The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs proudly announces the grand opening of the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 West Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75208, and will mark the event with a dedication ceremony on Thursday, August 12, 2010 and a community open house and street fair on Sunday, August 15, 2010.

The dedication ceremony for the new center will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 11:30 AM, and will be hosted by the Office of Cultural Affairs Director and the Cultural Affairs Commission. Council Member Delia Jasso and City officials will dedicate the new facility and will unveil the Cultural Center’s inaugural art exhibition, Perspectives from the Cliff: Recent Work by Oak Cliff Artists. This juried exhibition features 25 artworks by 17 artists who live or work in Oak Cliff: Sal Barron, Chris Bingham, Carrie Cook, Christa Diepenbrock, Bryan Steven Gooding, Cynthia Garrison, Keirston Jacobs, Santiago Lopez III, Cynthia Maute, Wendy Medling, Brent Mitchell, Lyndon Ardell Mitchell, Terri Neal, Kenda North, Larry Pile, Sam Theis and Jessica Trevizo. Serving as jurors were Dallas artists Tina Aguilar and Charley Mitcherson.

On Sunday, August 15, 2010, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the community is invited to an open house and street fair to celebrate the new center. The 200 block of Jefferson Boulevard will be closed for a street fair, which will feature three musical acts on stage, face painting, booths offering information on City services, the Dallas Public Library’s Bookmobile, and more. Inside the center, activities will include artist talks in the gallery and dance demonstrations in the studio by Alegre Ballet Folklórico. More information on these events can be found at www.dallasculture.org/occc.

“We are thrilled with our new space in Oak Cliff, in the midst of the vibrant commercial district of Jefferson Boulevard,” notes Maria Muñoz-Blanco, director of the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. “The Oak Cliff Cultural Center will serve as a family-oriented arts venue, bringing a variety of dance classes, arts workshops and exhibitions that showcase the diversity and creativity of Oak Cliff.”

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) works to enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for all Dallas citizens by creating an environment wherein arts and cultural organizations can thrive so that people of all ages can enjoy opportunities for creative expressions and the celebration of our community’s multicultural heritage. Our mission is to establish a cultural system that ensures that ALL Dallas citizens and visitors have an opportunity to experience the finest in arts and culture. The OCA is advised by an 18-member Cultural Affairs Commission appointed by the Dallas City Council. The OCA manages the city’s investment in arts and culture, including oversight of 21 city-owned cultural facilities that include the Bath House Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and South Dallas Cultural Center; a Cultural Contracts Program; Public Art Program; and the city’s classical music radio station, WRR101.1FM. More information on the programs and services provided by the OCA can be found at www.dallasculture.org.

Since the inception of the Arts of Collin County, the phrase “it takes a village” has perfectly described the level of teamwork, collaboration, volunteer hours and investment to develop the 100+ acre arts park and performance hall for all of North Texas to enjoy for generations.

In the last year, the Arts of Collin County formed fundraising teams in each of the Owner cities of Allen (which also includes member city Fairview led by Mayor Sim Isrealoff), Frisco and Plano. The groups are volunteers of interested citizens who meet bi-monthly with Mike Simpson, executive director. The primary objective of the teams is multi-fold: brainstorm fundraising ideas, identify donor prospects, participate in fundraising events and donor meetings and be ambassadors for the project.

The teams have provided valuable feedback to the Arts of Collin County and serve as an important stakeholder – the citizens of the Owner and Member cities.

“The Fundraising teams function as important ambassadors in the community building awareness and generating opportunities with new donors,” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County.

“All of our Plano team members have a rich history of volunteering in so many capacities, always serving to enrich our community. They bring this high quality focus to the Arts of Collin County that allows them share how this project would make our cities wonderful places to live. It is a honor to part of the Arts of Collin County,” states James Muns, former Mayor of Plano and member of the Plano fundraising team.

The current fundraising teams are as follows:  (by alpha order by city)

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road at Exchange Parkway, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Collaboration is at the heart of the arts park and performing arts hall project planned for the Arts of Collin County. From the start, hundreds of volunteers came together with a vision for a significant cultural space to be shared among the entire region.

