, a usually unnoticed, semi-abandoned building was transformed into a serious happening on Saturday night. A densely packed diverse throng of supporters coursed through a maze of creations after grabbing a beer or wine for donations at the Handle Bar.
A theme-less trek took the on-lookers through a tour of 21 varying visions of everyday life. Art ranged from paintings, handmade jewelry, and accessories to blown glass that reminded one deliciously of candy corn. Serious, whimsical, abstract art, and photography clung to the walls for security as the tight fit of the bustling crowd made its way in, over, and even outside to the fire pit.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Photography by Jessica Waters
The overwhelming number of artists made it impossible to just chose one and stamp it as crowd favorite. However, there were a few compelling works such as the haunting portraits of Christa Vaznis depicting a beauty of melancholy with muted yet expressive colors. Audrey Myrosh’s unique use of blazing black vinyl records to enhance her bold colors in a mixed media frenzy of music appreciation caught the color-hungry eyes of many. Cassel Niles' Hiles' photography rendered a simplistic beauty and softness to its placement in the exhibition while Jessica Waters' images of a ferris wheel and lightening beheld magnificence and fear all in one vivid work of art that at first blush appears to be a very real, very poignant photograph.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Art by Rebeka Johnson
One of the organizers, Rebekah “Squirt” Johnson, mingled mindfully through the exhibit, amazed at the show of support for the event. “We started out with 15 artists and it has grown to 21 on display tonight,” she exclaimed. The Piranha Bear group met through friends of friends and all seem to share the common desire to show their work. In a collaborative effort, the space was donated and the rest is still being written as Piranha Bear history. In return for the free space, 30% of their profits go to the owner of the Where House to maintain the space for future events.
“We are so fortunate to have this space. We build the walls ourselves and the cool thing is that they are movable to create a whole new space if necessary,” Johnson said.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Art by Christa Vaznis
The second organizer, Anna Smith, took care of every detail, down to the talent; however, in the midst of the opening preparation, she was unable to complete any of her work for the show. Johnson was able to exhibit her very versatile gift of creativity through use of acrylic on canvas, plus samples of her ethereal photography of which she proudly said “is from actual film with no Photoshop enhancement.”
There were no matte white walls with expensive track lighting at this art opening, nothing pretentious or preachy in the art or the creators. The presence of talent and collaboration, however, shined brilliantly throughout the evening.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Donors got into Christmas spirit at uplifting fundraiser at Life In Deep Ellum
The cultural center needs money, and artists proved they can help.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Art by Kelsey Kincannon
DEEP ELLUM — When artists come together for a cause, there is a bona fide fire of unity that glows and warms everyone within its reach. Wednesday night at Life In Deep Ellum was no exception. In order to raise funds to continue its work for the greater artistic good, ArtLoveMagic assembled an emergency coming together of creative talent to ensure the doors of this center of culture remain open despite an unexpected financial downturn in the center’s resources.
“ArtLoveMagic, along with the facilities of Life in Deep Ellum, gives artists a place to work, show their work, and even teach,” said Michael Lagocki, the founder of ArtLoveMagic. “It is a creative avenue that fulfills a greater purpose for the artists.” Over the past five years, the group has hosted multiple events for visual, spoken word, and musical artists at Life in Deep Ellum.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Mike Lagocki, founder of ArtLoveMagic
As the Zachary Scott Pohl Band jammed its bluesy notes through the heads of artists and patrons alike Wednesday night, Lagocki, accompanied by artist and board member Michelle McSpadden, watched over a pair of artists seedlings as they colored and created Christmas cards at the craft table.
Although it was quiet at the southern end of Deep Ellum on a chilly Wednesday night, Life In Deep Ellum was in full gear. Artists showed their support through presence and participation.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Josh Dryk doing his thang.
Melody Hay, co-artist of Studio 109 in the Tyler-Davis X+ district, worked mindfully on a purple-word abstract while entertaining curious eyes and hoping that Life In Deep Ellum would benefit from profits of her proffered creations. Carolyn Collins proudly donated all proceeds from her phenomenal photograph sales to help the artist's hub through its financial healing. Artists Steve Herndon and Kelsey Kincannon swapped creative energies by working simultaneously on two very diverse canvases, while Eddie Walker displayed his masterful manipulations of the airbrushed works of art. Outside, fire bearing artist Josh Dryk blazed his way through color with a weather-damaged portion of a fence serving as his combustible canvas.
