“Programming for the new group is geared toward helping young people develop their sense of philanthropy while expanding their knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art,” explains Y@161 President and Dallas Contemporary board member Lindsey Collins. Membership grants twenty and thirty somethings exclusive access to private gallery talks, studio visits, auction house tours, viewings of corporate art collections, film screenings, parties and other events. Now that’s a pretty sweet deal!

Y@161′s inaugural event will be hosted this Wednesday, September 1, from 5 to 7 pm at The Meddlesome Moth. James Cope of the Goss-Michael Foundation (opening their new location in the Dallas Design District this fall), will speak to members and potential members on the importance of being a young philanthropist in Dallas and the state of contemporary art globally.

Also be looking for information coming soon on the y@161 Book Club. A new book relating to contemporary art will be chosen each quarter, with a cocktail hour reception at the end for discussion. Want to get a head start? Pick up the book club’s first read: Seven Days in the Art World.

For information on membership and to RSVP for Wednesday’s mixer, email events@dallascontemporary.org.

Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 821-2522
www.dallascontemporary.org

July and August are typically slow months for the gallery scene in Dallas, but this Saturday there are still six of LOL’s finest galleries opening their doors to show off great exhibitions. All the galleries will take a hiatus in August but should be back in full force for an all-out evening of art on September 11.

Saturday night highlights & must-see exhibits: (1) Conduit Gallery brings something new: contemporary video art. Check it out for something a little different. (2) Have a more classical style? Mary Tomas Studio Gallery is displaying work from the incredible Rennato Mazza. (3) The Cameron Gallery isn’t one to miss the chance for a good party. They’re hosting a closing reception for last month’s featured exhibit, From Hank to Hendrix. (4) No idea what “neo-minimal strategies” are but Marty Walker Gallery is always a great stop.

See a full listing of Saturday evening’s exhibit openings after the jump…

	A Day in the Life Banks Fine Art | 10:00 am-8:00 pm Showing: July 31-September 30, 2010 Artist:Vincent New Works by French artist, Vincent, encompassing the artist’s journey throughout France.
	Encore Reception: From Hank to Hendricks The Cameron Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: June 19 – July 31, 2010 Artist: Jonathon Kimbrell A closing reception for Jonathon Kimbrell’s latest exhibit featuring 10 new blues & country music inspired portraits.
	New Texas Talent XVI Craighead Green Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 31 – Sept. 4, 2010 Artists: 28 emerging artists. (See list at Craighead Green Gallery Website) The New Texas Talent Exhibition introduces and promotes emerging visual artists in the commercial market.
	The Second Program Conduit Gallery | 5:30-8:30 pm Showing: July 31 – Aug. 28, 2010 Artists: David Askevold, Jonathan Gitelson, Matthew Day Jackson, Luke Murphy, Jason Rhodes, Erin Shirreff and Bill Viola. The Video Association of Dallas, Conduit Gallery and the Dallas Museum of Art a collection of contemporary video art from nationally and internationally known artists.
	Renato Mazza Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: July 30 – Aug. 28, 2010 Artists: Renato(René) Mazza, Roy Tomboli & Mary Tomas Mary Tomas Studio Gallery showcases the work of Renato Mazza, an Italian-born, self-taught artist, teacher, appraiser and former Italian Consul.
	STRIPPED Marty Walker Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 31 – Sept. 4, 2010 Artists: Rupert Deese, Anna Krachey, Pard Morrison, Tom Orr, Kathy Wesbter, and Jeff Zilm A group exhibition featuring neo-minimal strategies in contemporary art.
	Tales from the Crypt Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – September 4, 2010 Artists: Bill Owens, Randal Ford, Anonymous, Todd Stewart, Igor Malijevsky, Jeffrey Silverthorne & Clarence John Laughlin
	Open House Samuel Lynne Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Artists: Gallery Artists A vast display of 3-D Oils, Mixed Media & Sculpture
	Introducing 3 Galleri Urbane | 4:00-8:00 pm Artists: Nuala Clarke, Suzanne Unrien, Liz Kerrigan, Peter Voshefski, and Munson Hunt Cool drinks will be served from 5 to 8 p.m.!

Find the Galleries:
Find the art galleries listed above by visiting LowerOakLawn.com’s Google map of Dallas Design District Art Galleries.

Do you have a showing I missed? Email me so I can include your listing and any upcoming events you have in store!