The Arts of Collin County includes volunteers’ at all levels of the organization. One such group is the Advisory Committee, comprised of 19 appointed representatives that serve 2 year terms with no term limits. The terms alternate so each year there is a balance of members with previous committee experience and new appointees. Their backgrounds include fine arts education, nonprofit arts organization leaders, facility management, elected officials and active community volunteers. The primary role is to provide input on the planning, policies and programming of the facility and to be the voice of various community interests in this process. During the design and fundraising phase, the Advisory Committee has provided feedback on the design of the arts hall and park as well as development of the buy a seat and paver program, marketing materials and served as volunteers at fundraising and community events. The committee meets bi-monthly at the Arts of Collin County office with Buzz Kolbe, Advisory Committee Chair and Executive Director Mike Simpson.

The committee is appointed by the Arts of Collin County Board of Directors. The 19 members are comprised of 1 representative from each Owner and Member city, Collin County, a representative from each Owner City School District of Allen, Frisco and Plano, Collin College, an arts organization from each Owner city, 2 At-large members from each Owner city and 1Ex-Officio Representative of the Board.

The current Advisory Committee listed below has renewed for another term.

• Debbie Stout, City of Allen
• To Be Appointed, City of Frisco
• Lissa Smith, City of Plano
• Aaron Chowning, City of Melissa
• Stephen Arnold, Town of Fairview
• Matt Shaheen, Collin County Commissioner
• Anthony Gibson, Director of Fine Arts, Allen Independent School District
• Dr. Daryl Trent, Director of Fine Arts Frisco Independent School District
• Ms. Kathy Kuddes, Director of Fine Arts, Plano Independent School District
• Dr. Gaye Cooksey, Dean of Fine Arts, Collin College
• Stefanie Best, Allen arts groups
• Julie Daniels, Frisco arts groups
• Alice Hobbs, Plano, arts groups
• Cherie Fruehan, At large – Allen
• Kathy Litinas, At large – Allen
• Rhonda Martin, At Large – Frisco
• Terry McCracken, At large – Frisco
• Buzz Kolbe, At Large – Plano (Chairperson)
• Barbara Buehler, At Large – Plano
• Dr. Betty Bell Muns, Ex Officio Representative

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road at Exchange Parkway, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Opening: Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 6 p.m.

Like Father, Like Son: The Art of Henry Howard Sr. & Jr. is a unique exhibition. Dallas painter, Henry Howard is best known for his murals one of which adorns the wall of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library right in South Dallas.

Mr. Howard has created numerous paintings of life in the African American community. What he didn’t know until his father’s death was that he came by his talent, as the old folks would say, “honestly” when he discovered a closet full of paintings, drawings, and prints created by his father. This surprising discovery led Henry to delve into his father’s artistic life which it seems was stifled in large part due to segregation and the minimal opportunities afforded Black artists in pre-1960 America.

This exhibition is Henry’s tribute to his late father and the talent he passed on to his son.

Artist reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 7-9 p.m.

The Bath House Cultural Center presents Todo Sobre mi Madre (All About my Mother), an exhibition of mixed media artwork by María Teresa García Pedroche, May 1 to June 5, 2010. An opening reception with Ms. García Pedroche will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.

In the exhibition Todo Sobre mi Madre, Dallas artist María Teresa García Pedroche investigates the cherished and everlasting relationship she developed with her late mother, María Pedroche Garcia (1928-2007), through a collection of nature-related color photographs and other works in mixed media that poetically illustrate the love for vivid colors and fragrances that the artist’s mother expressed throughout her life.

The intimate moments that the artist and her mother shared together serve as the main source of inspiration for this exhibition—particularly the moments during the last days of the mother’s life. Upon that relationship, the artist reflects: “My mother’s love of nature was contagious and she would find beauty in all that surrounded her. She would often describe her garden with vivid colors and fragrances and with the sounds of her birds that would visit frequently.” García Pedroche warmly recalls some of the moments she spent with her mother by adding:

While she was in hospice, she reminded me to water her flowers and feed her birds. It was during one of those days when I felt helpless that I discovered a bird of paradise that had two flowers blooming in one stem. I immediately showed her the fresh cut flower and she smiled and responded, ‘This is Paradise.’ Every day for a month I would take the flower and photograph it facing the sky. I would show her the flower and the photos and she held on to my hand and prayed for blessings to shower all of my family. The flower died when my mother went to paradise. A year passed before I developed the photographs. I continue to discover new works from this series that bring back memories stored in my heart.

