Sole Sisters

Sole Sisters: Shoe Confessional
Dallas Museum of Art
Jan. 20 and Feb. 11-12, 2012

This Friday, January 20, 2012, the Shoe Confessional will debut at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). Filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell, Media Projects Inc., will be collecting women’s stories about their shoes for her film Sole Sisters. The Shoe Confessional will be part of the DMA’s Late Nights. Additional Shoe Confessional dates at the DMA will be February 11 and 12, 2012.

Mrs. Salzman Mondell took a few minutes to answer our questions about the Shoe Confessional.

What should someone expect when they get to the DMA? Is there actually a Shoe Confessional?

We built a full size confessional equipped with two cameras and a monitor so people could see their shoes. We have some questions for women (and men, but mostly women) but they can tell any shoe story they want to divulge in the privacy of the confessional.

We are really, really excited about the confessional. It was designed by Jen Malden. The building was led by Arnuflo Chavez. We had a lot of community help from artists and designers, who donated their time and materials. The confessional is a real community project.

You mentioned two cameras with one focused on the person’s shoes. Are you encouraging people to wear the shoes they will be confessing?

Yes, they can. We will have questions about a person’s favorite shoes but we want to go a little deeper.

Every woman has shoes in her closet that she does not wear, but she will never get rid of them because those shoes hold something very intimate and special for that woman. Shoes are like memories. We want to find out what stories those shoes hold.

Where at the DMA will the Shoe Confessional be located?

The confessional will be near the contemporary exhibits, which is the south end of the building. You will not be able to miss the confessional. There will be a huge sign with a really big stiletto heel with Sole Sisters on it. There will be a team of volunteers at the DMA to direct people.

Are you expecting a lot of people?

Oh, I hope so.

What will be the end result of the shoe confessions?

We hope some of it will be in the film. We are working with David Friedman from Wave Maker Audio to make sure the sound is going to be good. So we can possibly use the audio in the film. If not, we might be able to use the stories in some other way.

What kind of stories are you expecting?

We have gotten a lot of different stories about all kinds of shoes.

One story that really touched me was about a woman at the Senior Source. The woman talked to me about a special pair of peach colored shoes. I asked her why she keeps those shoes by her bedside. She said she wore those shoes every Thursday night when her husband would take her dancing. She said he passed away a year ago, but she keeps the shoes to remind her of him, and of the time she was the happiest.

Shoes evoke a lot of emotion and a lot of memories. It’s an accessory that has a very strong identity for women.

Every shoe has a story. Every woman has both.

Related Posts & Links

Watch for the debut of the Shoe Confessional at the Dallas Museum of Art – December 20, 2011

Medial Projects, Inc.

Sole Sister

This year, the Plano Art Association is excited to have artist Ryder Richards and Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden’s Director Laura Green as jurors. They will select works for the exhibit, and choose the recipients of our Grand Prize of $1000, as well as first, second and third place cash awards in each category.

Aiming to showcase and reward the best art from Plano and the Metroplex area, the show is non-thematic and welcomes submissions from all areas of art, whether in cutting-edge contemporary or traditional disciplines, in three categories: Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional and Print & Photography.

This is the Seventh consecutive year for this exhibition, and the art selected for the 2011 show can be viewed on the PAA’s website (jurors Michael O’Keefe and Enrique Cervantes): In 2011, the show featured over 70 works, and the selected works can be viewed on the PAA’s website: http://www.planoartassociation.com/art-news/sixth-annual …

The Plano Art Association is excited to be able to provide a platform for all level of artist, whether student, amateur or professional, to take part in a high-quality show in a modern gallery setting. We would like to thank Professor Betty Siber, of Collin County College Art Department) for her continuing help in hosting and planning this show.

The show’s submission deadline is February 12th; the show runs from March 8th until April 4th, with an Opening Reception on on Wednesday March 21st, from 5 until 8 p.m.

About the 2012 Juror

Laura Green

Laura Green is the Director of Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden, in Dallas, where she has worked since 1997.  She received her Bachelors with a double major in Art History and Music from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.  She has been active with the Junior Associates Circle of the Dallas Museum of Art for over 10 years, having served as Co-Chair and currently serves on their Advisory Committee.  She also serves on the Avant-Garde Society Executive Committee at the Nasher Sculpture Center.  She is a graduate of the Leadership Arts Institute of the Business Council for the Arts, and currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Leadership Arts Alumni Association.  She also serves as a Steering Committee member of the Marquee Circle of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and is on the Advisory Committee for Art This Week.  Her volunteer work includes the Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas, Dallas Art Dealers Association, Highland Park United Methodist Church, and the Junior League of Dallas.

Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden was founded in 1954 by Margaret and Donald Vogel.  The gallery represents established and emerging contemporary artists working in inventive ways with traditional media.  Along with Gallery Director Laura Green, Cheryl and Kevin Vogel continue to build on the tradition forged by his parents.

Ryder Richards

Ryder Richards, born in September of 1977, grew up in Roswell, New Mexico. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Texas Tech University with a minor in drawing and architecture. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting on a scholarship from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Ryder has studied art in Italy, Spain, and Germany during his European travels.

Richards is currently an Instructor and the Gallery Coordinator for Richland College in Dallas, Texas. He is co- founder of the Ryder Jon Piotrs Nomadic Gallery, a traveling art gallery in the form of a Ryder truck, and Culture Laboratory, a collective of 12 American artists interested in the exchange of ideas and the social development of art in the 21st century.

Known for his much artistic collaboration, Richards continues to explore art as social experience. He is the recipient of several scholarships and awards for his achievements in art, including residencies at Vermont Studio Center, Vermont; Hilmsen, Germany; Paducah, Kentucky and Portales, New Mexico.

For more information, contact Alison Jardine at alison@alisonjardine.com.

The Plano Art Association was formed in 1969, and is funded by both our members and by a grant from the City of Plano. We are entirely run by art-loving volunteers who donate their time, and as an organization we are committed to creating opportunities for artists to show their work and to grow, as well as offering a diverse calendar of art events in Plano for our art-loving community.

As some of you may know, we have been suffering through almost daily server issues. Our previous web hosting company was not keeping up with the demand of our readership.

We appreciate your patience. Cheers.

Recently, the Museum added live sharks and other family-fun features to enhance and expand the exciting shark experience for all ages. Temporarily moved from the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, the sharks are housed in a 515-gallon two-tank aquarium display in the MNS Science Building lobby and will be on view for the duration of the Planet Shark: Predator or Prey exhibition (September 16, 2012). Every Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m., the sharks are fed. An aquarist is on hand to answer questions before and after the feedings and talk about the sharks, making it a popular interactive activity. On Saturdays at 1 p.m., visitors can learn about the interesting anatomy of sharks while witnessing a shark dissection.

A child-friendly area has been added within the Planet Shark: Predator or Prey exhibition where kids can draw, do puzzles and enjoy various shark- and underwater- themed activities. Also new, beginning December 26, family-friendly exhibit tours will take place at 10 and 11 a.m., and 2 and 4 p.m. from December 26 – 30; 10 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on December 31; 2 and 4 p.m. on January 1; and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on January 2.

Through December 31, daily live shows including Electric Theater and Fire & Ice are held in the auditorium at the Science Building, plus the Planetarium is open daily from December 17 – January 2. IMAX^® films include SHARKS, Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World and, returning January 2, Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure.

As always, exciting exploration awaits everyday within the three buildings that make up the Museum of Nature & Science. The Science Building, home to the family favorite Children’s Museum on the lower floor, offers fun for young children up to seven years old and includes live animals such as turtles, snakes and spiders. Here, imaginative budding scientists can find engaging ways to stimulate their curiosity through a variety of hands-on, sensory experiences that foster a thirst for discovery and knowledge. Within the five-gallery “Come and Explore Your World” area kids can become a farmer, an actor or actress, an EMT or an engineer through dressing up in costume, all while learning about communities, art, culture and more, in a safe educational environment.

Other highlights inside the Science Building include Texas Dinosaurs – Fossil Dig (a.k.a. the “Dino Dig”) where children can explore, dig and unearth real fossil casts found in the Big Bend; Your Incredible Body featuring 24 interactive stations for children to learn how much skin weighs, explore the microscopic world of germs and journey through the body’s maze of complex systems; and Putting DNA to Work, an engaging area featuring interactive multimedia activities where visitors can learn how inherited and infectious diseases are identified, explore the various uses of DNA analysis in criminal forensics and crop improvement and unlock the secrets hidden in genes.

