The Dallas Design District is perfect for artsy-types like me. If you’ve never taken a stroll through its many adjoining streets, you are missing out on an amazing experience that truly has something for everyone and every taste. The District is comprised of design showrooms, restaurants, boutique hotels and my personal favorite, art galleries. Plus, there always seems to be a special event or opening happening, no matter when you go. Of course, if spontaneity isn’t your thing, you can always check out their online calendar ahead of time, which is what I did on this occasion, because this night was “Art Night” and I’m going to share some of my visits with you.
pencil on paper
I arrived early to Pencil on Paper and donated some of my Artsy Scoop Chardonnay for their evening’s future guests. Dr. Valerie and her husband, Emanuel Gillespie were making some finishing touches to the gallery when I arrived, but paused long enough to introduce me to artist J.D. Moore, whose solo show titled, “A Honing of Self” was on display. J.D. tells me that his studios are based in Dallas, but his home is now in Fort Worth. This is a delightful thing to hear, as most of you will note that Artsy Scoop has frequently commented on the recent trend art and artists from these two neighboring cities merging like never before.
This spectacular show is comprised of 17 different pieces, in a range of sizes and prices, that feature the delicate nature of the human body, like the torso, foot, neck and one that depicts the back of a woman’s intricately braided head resting on her hand. I’m particularly taken with two tall pieces, one of a woman and one of a man, which J.D. calls his “School of Athens” series. Based on their size, I ask if they are painted on flat-panel doors, and he tells me that these canvases were handmade…by him.
In fact, all of J.D.’s artwork is custom mounted and framed by his own hand. His excitement about the evening to come is palatable, especially when he sees his family enter the gallery. He quickly points out his father with a sense of genuine joy, and later, I could see how proud his Dad was of him, walking around the gallery and showing off his son’s work. We’ll definitely be seeing a lot more of J.D. in the future. In fact, I’m told he has something coming to the Fort Worth side of town soon & I can’t wait to see what it is!
Chris Worley Gallery
Next, I head over to Chris Worley Fine Arts. They are featuring two artists: Robert Sagerman and Trey Egan. I instantly recognize Trey’s work from the Dallas Art Fair last year, and I learn that this is his 5th solo exhibition with Chris Worley. This artist creates his bold paintings, each with beautiful, vibrant pigments, while listening to music. The art is categorically abstract, but it almost looks like there are people gathering within the many interwoven colors. The illusion keeps me staring a bit longer than normal, I must admit! The work is stunning, and I envy anyone who owns one of Trey’s pieces!
Robert Sagerman’s exhibit is titled, “Scintillae”, and I would have to agree, the work is scintillating, indeed! The layers of colorful paint are applied in patterns that resemble fields of grass blowing in the wind. It was wonderful to get up close and experience these works in a way that makes it feel like you’re searching for a secret within the streaks and dollops of color. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to speak with Robert. During my time there, he was busy speaking with two guests that had taken a keen interest in his work, and I certainly don’t blame him for keeping potential customers happy. Even from my peripheral standpoint, I found him to be engaging and clearly excited to speak about his paintings.
It’s artists like this that I root for and am glad they’ve found wall space to show their works. Chris Worley really does a great job finding quality artists to feature! For example, next month they will be putting up an exhibit by Kelli Vance, whom I’ve seen before at this gallery and her work is so fabulous; I can’t wait to see what she’ll show!
Holli Johnson Gallery
The Holli Johnson Gallery is next door and is my next stop on my Art Night tour. They are showing some truly unique pieces by Margo Sawyer. Her 48” x 24” glass panels are hand painted and float in the gallery space while suspended by steel cables. This modern artwork is absolutely beautiful and is sooo tempting to reach out and touch (which is precisely why there are multiple notices reminding you not to touch the artwork). I heard a small chuckle emanate from the couple behind me when they saw the signage, as most of us know not to touch art, however, we all secretly shared the desire to do so, so we collectively understood why it was necessary.
dallas contemporary museum
My final stop of the evening was at Dallas Contemporary Museum. For all of the galleries and museums I’ve enjoyed over the years, all across the country, as I stood outside the doors of DCM I realized that I had never been inside this building, and was beyond impressed once I did. The spaces are incredibly vast and I truly wish I had more time take it all in, but that will have to happen on a return visit. For now, I’ll share two of my favorite exhibits with you:
Brooklyn based artist, Borna Sammak’s exhibit “America, Nice Place” was a bold and wonderfully jarring showstopper. The first thing you see is a giant mass of black and white couches that have been deconstructed to make an incredible installation. Then there is a thought-provoking canvas with a variety of cheeky and clever words and phrases like: “Please tell your boobs that you are not entitled” and “The more people I meet, the better I like my dog”. The exhibit is very entertaining to say the least, and this is Borna’s first show in Texas. I definitely enjoyed his sense of humor, pop culture references, and genuine creativity. I will definitely be putting him on my lists of Artist’s I’d like to meet and Spotlight some day!
Way in the back of Dallas Contemporary is an exhibit by Renata Morales titled, “Inane and mundane evolutionary tales of fear and horror”. Sounds creepy, right? Well, it was! Walking down the hallway to this exhibit, you pass along a wall that is covered with dozens of black and white paintings. Then, you are presented with some very…unique…sculptures. Renata is from Mexico, and she says her work represents kindness, but also the violence and unpleasantness one can experience in life. Some of these pieces and paintings absolutely evoke a feeling of horror and a distinct uncomfortableness, but it’s nothing like the film installation she has on display.
You walk inside a darkened space and see a screen hanging far at the other end of the room. In-between the door and screen are pedestals of lights being held by sculptures in the forms of heads, medusas, and other serpent-like creatures. Once your eyes adjust to the dark, you start feeling the eerie beat of the music coming from an unseen speaker. There is a feeling of being totally creeped out, but you can’t stop looking at these sculptures while simultaneously being blinded by the lights they contain. It was trippy to say the least, but in the best possible way. This artist’s work moved me through the full gamut of emotions: impressed, curious, delighted, and terrified. It was spectacular! I was also pleased to see that “Texas Women for the Arts” was contributor to this exhibit, since I’m a Legacy Member with this program (part of the Texas Cultural Trust).
Like so many experiences in life, this one offered far more than I could possibly take in in one evening. The range of art galleries and spaces within the Dallas Design District is immense and the collections within them merit a night all to themselves. I look forward to many, many return visits!
Article & Photos by: Mouty Shackelford