In 2009, the artist created glass soldered houses inspired by her mother’s dicho, (proverb) “Cuida tu casa y deja la ajena” (Take care of your home and don’t meddle in others’). The mixed media houses are also on display in this exhibition as the artist continues to pay tribute to her mother as a way to hold on to her memories, which have provided strength and wisdom for many years.

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information and to preview selected art pieces from the exhibition in the Photo Gallery.

I am the City by Ross Von Rosenberg

Fresh Faces 2×2
Bath House Cultural Center
May 1-June 5, 2010

Artist reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 7-9 p.m.

The Bath House Cultural Center presents Fresh Faces 2×2, an eclectic art exhibition featuring the artwork of more than fifty artists, May 1 to June 5, 2010. An opening reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.

Fresh Faces sets out to highlight the exceptional talent and innovation of discovered and yet-to-be-discovered artists from the DFW region in this diverse mixed media invitational exhibition organized by Dallas curator, Rita Barnard. According to Ms. Barnard, the exhibition “is about finding and bringing new and familiar artists to our cultural community.” The Curator also points out: that “the artists who are participating in the show may be well-known or emerging artists. They may have gallery experience, or this may be a first-time adventure for them.” An interesting aspect of the exhibition is the approach used by Ms. Barnard to identify potential artists for the show. The Curator’s method is based, in great part, on the reliance of the social network Facebook as a new and effective networking tool that may be used to discover exceptionally talented artists online and to promote their outstanding creations to larger audiences.

The artists participating in the Fresh Faces exhibition are:

Anita Horton, Anna Palmer, Benjamin Vincent, Brad Abrams, Bruce Schiefelbein, Charlotte Seifert, Cheryll McLennan, Chris Brown, Daniel Birdsong, Daniel Rivera, Darrah Goodin, Darrell Madis, Debbie Stinson, S. Elisabeth Schalij, Ellen Soffer, Fannie Britto, Greg Metz, Greg Stinson, Heather Gorham, Ippi Lincoln, Jack Brockette, Jerrel Sustaita, Jessica Sublet, J Lynn Kelly, Jose Cruz, Joyce Martin, Sandra A. Moreno, Judith Lee Perkins, Judy Seay, Julia McLain, Kate Wickham, Kathy Robinson-Hayes, Liz London, Marty Ray, Merry Fuhrer, Michael Benson, Monique Janette, Pamela K. Neeley, Ray-Mel Cornelius, Ron Criswell, Ross von Rosenberg, Roy Vance, Silvia Thornton, Skip Noah, Steve Benezue, Susan Giller, Terri Stone, Terry Hayes, Tim Bolt, and Valerie Guignon.

The Curator of the exhibition, Rita Barnard, is an accomplished visual artist in Dallas with a long career in visual arts management and design. Ms. Barnard has also been in the freelance graphic arts business for twenty years. She has worked on site at advertising agencies, in communications departments of several corporations, and has a home office where she serves her clients.

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information and to preview selected art pieces from the exhibition in the Photo Gallery.

I am the City by Ross Von Rosenberg

The Curator will be presenting these images in an exhibit that will open with the Festival of Independent Theaters (FIT) in July and remain in the Museum Gallery through November. The organizers of the exhibition would like to visit with people willing to loan their good-quality historical or vintage photos of the Bath House. Because the Curator realizes that these are beloved images, copies of the originals will be made and 25-30 photographs will be displayed in an 8″ X10″ format in the exhibition. Original photographs will be returned to the owners.

The Bath House Cultural Center asks potential photo donors to drop in at the Bath House and visit him with the photos, or make high-resolution digital copies, put them on a disk and send them to Enrique Fernández Cervantes, Bath House Cultural Center, 520 E. Lawther Dr., Dallas, TX, 75218. Please include contact information so he can return the original photos.

Contact Enrique Fernández Cervantes at the Bath House, Tuesdays through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m., at 214-670-8723 or via e-mail at Enrique.fernandez@dallascityhall.com.