Next door in the three-level Nature Building, the fun-while-learning continues. Four distinct wildlife diorama halls showcase Texas’ diverse ecosystems with coyotes, bison, alligators, amazing minerals and one of the largest scientific collections of birds in Texas. Upstairs, the beloved children’s TV show comes to life in the exciting, interactive Bob the Builder: Project – Build It! exhibit for preschoolers and young children. (Note: Bob the Builder closes January 8.) The Trinity, a collection of winning photographs from the Trinity River Corridor Project photography contest is on display from December 19 through May 2012 and is includedwiththecost of general admission. Outside, visitors can take a stroll around the Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk and encounter all sorts of swimming creatures and water-bearing wildlife.

Holiday Hours, Admission and General Information

Regular hours of operation are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon – 5 p.m. Sundays. Please note special holiday hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve); closed December 25 (Christmas). Extended hours are from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. December 26 – 30 and from noon – 6 p.m. January 1 (New Year’s Day)

Regular general exhibit admission is $10 for adults 18-61; $9 for seniors 62+ and students 12-17; $7 for children 2-11; children under 2 are free. MNS members of all ages are admitted for free.

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey requires a surcharge in addition to the purchase of MNS general admission for a total admission cost of $18 for adults (18-61); $16 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $13 for children (2-11); and $5 for MNS members of all ages. Children under 2 are free.

IMAX^® shows require additional tickets: $7.50 for adults 18-61 (member adults $6); $6.50 for seniors 62+, students 12-17 and children 2-11 (member seniors, students and children $5). Children under 2 are free.

The Twin Fin Package, which includes admission to Planet Shark: Predator or Prey and any IMAX^® film, is $24 for adults 18-61, $22 for students (12-17) and seniors (62+); $18 for children 2-11; and $10 for MNS members of all ages.

Planetarium tickets are $3.50 for non-member adults, students, seniors and children 2-11; and $2.50 for member adults, students, seniors and children ages 2-11. Children under 2 are free.

Tickets for the Museum, IMAX^® and Planetarium shows, and all special exhibits are available online.

The Museum of Nature & Science campus is located in Fair Park. The Science Building is at 1318 S. 2nd Ave., the Nature Building is at 3535 Grand Ave., and the Planetarium is at 1620 First Ave., Dallas, TX, 75210. Parking is available via Gate 5 or Gate 6 and is always free, except during State Fair. MNS can also be accessed via the DART Green Line with stops at MLK, Jr. and Fair Park stations.

For more information, please call 214-428-5555 or go to natureandscience.org.

Fall Cherry Tree by Autumn Whiltshire

By guest writer Autumn Whiltshire

Claiming to be “the new night out,” Lets Art Party offers a new take on an old theme. The interactive art studio, operated by Leacy and Buster of the well-known Dave & Buster’s, combines art instruction with a BYOB setting, and purports to be “the ultimate painting party.” Yet for this attendee, the Plano location’s December 1, 2011, two-hour, Fall Cherry Tree class was heavy on art, but light on party.

Upon arrival, my husband and I were relieved to see the night’s picture outlined on our canvases. Wineglasses, aprons, brushes and paint were provided and seats were pre-assigned— all nice touches.

The room was large and sectioned off into two classes by a heavy curtain. A large monitor hung above the instruction easel allowing students to watch the instructor’s strokes. The class was categorized as easy and overall it was, requiring minimum color blending and unspecific brush strokes to achieve the desired effects.  The instructor was confident and firm, but maybe too much so.

She explained the mixing of the colors and denoted the required motion of the strokes, but often forgot to mention the necessary color or brush.  She was instructive, but not very personable. Though, she did tell us a story about an individual who didn’t want to listen to her instructions for creating a country road and instead painted broken white dashes down the middle of his. Whether we should laugh or feel his shame remains a mystery. Her firm demeanor hinted that she didn’t appreciate his creative flare, nor would she appreciate the same from any of us.

Nevertheless, I trudged forward, lost in my own style and my husband compliantly followed directions.

The assistant instructor made her rounds commenting here and there. When she came to our paintings, she commented “that we know who the artist is in this family.”

My husband and I looked at each other, puzzled. Even now we aren’t sure which of us she was complimenting.

We both left with our own works of art that we are proud of. And yes, we had fun. Though to consider Lets Art Party, the “new night out” may be a stretch. The concept has potential, but the implementation could use some more, shall we say—creativity.

About Autumn Whiltshire

Autumn graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She currently works as a Research Analyst for a non-profit organization in Dallas. Autumn writes poetry, short stories and is currently working on her first novel. You can visit Autumn online at www.autumnwhiltshire.com.