Stimulation of visual senses soon gave way to the lure of the microphone, where spoken word artists began blessing the crowd with titillating tremulations. Alejandro “A.P.” Perez, Jr. and Will Richey took willing spectators on a verbally visual tour through identity reality. The duo’s dynamic and rhythmic words of insight moved and enthused the crowd while percussionist Ron Davis provided a pulsing backdrop of beats.
Photo by Paula Sanders
Art by Eddie Walker
Rounding out the night perfectly was the energetic and youthful sounds of Rin-Tin-Tin, a local “funk white girl rap” ensemble of extraordinary musicians with fame no doubt in their future. Their fanatic following crowded about them like a Romulan cloaking device. In its futile density, the big-ass sound told the listeners they were there but sheltered behind erratically moving fanatics, basking in sounds reminiscent of old-school Red Hot Chili Peppers or the humble beginnings of the Smashing Pumpkins sprinkled with a little bit of Rage Against the Machine. They made momma proud.
Lest we not forget, the goal of the evening was to provide emergency funding to Life in Deep Ellum so the nuevo and veteran talent and creativity can continue to flourish in that very versatile and useful space. Donations are still welcome at www.lifeindeepellum.com.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
MLK, Jr.’s civil rights lawyer stirred a supportive crowd at the Winspear
He tells us, "I went on to finish college and law school and came back with the intent to destroy everything related to segregation."
DALLAS — Fred Gray is veteran civil rights lawyer who represented Rosa Parks and served as the civil rights lawyer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He went on to represent the infamous case of Pollard vs. United States of America, which involved the illegal experimentation of rural black males in Macon County, Alabama. While serving with the Alabama Legislature, he was one of the first to submit a bill to create a holiday in King’s memory.
And on Monday, he was at Dallas' Winspear Opera House speaking to a full crowd of admirers, law students, and educators.
The theme of the night was based loosely upon a segment King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” in which King asserts that a paradox of justice existed in the United States and “there are two types of laws: just and unjust.” Hosted by Dr. Larry Allums, executive director of The Dallas Institute, the evening began with Gray, who gave what could be considered a testimony of his experience in the civil rights movement.
He re-told the organizing of the Montgomery Bus Boycott with a passionate reflection of a past that changes the future. He reminded the engaged audience that “civil rights was a deep seeded problem that existed long before the boycott,” and that there were many key players and unsung heroes, such as the 15-year-old Claudette Colvin.
Although great strides have been made in the African-American community since the spark of 1955 which ignited the civil rights movement, Gray admitted: "We are still confronted with these issues" which can only be tackled if we "acknowledge racism still exists, come up with a plan and execute it, however do not expect someone else to solve the problem," he told the crowd.
We were stirred by his speech, as well as the personal conversation we had with him earlier on Monday:
PegNews: How did you become involved with the civil rights movement?
Gray: Actually I entered the civil rights movement when I was a student at University of Alabama, because of the conditions that existed on the buses. Everything then was completely segregated. I witnessed the fact that if a person of color had a problem with unfair treatment at the hands of a white person, they couldn't get a lawyer. I decided to go to law school, not challenging the University of Alabama at the time because I knew they would accept me. I went on to finish college and law school and came back with the intent to destroy everything related to segregation. After passing the state bar in both Ohio and Alabama in 1954, I have been working on civil rights cases since then. It was a personal commitment. The bus situation in Montgomery was what motivated me to become a lawyer and see if I could change these things.
PegNews: With the progression of “minorities,” are there still civil rights issues to be fought -- or have they evolved into something different beyond race?
Gray: We have made a tremendous amount of progress. We have gained a great deal but we still have problems to go.
PegNews: Are you surprised about issues such as Jena 6, church burnings, and the increasing of hate crimes, where African-Americans are not always the target, while Hispanics, Muslims, and members of the GLBT community are?
Gray: I think the difference between human and civil rights is not very unlike at all. Even though they took the education system and de-segregated it, you still have inferior instances of educational institutions across this nation. Our whole education system still has vestiges of racism seeded in it. You have a disparage between the majority and the minority. For instance, we have more young black men who are incarcerated than in institutions of higher learning. The Urban League reported that decades after the civil rights movement, the discrimination continues in housing, income, and various other areas.
PegNews: Do you foresee a time when we won’t have to deal with an individual’s human rights being violated?