About the White Rock Lake Museum

The Bath House Cultural Center is the home of the White Rock Lake Museum. The museum’s mission is to preserve and present the human and natural history of White Rock Lake Park and its surrounding environment. The White Rock Lake Museum was inaugurated in September 2004.

Please visit the museum’s website at www.whiterocklakemuseum.org

The Bath House Cultural Center is a division of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. The center is dedicated to fostering the growth, development and quality of multi-cultural arts within the City of Dallas. The center emphasizes innovating visual and performing arts as well as other multi-discipline events throughout the year. Funding for the Bath House Cultural Center is provided by the City of Dallas, with additional support from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Location and Hours

The Bath House Cultural Center is located on the eastern shore of White Rock Lake at the end of Northcliff Dr. off of Buckner Blvd. at 521 E. Lawther, Dallas, TX 75218.

The Bath House Cultural Center’s regular hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. The center is open until 10:00 PM on nights with theatre performances. For general information about cultural programs at the Bath House Cultural Center, please call (214) 670-8749 or visit the center’s website at www.bathhousecultural.com

“Sunbelt Stone is excited to be a part of the Arts of Collin County and the impact it will have on our region,” stated Carpenter, founder and President of Sunbelt Sandstone. “We are very proud to be able to showcase our stone on this tremendous property for generations to come.”

The Sunbelt Stone sandstone donation brings the Arts of Collin County one step closer to a possible groundbreaking in April or May of 2010.

“We are in the final stages of assembling all the pieces of financing for the project and these significant private donations will help us reach the full funding goal very quickly. We are continuing to work closely with the Owner Cities to finalize the agreements by the end of March,” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County. “The Arts of Collin County is grateful to Sunbelt Stone and the Carpenter family for their contribution. The interior sandstone will be major focal point of the performing arts halls and will showcase Sunbelt’s quality,” continues Simpson.

Located on 155 acres on Formation #3 in San Saba County, Sunbelt Stone’s quarry produces some of the richest colors and structural properties when compared to other sandstone formations. Therefore, it is preferred sandstone for architects, builders, landscapers and masons because of the vast colors and minimal waste produced from working with the stone. As a local, natural product, the eco-friendly sandstone fits into the sustainable design of the Arts of Collin County project.

Editor’s Note: High-Res Image Available Upon Request

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $12 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

In November 2009, bid packages were sent to contractors and on December 9, 2009 bids were opened at the offices of Hunt Construction Group, the construction manager on the project. Hunt Construction Group team members and Mike Simpson opened bids from 265 contractors for over six hours. Hunt Executives stated it was the largest response to a bid they have ever seen.

The result: a cost reduction of over 24% versus the projected cost in May of 2008 and a savings of over $16 million in cost projections from early 2009. “Based on everything we had seen in other capital bids, this was the absolute best time to go to bid,” stated Mike Simpson, Executive Director of the Arts of Collin County. “Our total estimated cost in late 2008 and early 2009 was projected in the $86 million range, and now the initial guaranteed maximum price has come in at $69.9 million – we are ecstatic,” Continues Simpson. The final Guaranteed Maximum price will be presented by Hunt Construction Group by February 26.

The initial maximum price allows prospective donors to have a clear understanding of what the current fundraising goal is. “We want all the companies and individuals considering donating to the project to know just how close we are to breaking ground,” explained Bobby Baggett, President of the Arts of Collin County Board. “Before, we had been stating over 80% of the funding was in place. With the current construction bids, we can now announce that we are 95% of goal. Not only is this fantastic news for the North Texas arts community but it’s also a very timely project that will contribute greatly to the region’s continued economic recovery and growth. By taking advantage of this window of opportunity for these historical cost savings, this also ensures that we are delivering a financially prudent project for our three Owner cities, donors and citizens,” continued Baggett.

“The Arts of Collin County still needs an estimated $5 million to break ground and we are finalizing a plan to make that happen,” states Mike Simpson. “We plan to break ground by April or May. The Arts of Collin County has been successful in raising over $10.4 million in donations, however, some of that amount is payable in pledges during and after the construction period projected to go from 2010-2012, and just like any capital project involving pledges, not 100% of those pledges can be counted toward getting construction started. “Eighty-two percent of our pledges are from businesses and we are confident these dollars will be paid over the construction period,” said Simpson.