Fall Cherry Tree by Ed LaskeyFall Cherry Tree by Autumn Whiltshire

The Big Great American Auction hosted by Ty Pennington

TV special features historic comics, currency, historic Ty Cobb memorabilia; filmed aboard The Queen Mary

ABC has announced that it will air The Great Big American Auction, starring Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, one of America’s leading reality TV personalities, and featuring exclusively Heritage Auctions’ experts, auction services and staff, in a very special television first made-for-TV auction event, at 10 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The special was produced by Cineflix (Auction) Inc. for ABC. Executive Producers are Lisa Levenson, Ty Pennington, Joe Houlihan and Simon Lloyd.

Ty Pennington has been transforming people’s homes and lives for several years now as the host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and has now found an exciting new way to change lives by turning their memorabilia and assorted hidden finds into treasures worth life-changing amounts of money.

After scouring flea markets, cellars, attics and yard sales to find one-of-a-kind items whose owners have no idea of their real value, Pennington, with a team of experts from Heritage Auctions, tags the best items and brings them to The Queen Mary oceanliner in Long Beach, CA for The Great Big American Auction. The exceptional collectibles range from first edition classic comic books to rare American currency to an early 20^th century baseball icon’s checkbook, and much more in-between, all chosen for their rarity, value and the uniqueness of the consignor’s story.

“It’s a great thrill to be part of this major network, prime time show, to work with Cineflex and ABC and a star the magnitude and class of Ty Pennington,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. “We went to great lengths with our staff and experts to make sure that all these unique items have great stories and that they live up to Heritage’s exacting consignment standards. We hope that everyone will enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed being a part of it.”

Objects originally bought for mere dollars, or literally plucked right out the trash will go for thousands of dollars as their lucky owners’ lives are changed for the better.

The Great Big American Auction will air on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at 10 p.m. (ET) on The ABC Television Network.

Heritage Auctions is always seeking “consignments with a story” for possible future TV projects. If you think you might have a unique item and a unique story, email to TVShow@HA.com.

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 600,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

The Big Great American Auction hosted by Ty Pennington

Snow Rider Around Corner by Brian J. Magnuson

Cowboys of the Grand Canyon, The Winter Series
Laura Moore Fine Art Studios
November 12 through December 7, 2011

Laura Moore Fine Art Studios in downtown McKinney, Texas, is pleased to present Brian J. Magnuson’s most recent work, Cowboys of the Grand Canyon, The Winter Series. This exhibition of black and white images beautifully captures the rugged Arizona cowboy working the mules down the steep canyon descent in the heart of winter during a snowstorm.

Magnuson again presents stunning classical hand printed darkroom images that take the viewer behind the scenes for a detailed look at the life of a Grand Canyon cowboy during the canyon’s wintery weather. The viewer will be given a front row seat of the dramatic views of the complexity of the canyon from the snow-covered rim to the warmer paths below.

Magnuson, of McKinney, Texas, has made many trips down the canyon over an eight-year span to document the cowboys. He has held many one-man shows across America as well as been included in several group showings. His work has been featured on the Good Morning Oklahoma television program, The Dallas Morning News and other publications.

In collaboration with the McKinney Art Studio Tour (MAST), Magnuson will amaze all with a larger than life camera that will turn your world upside down. Come see the magic. Experience what it would be like if you were to walk into the body of your camera as you photograph the world.

Demos of the giant camera obscura will occur throughout the MAST tour, Saturday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, from 12 -4 p.m. Cowboys of the Grand Canyon, The Winter Series opening night is Saturday, November 12, from 7-10 p.m. On display through December 7 at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S Tennessee. Gallery hours are Mon-Sat 1-5 p.m., 2nd Sat 1-10 p.m. or by appointment. Free admission. 214.914.3630. www.lauramooreart.com

Update

We got word back from Laura Moore Fine Art Studios that camera obscura demos will be on the hour and half hour. This is a great opportunity to teach your children how a camera works.

Snow Rider Around Corner by Brian J. Magnuson

Dallas Art News Museum Express Tour

The announced closure of The Women’s Museum reminded us how much fun we had with the Museum Express Tour in the spring of 2010. So much fun that we would like to do it again in 2012.

For those of you who don’t know, Dallas Art News put together the Museum Express Tour in April 2010. The tour went to eight Dallas & Fort Worth museums in one day using only mass transit (The T, TRE & DART) to get around. It took all day and we only had 15-20 minutes at each museum, but it was definitely an adventure.