Gray: It’s not going to happen by itself. I would like to believe that at some time it will end. ... People tend to not want to acknowledged racism and discrimination, but it’s wrong and it’s not going to go away by itself. Once we recognize that fact, that race is still a problem, we have to develop a plan. Like Montgomery Bus boycott; it was not an accident, we had been working on this plan since the arrest of Claudette Colvin, and planted the seed so that others could duplicate the event, and it ended up turning into the civil rights movement. This problem is so vast that it will take federal, state, local, the family, the church, demonstrations, and legal aspects to get this thing right. Each of us must work toward obtaining equal justice under that law. We cannot depend on anyone else to do, we must do it ourselves.
Jeffrey Toobin also spoke at the event Monday, and he took a more judicial approach to the topic of the evening, focusing on the successes of law suits that helped to bring about change in this country. He pointed out noted cases that help break down the barriers of segregation, not just in social situations but also in education and employment. Toobin stated that the memory of King evolved into this strong and revered pillar; however, he reminds that King was at his time a very controversial figure in the United States, and during his life time there were many who dared not revere or respect him.
Toobin said his favorite quote from King is, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." But he added that "it bends toward justice as long as people continue to push it that way."
Thursday, February 3, 2011 , Updated 8:31 a.m., February 3, 2011
The play shows just in time for the romantic month of February. (Except for the "war" part.)
ADDISON — Here’s an interesting concept for a full night of titillating theater: MBS Productions will present two one act plays, All's Fair and What's In A Name, shortened appropriately to Sex & War.
Playwright Bretton B. Holmes admits that the innovative presentation actually came about by simple chance: "A friend of mine in NYC wanted a play to work on with her roommate and asked if I thought I could come up with a one act piece for the two of them. I wrote one and then decided I didn't like it and went back and figured out what I was really supposed to be writing, and What's In A Name was the result."
The two one act plays will also provide contrasting roles for the actors, giving them a diverse challenge at bring Bretton’s work to life. He likes the "idea of being able to give two great actors two very different pieces to perform in one night. He says it "adds to the immediacy that is an inherent and necessary aspect of live theater."
And lively theater it promises to be. The two comedies will tackle the age old discussion of sex, love, and fidelity. Bretton hopes that the subject matter will create entertaining and engaged discomfort in the audience, and in the end, give them something to ponder. His greatest joy as a writer is watching the audience react to his work.
"The thing that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up is being able to see the work through and with an audience with the secret knowledge that I had a little something to do with the work's creation. It never gets old," he said.
UPDATE: The eternal Sex & War runs February 3-19 4-19 (because of weather) at the very intimate Stone Cottage Theatre. Expect laughter and lively discussion to carry on into the evening long after the audience has enjoyed the production, whose theme is just in time for the romantic month of February.
Or is it?
Monday, April 11, 2011
First Uptown Trolley Stop Market begins Saturday in Dallas
Go for food, music, and art.
The indoor/outdoor affair is sure to stir the curiosity of passers-by, highlighting local artists, culinary delights, and the diverse din of Denton musicians the Boxcar Bandits.
According to the MAC's Jessie Iannuzzi, the market was a brainstorming session which has finally become a community reality. “The idea is to spotlight Uptown by bringing together area businesses and the people who also live and work in Uptown Dallas," she said. Beyond just another artist exhibit or alternative to a farmers market, the Uptown Trolley Market will showcase 24 distinctive vendors and artists, including From the Ends of the Earth, showing off their unique goodies from all over the world; Ain’t No Mo Butter Cakes, with their enticingly sweet treats; and Warren Wilks Salon, who will be doing “blow out” styles.
“Dallas is so spread out. It’s nice to bring various people from all parts of the city, not just Uptown, to the market to share their goods and services,” Iannuzzi said.
Uptown Trolley Stop Market
- Sat
- Apr
- 16th
- 11AM
- The McKinney Avenue Contemporary (MAC)
- 3120 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX
- Free
- Age limit: All ages
The Uptown Trolley Stop Market is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will continue April 17, May 15, and June 12.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Smattering of artists and art enthusiasts probed state of Dallas’ arts
When the issue of money came up, the answer was clear: "Money is important, but we shut down ideas if we put money first," said one speaker.
DALLAS — In February, a New York company called Creative Time released an investigative study of the arts communities in and around Dallas. What they discovered is that Dallas is quite proud of its accomplishments, but visions of a greater future awaits a city bursting with creative talent and avid patronage in the form of participation and philanthropic support.
Dallas Arts District
In an effort to continue the dialogue and inspiration, The Meadows School of Arts hosted a symposium to discuss Creative Time's findings and get public feedback. An enthusiastic crowd of artists, art educators, and appreciators attended the event with a common hope to bring out more of the hidden artistic treasures in Dallas.