“The Arts of Collin County is now urging everyone to step forward and donate to this project. We still have major naming rights available for the 100+ acre site, including the arts park, performing arts hall and the theater itself, plus many other exciting elements.” Simpson said, “We know several companies and individuals will now step forward and make these important, significant contributions. Just as the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts did not have their major naming sponsor (now the AT&T Performing Arts Center) until about 30 days from grand opening. The Arts of Collin County is confident that high profile naming opportunities will be committed now that ground breaking is only two or three months away.”

Kevin Cain, Project Executive of Hunt Construction Group stated, “We are ready to go. We have some great companies dedicated to making this one of the finest performing arts centers in the state. It is a beautiful design, on a fantastic site with great accessibility.”

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $10 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/State Highway 121 and just east of Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Be part of something great, GIVE BLOOD! Carter BloodCare REALLY needs your help. Each donation helps to save three lives! You may be saving a member of your own family, your neighbor, or yourself and you will be helping Elaine!

Fort Worth Community Arts Center, with the help of Carter BloodCare, is hosting a special patient blood drive benefitting Elaine Taylor! Elaine has been a regular blood donor for many years but due to recent surgery, which she has made an excellent recovery from, she will not be able to give as much as she has in the past. Let’s help donate what she can’t!

Carter BloodCare will have a bus parked in the Community Center parking lot on February 20th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Walkins are welcome, but those who sign-up before February 20th will be taken first. To register online: CLICK HERE. If you have any questions, please contact:

Jenny Conn
(817) 298-3023
jconn@fwpublicart.org

Marla Owen
(817) 298-3026
marla@fwcac.org

Please donate to support Elaine and those who need it the most!

Songs of Love by Rebecca Guy

16th Annual El Corazon Art Exhibit
Bath House Cultural Center
February 6 through March 6, 2010

Opening reception with artists from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Bath House Cultural Center presents the 16th Annual El Corazón art exhibition, February 6-March 6, 2010. An opening reception with the participating artists will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.

In 1993, exhibition curator, Jose Vargas, conceived the idea of organizing an art exhibition in Dallas that would allow artists to explore various artistic interpretations of the human heart. Since then, this passionate and delightfully eclectic art show has featured diverse creations inspired by the heart (El Corazón), an important symbol in Mexican and Latin American art, and a significant theme in western culture. As a result of Mr. Vargas’ original idea, more than 900 local and regional artists have been included in his show throughout the years. This year, this popular show features the work of more than forty artists from the DFW Metroplex and other Texas cities. The artwork included in El Corazón includes paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media art.

The artists featured in the 16th Annual El Corazón art exhibition are:

Dan Barber, Rita Barnard, Penelope Bisbee, Rebecca Boatman, Betty Bucher, Martin Campos, Paul Carranza, Roy Cirigliana, Jose Cruz, Julio Cesar Flores, Jacque Forsher, Merry Fuhrer, Angela Gallia, Rebecca Guy, Genaro Hernandez, Juan J. Hernandez, Orlando Hernandez, Armando Huerta, Johanna Hulsey, Cindy Kelly, Julia McLain, Christina Medina, Lottie Minick, Chet Morrison, Terry Mosher, Juli Pennington Hulsy, Richard Ray, Joe Sarate, Kate Schatz, Michael Scogin, Russ Sharek, Jerry Smith, Terry K. Smith, Arleigh Stark, Pam Stern, Patricia Waas, Laura F. Walton, Kathleen Wilke, Julie Zarate, and other artists.

About the exhibition curator:

In addition to his duties as exhibition curator, Mr. Vargas is also an active visual artist. He has displayed his art photographs and paintings extensively in local and regional art venues. Mr. Vargas conceived the annual El Corazon and Virgen de Guadalupe exhibitions, two popular exhibitions in Dallas, and has curated both shows for the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs with great acclaim since 1993.

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information.