The 2010 Museum Express Tour had about a dozen adventurous art lovers. All of them lived in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. The Museum Express Tour is more for local residents than it is for vacationers.

We would like to do the Museum Express Tour again if we can get more people to join us. We want 30 to 50 art lovers for this event.

Possible museum stops on the tour include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Dallas
  • Crow Collection of Asian Art
  • Dallas Museum of Art
  • Nasher Sculpture Center
  • Meadows Museum
  • Museum of Nature & Science
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • Texas Museum of Automobile History

• Fort Worth
  • Amon Carter Museum of American Art
  • Fort Worth Community Arts Center
  • Kimbell Art Museum
  • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
  • Sid Richardson Museum

The estimated cost for the Museum Express Tour will be about $100 per person, which will include a mass transit pass, access to all the museums on the tour, lunch and a t-shirt.

Before we start doing any serious planning, we would like to gauge how many people would be interested. If you would like to spend a Saturday traveling from museum to museum with a couple dozen new friends, then please let us know by filling out the sign-up form below.

Completing the below form does not in any way mean you are registered for the tour. The official tour registration will come in January 2012.

Dallas Art News does not share email addresses with anyone.

Related Posts

From Fort Worth to Dallas on the Museum Express Tour – April 2, 2010

Dallas Art News Museum Express Tour to Visit Eight Museums in One Day via The T, TRE and DART -Feb. 25, 2010

Facebook Images from the Museum Express Tour Dry Run in 2009

Dallas Art News Museum Express Tour makes it to The Women's Museum on Saturday, April 3, 2010. (Photo by James Roman)

11/22/63 by Stephen King

In what is expected to be a sell-out event, author Stephen King will be front and center at a fundraiser at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas on Thursday, November 10, benefiting The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 5, at 9:00 a.m. Tickets range from $40 to $250. To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.showclix.com/event/stephenking. Or, call 1.888.718.4253. Phone assistance available M-F 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT.

The program begins at 7 p.m. There will be an exclusive reception featuring the author at 5:45 p.m. followed by an interview with King at 7 p.m. The conversation will be facilitated by Dallas columnist and broadcaster Lee Cullum.

While Dallas is one of five stops on the 11/22/63 book tour, it is the only city in which King will participate in a fundraiser. Very seldom does he make public appearances.

Near the Arkansas by Steven Napper

Journey Into Color: Pernie Fallon and Steven Napper
Laura Moore Fine Art Studios
October 8 through November 9, 2011

Artist reception is Saturday, October 8, from 7 – 10 p.m.

In this inspired new body of work, every painting is a journey. Pernie Fallon and her mentor, Steven Napper, have combined their experiences from recent trips, documenting the people and places in rich and vivid color. Fallon uses pastel to celebrate the beauty of nature in her luminous landscapes of favorite places in New Mexico and around McKinney. Napper’s subject matter, painted in pastel and oil, expands to include the native people of the American southwest, as well as, Guatemala, in the joys of daily living. Both artists interpret their adventures with exuberant strokes from vibrant palettes, taking us on a spectacular journey into color.

Fallon, of McKinney, was born in the Texas Panhandle and at the age of 14 launched a 30 year career in jewelry design when her first ring won a national award. Fallon earned a masters degree from the University of North Texas and teaches the AP and advanced art classes at Liberty High School in Frisco. Known for her powerful and intense color work, she transcends beauty of place with unexpected emotion, movement and life in her work.

Fallon and Napper first met when, upon the advice of artist friends, Fallon drove over 80 miles each way to study under Napper for several years. “He taught me how to paint with pastel and inspired me to be an artist and a teacher,” states Fallon.

Napper, also a native of West Texas, received his bachelors and masters degrees from West Texas State University. After working as a commercial artist in Los Angeles and as an art educator and administrator in Texas, Napper turned his full attention to fine art and developing workshops to share his skills. In addition to numerous art publications, Napper’s creations have been featured on both PBS and CBS. Most recently, Napper gained recognition when he was one of only 50 artists invited to participate in outdoor painting at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Journey Into Color opens with an artists’ reception on Saturday, October 8th 7-10 p.m. Through November 9th at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios located at 107 S Tennessee in McKinney, Texas. Gallery Hours are Mon-Sat 1-5 p.m., 2nd Saturday 1-10 p.m. or by appointment. Free admission. 214.914.3630. www.lauramooreart.com

Near the Arkansas by Steven Napper