The day kicked off with the simple theme of “Art,” hosted by Rick Lowe, a Houston artist who discussed opportunities for art as well as social participation. His most profound example of art bringing a community together was a group of students in conjunction with the Anyang Public Art Program who revitalized a culturally rich neighborhood business on the brink of being dismantled by the ideas of modern progression. Laurie Jo Reynolds gave a compelling presentation on the effort to change the treatment of inmates at TAMMS Supermax Prison and how artists helped spread the word and bring attention to the inhumane condition in which the inmates are subjected to daily.
Mel Chin, perhaps the most entertaining speaker, presented his project Fundred Dollar Bill/Operation Paydirt, which investigates the toxicity levels of lead and its effect on those who live around lead-contaminated areas in the U.S. To bring about awareness, 300 million Fundred Dollar Bills are being created, which are equal to the cost of testing and eliminated the contaminated areas.
Theme B, introduced by Dr. Janis Bergman-Carton, focused on “Community” and how art can have a positive impact on even the least economically developed areas in the city. Cheryl Mayo, executive director of West Dallas Community Centers, provided an overview of the program, which includes art education and the positive impact that it has had on the children it serves. In partnership with Big Thought, teaching artists have opened up a whole new world of creativity and productivity to students considered low-performing and at-risk. Tom Finkelpearl, executive director of the Queens Museum of Art, provided a visual example of an art institution within one of the most racially diverse areas in the country. Since its inception, the museum has been a hub of international activity. Finkelpearl has continued this tradition by reaching out to the community through art and involving each unique culture in the spectacular events, exhibits, education, and even art therapy.
The final theme of the day was “Architecture,” which at first seemed out of place. Dean Almy, associate professor of architecture and director of graduate programs in Urban Design and Landscape at UT-Austin, probed the audience with a question: “How do we create meaningful space out of nothing?” Almy discussed how space -- all space, under bridges and in between buildings -- should be utilized. Almy also used a current project near the Design District and the Trinity River through the Dallas Urban Lab to control water and yet still develop the space to be utilized instead of simply cast off. Zola Zoka, award winning architect, presented her take on “sustainability and urbanism” of living structure. Her work demonstrates openness of space as opposed to walls that appear to cut one off from society. Her vision includes windows, which allow the inhabitants a view of their world while still maintaining privacy within.
The final presentation of the day and perhaps the most engaging was from presenter Wanda Dye, assistant professor of architecture at UT- Arlington. Opening with a brilliant and extremely appropriate quote by French philosopher Henri Lefebvre, Dye discussed her ideas about “public space intervention” -- to locate overlooked and neglected space and provide a solution which would use the space from a community as well as aesthetic frame of mind. Her presentation was interspersed with images and video from her students; one worthy of mentioning was a video created by Nelson Cuellar, a proposal of sorts giving a visual example how space on Lower Greenville could be transformed into a community garden.
Following each theme was a panel discussion facilitated by Nato Thompson, writer and curator at Creative Time. The audience was encouraged to participate and question the guest panel of presenters on possible solutions for artists and art communities specifically in Dallas. The two main topics on the minds of the audience were financial support and arts education.
Lowe addressed the financial side of social art. “I don’t start with the basis of money. If I did, I don’t think anything would ever get done," he said. "I look first for opportunity, then need and volunteerism. Money is important, but we shut down ideas if we put money first. Start with what you have and artists have plenty of resources and influence.”
Monday, February 14, 2011 , Updated 6:25 p.m., May 22, 2011
UPDATEDx2: New Dallas event finds “perfect” man in Dallas
Will Dallas get behind this idea that there's one perfect guy who is involved in his community and supports charities?
onemanchicago.com
Here's the One Man chosen in Chicago, William Burfiend. He's pretty dreamy.
DALLAS — Wanted: One man who embodies community involvement, personality, intelligence, and fitness. No, this is not an ad from Match.com; it is the premise for the new event One Man Dallas. Founded by Scott Mayer and initiated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2009, this event has been presented in Chicago and now Dallas.
Beginning Wednesday, the public can go online and nominate eligible men to be selected as semi-finalists. The field for the "one" man with all the right traits will be narrowed to 20 people, with the winner chosen on May 19. One lucky man who fulfills the "One Man" description will be given $5,000 to share with the charity he represents.
In an on air interview with MSNBC, Mayer asserted that the idea of One Man Project was spurned by the disproportionate number of women volunteers versus men, which is about 5-to-1.