Songs of Love by Rebecca Guy

Work by one of the Fort Worth 15 members

The following is from the Fort Worth Community Arts Center newsletter. Current exhibits include art by Glen Downing, Sam Peters, the Fort Worth 15, Don Wall and Corliss Wall, Allie Wynne, Denise Hall, Sunnie LeBlanc and Sharon Corcoran, Jerry Johnston, Tracy Watson and Soon Y. Warren.

Sign-up for the FWCAC newsletter at www.fwcac.com.

Focus Gallery One: Southpaw
January 8 – February 20, 2010

Glenn Downing was born and raised in a rural area outside of Waco, Texas. He began life doing all sorts of manual labor, working alongside men with little or no formal education; men who grew up using their hands and who got where they were in life by just working themselves to death. They were individuals; not always correct in their talk or their manners but willing to get the job done and get on with life. As he got older, Downing became one of those men.

Don’t expect poetry here.

Expect rust, dancing, sarcasm, sensitivity, sharp edges, raw spots, droppings, animals, trash, nature, humor, rambling, pretty colors, ugly things, ink, duck tape, tears, jazz, strangers, junk piles, marks,scenery, goop, fear, red wheels, memories, jewels, plastic, head shapes, dust, and a list that keeps going; but Downing’s work is really about one word: Emotion

Focus Gallery Two: Tying It All Together
January 8 – February 20, 2010

The artworks of New Mexico artist Sam Peters crawl, dance, spin and spill across the wall. They are elegant tethered shapes floating in boundless space a bit like a dancing Shiva. The surfaces are covered with collage, while the structure of the forms turns on a center, creating vortices, convergences, explosions, implosions and kaleidoscopes.

The compositions are complex drawings which rely on the obsessive practices, expressionist passages, personal cosmologies and iconographies of the artist. Much of Peter’s work alludes to places, beings, and events that exist beneath the surface of things. They are very much like maps, especially the three- dimensional variety, although the artist has no desire to make references to actual locations. His sculptures are gestural drawings that address possible relationships between the exterior, material world and interior, sensing self.

Other Galleries

FW15 – Who Paints the Truth?
January 8 – 30, 2010

This exhibit highlights recent new works by the Fort Worth 15, a group of award-winning artists who live and work in the Fort Worth Community. Diverse styles, subjects, and techniques distinguish the featured artists: Carol Blais, Rachel Cristol, Jo Ann Durham, Carole Harston, Darlia Hobbs, De Bob Jacob, Suzanne Hemphill, Mildred Hogan, Sunnie LeBlanc, Marion Lester, Sharon Markwardt, Annette Parks, Beverly Stringer, Mary Ann White, and Soon Y Warren.

Elements
January 8 – 30, 2010

Don Wall and Corliss Wall have individually been pursuing the art muse for over 30 years. Don enjoys creating illustrative images using both classical and impressionistic techniques in his paintings and stone carvingsto depict man as he struggles in and with his environment.

Corliss Wall enjoys using bright colors and flowing contemporary designs to illustrate the emotions elicited by modern life. Most of Corliss’ art is an attempt by the artist to have fun with the ideas she is illustrating by using both bright colors and strong design concepts.

Maisha
January 8 – 30, 2010

On two different occasions Allie Wynne traveled to Africa to offer fellowship and humanitarian aid. While there, she took photographs of the people to capture their contentment and humanity. Each photograph represents a shared moment or conversation with a person who touched her heart. Many of the photographs and drawings in the exhibit are portraits that were cropped in a way that emphasizes the eyes of the subject.

Denise Hall Fine Art Exhibit
January 8 – 30, 2010

Denise Hall is inspired to paint by the idea that she can blend whatever colors she wants to make the image more interesting or more colorful; to paint what she envisions. Making art brings her unspeakable joy, whatever the subject. Her work is varied in content, but is always bold with color.

Duets
January 8 – 30, 2010

Two artists, Sunnie LeBlanc and Sharon Corcoran, have collaborated to create this exhibit. Corcoran’s photographs are what the photographer saw at that moment, on that day, at that precise time when the camera blinked.

In return, LeBlanc’s interpretation of that blink is what makes each painting unique from the photo. The painter has tweaked, prodded, enhanced and sometimes wildly exaggerated the color harmonies while remaining true to the photographer’s image.