"Lids, Stir Sticks and Palettes, Signpainting Studio, West Tisbury 2001" © Alison Shaw

Treat yourself to an art break and Sun to Moon Gallery will treat you to a cold beverage. Today, Sun to Moon Gallery in the Dallas Design District opens their new exhibit, “Summer Show 2010.” The exhibition, which will be on display through August 28, 2010 showcases a diverse grouping of fine photographic prints from eight talented photographers, including Annette Bottaro-Walklet, Dan Burkholder, Charles Cramer, Scot Miller, Alison Shaw, Jill Skupin Burkholder, Keith S. Walklet and Dick Washburne.

The exhibit’s featured artist is Alison Shaw, an award-winning fine art and editorial photographer who has lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard since 1975. The island has provided the inspiration and subject matter for much of her photography. Alison’s colorful, contemporary and organic prints are visually stunning.

"Gannon & Benjamin Boat Yard II 1996" © Alison Shaw

While Shaw’s art hangs easily in more contemporary spaces, the show offers a wide range of styles and imagery. From stunning large-format landscapes to hand-crafted bromoils and encaustics to platinum/palladium over gold leaf to engaging street scenes; the variety and quality is sure to impress… and sure to take your mind off the summer heat!

Sun to  Moon Gallery
1515 Levee Street
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 745-1199
www.suntomoongallery.com

Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment

Today I feel compelled to share this touching piece from NBC 5 about Anthony Schurba, a local artist who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Last week, The Gallery at Oldfield Davis opened an exhibit featuring his work which he wanted to share so that the public could discover and enjoy his work while he is still alive. The retrospective was organized by Dallas artists Jennifer Culbertson and Rachel Davis who were inspired by Schurba’s life and works.

Seven more of Schurba’s pieces are on display at Art Ability in the Dallas Design District. {View the pieces on Flickr.} Kim Boatman, the gallery’s owner, gave this quote about representing this inspiring artist.

“Anthony is truly the epitome of an artist. Throughout the years, I have acquired several of his works, but was never exuberant about selling them. I didn’t want to part with them, but Anthony would firmly state that the reason he painted them was for me to sell them!

This is but one example of his confident, no-nonsense outlook on life. It is because of that outlook that I believe he will defeat the cancer that has recently invaded his body. It has put a halt to his ability to paint, but it has not begun to cripple his quirky creative intelligence.

The paintings of Anthony’s that we have, and those on display at Oldfield Davis Gallery in uptown, are all that there is. So it is imperative that anyone who loves art, take the time to view and acquire these unusual and entertaining works.”

I encourage you to support this inspiring artist by checking out his pieces and sharing his story with friends.

Art Ability
163 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214) 741-9959
www.artability.com

“Peter impressed us with his knowledge of and his energy and passion for contemporary art. He is an internationally respected curator, director, and writer whose appointment is exciting for both Dallas Contemporary and the City of Dallas.” said Board President-elect, Patrick Collins.

Doroshenko most recently held the position of artistic director of the Pinchuk Art Centre in Kiev, Ukraine and has held other prestigious directorship positions at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead; Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst-SMAK, Ghent; and the Institute of Visual Arts at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. You can read more of Dorshenko’s impressive resume in the full press release on Art & Seek.

Speaking from Brussels today, Peter Doroshenko said, “I look forward to my new responsibilities at Dallas Contemporary. Celebrating local and engaging international artists will be important for the cultural milieu. With all of the arts organizations in the city, Dallas is an exciting and right place to be.”

Dorshenko will assume the directorship in October 2010. From LowerOakLawn.com to Mr. Dorshenko: We look forward to welcoming you to the Dallas Design District in October!

The Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 821-2522
www.dallascontemporary.org

PRESS RELEASE:

Dallas Contemporary Names Peter Doroshenko As New Executive Director

Dallas, TX [July 6, 2010] Dallas Contemporary announces the selection of Peter Doroshenko as its next Executive Director. The Museum selected Mr. Doroshenko, recently the President and Artistic Director of the Pinchuk Art Centre in Kiev, from an extensive field of national and international candidates. A committee established by the institution’s Board of Directors led the search. Mr. Doroshenko was elected at a recent meeting of the Board of Directors and will assume the directorship in October 2010.

“The appointment of Peter Doroshenko is a major step in positioning Dallas Contemporary for the future,” said Jo Marie Lilly, President of the Dallas Contemporary Board. “His knowledge, leadership skills and commitment to innovation will assist us in making a major impact on the cultural landscape of the City of Dallas.”

Speaking from Brussels today, Peter Doroshenko said, “I look forward to my new responsibilities at Dallas Contemporary. Celebrating local and engaging international artists will be important for the cultural milieu. With all of the arts organizations in the city, Dallas is an exciting and right place to be.”