"By creating an event that spotlights 20 great guys who are doing great things in the community, other young men can be motivated to get involved in charity and civic projects,” Mayer says in an email interview. While the idea is an inspiring concept, there is an age limit (24-44 years old) and physical fitness requirement that some might question. Mayer responds: "Research demonstrates that 24–44 is also the age range at which most men are open to new volunteer opportunities." And, he writes, "...fitness is not about who can bench-press the most weight. Being fit is about having a healthy lifestyle that encompasses not only looking good but feeling good and projecting a positive outlook." Beyond the physical, the participants selected for One Man Dallas must be affiliated with a charity.
onemanminneapolis.com
In the center is One Man Minneapolis winner Bill Tamlyn: also pretty studly.
The idea is interesting, but will DFW be as welcoming to the concept of spotlighting men in the community as Minneapolis or Chicago was? Jiles King, an educator, actor, writer, and producer has a positive take on the impending event. "I think this is noble. It is a way to highlight those doing positive things in the community," he said.
There remains a question of motives, as Carlton Odom, CEO of Creative South notes. “You will have to do a little detective work. Often times an event, which seems to be about a charity or have an altruistic motive, is simply a way for a business or product line to promote themselves,” he said. There are in fact quite a few high-profile sponsors for this event. The One Man Project itself is a non-profit.
Mayer insists that the end justifies the event. “The ultimate goal of One Man Dallas is to encourage more men to volunteer with charitable organizations and engage in community and entrepreneurial projects that make our communities better places to live and work. Ultimately, the One Man Project hopes to encourage men in communities across the country to volunteer and engage in their community,” he said in an email.
Who will be that One Man Dallas? And will we care?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Photos and review: Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium opens Tuesday
Goggles are optional; fun for the whole family is guaranteed.
Sea Life Grapevine aquarium
hfPhotos by Alexandra Olivia
GRAPEVINE — Another aquarium in DFW? You betcha. Sea Life Grapevine, located at Grapevine Mills Mall, is a top family spot for the summer. With 45,000 square feet of underwater wonders, it’s a sure to be hit.The self-guided tour starts with an oval room filled with barrel tail fish swimming in sync so perfectly together it almost looks like computer-generated images rather than the real thing. But this visual first stop is only the beginning. Throughout the tour, children learn about various Pacific and Atlantic sea life through information panels and cool trail quizzes and “fin facts,” and each display is a new learning moment for young, curious minds. Conveniently, there are sitting areas along the way for parents and grandparents to rest while children come almost face-to-face with underwater world.
Photo by Alexandra Olivia
Glass flooring throughout the exhibit provides unique views into the maze of tanks.
Sting Ray Bay offers an up-close-and-personal view of these majestic sea creatures by providing glass bubbles that smaller kiddos can actually crawl into. These bubbles, which extend into the tank, put kids right in the middle of the action. Kamdyn, a 9 year old Young Environmentalist from Lewisville, exclaimed breathlessly after coming out of the bubble, “I felt like I was right in there with them. Like it was going to sting me. Cool!”Throughout the self-guided tour, various displays bubble observation tanks appear in the center of over-sized tanks where youngsters can crawl in and find themselves immersed in swirls of swishing sea life.
Photo by Alexandra Olivia
The Ocean Tunnel, a 360-degree walk-through tunnel, gives visitors a sense of being inside the tank.
Perhaps the most exhilarating moment of the tour is the 360 degree tunnel. It feels as if you are walking on water as your trek through the acrylic tunnel. Sharks glide over your head while schools of fish swirl beneath your feet. Youngsters will love the top to bottom ocean view. The view through the tunnel is so breathtaking that you may actually forget to breathe! The ethereal view finishes with the glowing light of the largest collection of jellyfish in the nation. The agile creatures entranced onlookers with their gentle gyrations through the water.From sea horses to Texas freshwater swamp bass and crappies, the tour ends in a large family room where, finally, families are encouraged to touch and handle chocolate chip starfish and hermit crabs. Many giggled at the tickle of cleaner shrimp in the Rockpool. There is plenty of resting space in the large room, plus a play area for kids still energized from their walk through the sea water wonderland.
Families can “snap” together a full day of fun by visiting both LEGOLAND and Sea Life Grapevine, but the thrill of the day will no doubt be Sea Life.
Sea Life Grapevine officially opens at noon July 12. Goggles are optional; fun for the whole family is guaranteed.