Contemporary Southwest Art & Photography
January 8 – February 27, 2010

Artist Jerry Johnston and Photographer Tracy Watson show their work in galleries in Texas and Colorado. This is their second Southwestern Art and Photography Show at the FWCAC. Response to the last show prompted the artists to reprise their two-man show. Tracy Watson’s colorful and graphic photography is the perfect complement to Jerry Johnston’s eclectic, vivid images.

Texas Artists Coalition Featured Artist: Soon Y. Warren
January 8 – February 27, 2010

Soon Y. Warren is an artist, art teacher and author, passing on her techniques for painting bold, intense florals and glowing, light-drenched scenes. Soon’s favorite subjects are those found in nature: animals, trees, a single tangerine or pear, or flowers from her garden. She is inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature and our surroundings.

The Texas Artists Coalition is a membership program designed to offer benefits for artists in the North Texas community. These benefits range from an annual juried exhibition to peer reviews to workshops. The mission of the TAC is to support the career development of artists, whether they are emerging or established, amateur or professional.

Artist Opportunities

Texas Artists Coalition: A membership program for artists, sponsored by the FWCAC
January 14 & 25, 7 – 10 p.m.: Life Drawing Session

A model will be available for a 3 – hour session. Artists will need to bring their own easel or art horse and all supplies. No instruction will be offered. Cost is $50 for 5 sessions or $15 per session for TAC members, $75 for 5 sessions or $20 per session for public. Space is limited; it is advisable to sign up for sessions in advance.

Daytime Life Drawing: 9 a.m. -  noon, Tuesday, January 19, 2010.

Call or email to sign up: 817-298-3021 or gallerymanager@fwcac.org.

TAC Peer Review and Snackaroo: January 12, 6 – 8 p.m.

Bring artwork for peer feedback; moderated by Ann Ekstrom. Non-TAC members welcome. Light refreshments provided.

Work by one of the Fort Worth 15 members

Mr. Kaiser will be interviewed by KERA Art&Seek Reporter and Producer, Jerome Weeks, and will address the challenges facing non-profit performing arts organizations through such areas as fundraising, building more effective Boards of Trustees, budgeting, and marketing. The symposium is free and open to all North Texas non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organizations; however, tickets are limited. To reserve tickets, please visit http://artsincrisisdallas.eventbrite.com.

“Dallas is currently experiencing tremendous and exciting cultural growth, as can be seen through the recent expansion of the Downtown Dallas Arts District and the crowds of area residents that shared in the celebration, but that doesn’t mean we are without challenges. The current economic climate has affected arts and cultural organizations of all sizes throughout the North Texas region. We need to work individually and as a cultural community to face our challenges, strengthen our offerings, and ensure there is reason to celebrate in the future. We are pleased to host Mr. Kaiser and allow him to share his valuable insights and expertise and assist us with these efforts,” said Maria Munoz-Blanco, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs.

Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is a response to the emergency facing arts organizations throughout the United States. The program, open to non-profit 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations, provides free and confidential planning assistance in areas pertinent to maintaining a vital performing arts organization during a troubled economy. “Each locality is dealing with its own unique and specific challenges, and there is no better way to understand each region than through in-person visits. Communicating in person allows us to be more effective in advising organizations in need,” said Mr. Kaiser.

The program is currently working with more than 450 organizations in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Over 100 experienced arts leaders from across the country are volunteering their time to serve as mentors to organizations in need.

Michael M. Kaiser has been President of the Kennedy Center since January 2001. He has expanded the educational and artistic programming for the nation’s center for the performing arts, has overseen a major renovation effort of most of the Center’s theaters and along with his executive staff has shaped numerous arts leaders through the Kennedy Center Institute for Arts Management. The Institute provides a wide variety of training and support for arts management, including a capacity building program for culturally specific arts organizations; a program to train board members of arts organizations throughout the United States; international capacity building programs for arts organizations in 60 nations; a capacity building program for over 280 arts organizations in New York City; and artsmanager.org, an interactive web resource for arts management professionals. The Kennedy Center also offers internship and fellowship programs, exposing arts professionals to various facets of arts management.