“Peter impressed us with his knowledge of and his energy and passion for contemporary art. He is an internationally respected curator, director, and writer whose appointment is exciting for both Dallas Contemporary and the City of Dallas.” said Board President-elect, Patrick Collins.

In addition to the Pinchuk Art Centre, Mr. Doroshenko has held Directorship positions at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead; Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst-SMAK, Ghent; and the Institute of Visual Arts at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. From 1991-1995 he was the curator of Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston. Most recently, Doroshenko organized one-person exhibitions including: Serhiy Bratkov, Andreas Gursky, Mariko Mori, Pascal Marthine-Tayou, and Sam Taylor-Wood. Doroshenko is currently completing two books on contemporary art to be published in 2010 by Rispoli Books.

He has also lectured extensively at international post-graduate programs including the Core Program at the Glassell School of Art, Houston; de Ateliers, Amsterdam; and the Pavilion/Palais de Tokyo, Paris. A native of Chicago, Mr. Doroshenko is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin,Milwaukee. He completed the Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York and graduate studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

LowerOakLawn.com has plenty of experience telling you where to see and buy great art. But what about people who are looking to show their work in the Dallas Design District?

Good news! Design District newcomer, Galleri Urbane is currently accepting artist submissions, sending out a call to artists from around the world — and around Dallas — to submit their portfolios for consideration. Selected artists will be included their 2011 Juried Group Exhibit, “NEXT,” which will open February 12, 2011 and run through March 12.

The best of show will win gallery representation, a $500 cash prize and their very own solo exhibit. The call for artists is open to all artists 18 years or older working in drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installations, video/film, site specific, and mixed media. (Note: Wearable art including clothing and jewelry, will not be accepted.)

All artwork must be original, produced in the past 2 years and available for sale. Submissions will be accepted July 15 through September 1, 2010.

Please visit Galleri Urbane’s website (www.galleriurbane.com) to download the entry guidelines and application. Or you can email gallery owner, Ree Willaford, for more information.

Good luck!

Galleri Urbane Dallas
2277 Monitor St
Dallas, Tx  75206
(432) 386-0590
www.galleriurbane.com

The Mary Tomás Studio Gallery on Dragon Street is different than most of the other galleries in the Design District. Not only does the gallery display art, but it’s also the personal studio of painter and proprietor Mary Tomás. On any given day you can drop in and watch Mary hard at work on her latest canvas creation!

Last time I was in, I learned something new about the gallery. It turns out Mary also offers painting classes! Every Monday Mary teaches techniques of the Old Master painters while helping artists develop their own “painting language.”

No painting experience? No problem. Mary assures me that all skill levels are welcome at the classes which cater to everyone from the budding artist to the painting pro. The classes are semi-private and small in size so participants can receive individual instruction.

Classes are hosted every Monday at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm and cost $180 for six weeks of instruction. Participants  purchase their own painting supplies and can email Mary at mary@marytomas.com for a full supply list. You can contact Mary by email or call the gallery to receive a supply list and to sign up!

More interested in checking out the art than making it? Then stop in to see her work and meet her adorable chiweenie (yep, that’s a chihuahua and a weenie dog!), Suki.

Mary Tomás Studio Gallery
1080 Bldg. at 1110 Dragon Street
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214) 727-5101
www.marytomas.com/studiogallery

After years of working in corporate America, San Francisco-based artist Janet McGreal re-focused her life on the people in it. She quit her job and and dedicated her free time to a new-found passion: painting.

And what a blessing that she did! Janet’s art is unique and her spirit and talent are truly reflected in each of her completed pieces.

Janet is best known for her “squigglies” paintings, which use squigglies to create silhouettes that represent all the people who make up Janet’s life. “I cut into the canvas and I do that for a reason. I want this to be as deeply ingrained as possible. I believe that is what gets you through every day,” she said.

Her newer collection of work, called “Boarding Passes” is my personal favorite. Inspired by her travels, Janet enlarges actual boarding passes to create various looks, from abstract to floral. My love of color drew me to the “N’ Bloom” collection. These pieces truly pop off the wall!

Earlier this week, WFAA ran a great feature on Janet that is worth checking out if you have two minutes:

Tonight Janet celebrates the opening of Art ‘n Bloom in the Dallas Design District with an open house from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Art enthusiasts and collectors are welcome to come to check out the art and meet the artist! And remember, this is a limited-time exhibit so be sure to check it out soon!

1645 Gallery
1645 Stemmons, Suite E
Dallas, TX 75207
www.janetmcgreal.com

06/19/10 Update: See below for two more openings tonight at Art Ability and Mary Tomas Studio Gallery.