In February 2009, Michael Kaiser created Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative, a program to provide free arts management consulting to non-profit performing arts organizations around the United States. Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is funded by Helen Lee Henderson and Adrienne Arsht. For more information on this program, please visit www.artsincrisis.org.

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA)

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs works to enhance the vitality of the City and the quality of life for all Dallas citizens by creating an environment wherein arts and cultural organizations can thrive so that people of all ages can enjoy opportunities for creative expressions and the celebration of our community’s multicultural heritage. Our mission is to establish a cultural system that ensures that ALL Dallas citizens and visitors have an opportunity to experience the finest in arts and culture. The OCA is advised by an 18-member Cultural Affairs Commission appointed by the Dallas City Council. The OCA manages the city’s Cultural Contracts, Neighborhood Touring and Public Art Programs; oversees six cultural centers including the Bath House Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Oak Cliff Cultural Center (opening in 2010), and South Dallas Cultural Center; and operates the city’s classical music radio station, WRR101.1FM. More information on the programs and services provided by the OCA can be found at www.dallasculture.org.

Art Mart and Auction at the Bath House Cultural Center

2009 Winter Art Mart and Silent Auction
Bath House Cultural Center
November 20-22, 2009

The art mart and auction are free and open to the public.

Fall in Dallas means, among other things, that art lovers can get a head start on holiday shopping during the Bath House Cultural Center Art Mart, November 20 – 22, 2009. Art Mart has always been the place to find a special piece of art for yourself, family, and friends: paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, cards and other unique creations. This year, the Art Mart will include a reception launching the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center, a new non-profit organization supporting the Bath House. There will also be a sneak peek of art on sale, a silent auction, and much more.

The Bath House Winter Art Mart benefits the Bath House Cultural Center’s year-round visual and performing arts programs. Purchases benefit everyone: The lucky owner will take home one-of-a-kind artwork, while local artists and arts lovers will be able to continue enjoying the arts at the neighborhood cultural center on White Rock Lake.

The Friends’ Kick-Off Reception and Art Preview is Friday, November 20, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, and will be open to the public. Art Mart visitors are invited to raise a glass of cheer to celebrate the new organization, maybe become a Friend, and take a first look at the artistic creations and auction items being showcased in the Art Mart.

In addition to the art sale, which continues during the weekend, Friends of the Bath House will host a silent auction. All participating artists have generously donated art for the auction. This year’s auctioneer will be Artistic Eye; proceeds will go to the Friends Advisory Board to support visual and performing arts at the Bath House.

The artists participating in the 2009 Winter Art Mart are:

The 2009 Winter Art Mart is free and open to the public.

Art Mart Schedule

• Friday, November 20, 7 – 9 p.m. (Kick-Off Reception for Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center and Art Preview)
• Saturday, November 21, noon – 7 p.m. – (Art Mart and Silent Auction)
• Sunday, November 22, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – (Art Mart and Silent Auction)

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information. To preview selected art pieces from the exhibition, please visit the Bath House Cultural Center’s Photo Gallery at www.dallasculture.org/bathHouseCultureCenter/photos.asp.

Art Mart and Auction at the Bath House Cultural Center

Admission is $15. For reservations call 972-247-2597 or visit online at www.lumitchell.com.

Lu Mitchell is a prize-winning singer/songwriter best loved for her clever and witty social commentary with songs like:

• Mary Stuffed Her Boss In The Paper Shredder
• Love On The Internet
• Uncle Ned Got Sold In The Yard Sale

Lu and her band, Catch-23 (Drake Rogers and LaDonna Goetz), provide an eclectic mix featuring Lu’s original songs that are outrageously funny and frequently encourage audience participation.

Lu has performed at festival, churches and clubs throughout the United States and recently in Ireland. She has nine albums and a songbook, “Singing For Her Sanity” to her credit.

Tickets are $15
Reservations 972-247-2597

Bath House Cultural Center

The Bath House Cultural Center is a division of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs

The Bath House Cultural Center is located on the eastern shore of White Rock Lake at the end of Northcliff Dr. off of Buckner Blvd. at 521 E. Lawther, Dallas, TX 75218.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday-Saturday
12 Noon to 6 p.m.
Open later on evenings with performances in the theatre.