It’s that time again! This Saturday evening, the galleries of the Design District are opening their doors and showing off brand spankin’ new summer exhibits! So round up a crew of art-loving friends and head on down to the Design District for a summer evening art stroll. Check out the evening’s highlights (see my picks below) then head on over to The Moth for a late dinner and drinks! I’ll see you there.

Saturday night highlights & must-see exhibits: (1) Galerie Zuger joins the Saturday night line up, bringing in artist Britten to open her new exhibit, Leila. (2) Sudoku addicts won’t want to miss Games & Icons by Susan Barnett at Conduit Gallery. (3) The Cameron Gallery gets in theme with its latest exhibit “In Blues We Trust,” offering cold beer, barbecue and live blues music. (4) Don’t forget your pocket protector when visiting Holly Johnson gallery…things might get a little inky!

Full listing of Saturday evening’s exhibit openings after the jump…

	Summer Open House The Cameron Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Artist: Gallery Artists Art Ability invites you to check out new works from gallery artists.
	From Hank to Hendricks The Cameron Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: June 19 – July 15, 2010 Artist: Jonathon Kimbrell Live blues music, ice cold beer and BBQ will set the scene for Kimbrell’s latest exhibit featuring 10 new blues & country music inspired portraits.
	Two Artist Exhibition Craighead Green Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – July 24, 2010 Artists: Jerry Cabrera and Charlie Goodwin New works by Jerry Cabrera and Charlie Goodwin plus three artists new to the gallery and the Dallas art scene.
	Every Day // Games & Icons Conduit Gallery | 5:30-8:30 pm Showing: June 19 – July 24, 2010 Artists: Ellen Berma, Susan Barnett and Kia Neill Don’t miss the large scale paintings, works on paper and single-channel video by Barnett exploring the recently popular number & logic puzzle, Sudoku.
	Inc, Inc. Holly Johnson Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – August 14, 2010 Artists: John Adelman, Isabel Albrecht, Astrid Bowlby, Ernesto Caivano, Todd Camplin, Craig Dongoski, Jacob El Hanani, Il Lee, Linn Meyers and M An exhibition of recent work by ten artists using ink as their primary medium.
	Summer Selections 2.0 HCG Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 29-June 26, 2010 Artists: Dick Wray, Bert Long, Gary Bishop, Floyd Newsum, Ansen Seale, Shane Pennington, Luke Harnden, Jacqueline Chubirka, Lisa Nersesova and Susan Budge The second installment of Summer Selections, HCG’s annual, mid-year group show.
	Summer Group Show Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: June 19-July 17, 2010 Artists: Elizabeth Anyaa, Lisa Ehrich, Cecelia Feld, Erin Hinz, Mallory Jarrell, Charlotte Lindsey, Roger Moore, Judith Seay, Mary Tomás and Jonathan Whitfill Mary Tomas Studio Gallery showcases a diverse and talented group of artists in their summer group show!
	POST NOW Marty Walker Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – July 17, 2010 Artists: Anna Krachey, Buster Graybill and Jesse Morgan Barnett The recent focus on global warming & fanatical end-of-world warnings inspired these artists to confront the roles of agriculture, technology and industrialism in a society without humans.
	Work from the same house Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – September 4, 2010 Artists: Lee Friedlander and Jim Dine Features the most significant photographs that were included in Friedlander’s major 2006 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art.
	Gallery Artist Open House Samuel Lynne Galleries | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: June 19 – end of June, 2010 Artists: Gallery artists An open house featuring Samuel Lynne gallery artists with a vast display of 3-D oils, mixed media & sculpture.
	Leila Galleri Urbane | 6:30-9:00 pm Showing: June 19 - Artist: Britten Britten’s contemporary art exhibit features paintings that depict the female relationship to the universe. Britten will be in attendance.

Find the Galleries:
Find the art galleries listed above by visiting the Google map. The markers with stars indicate galleries that have openings on Saturday night.

Do you have a showing I missed? Email me so I can include your listing and any upcoming events you have in store!

Better late than never! That was certainly my M.O. yesterday, showing up late (or at least later than I had planned) to almost everything I attended yesterday! After showing off our LOL development at the Urban Land Institute’s DFW Awareness event, Andrew and I headed over to Dallas Contemporary to check out the last hour of PEEK!, the preview party for their live and silent auction that will take place this Saturday, May 15.

Though the check-in crew was winding down in the entrance, the party inside was still in full swing when we made it in around 9:15 pm. I grabbed a glass of wine and Andrew a beer, from an impressive selection of craft brews.

Artwork lined the perimeter of the space, making it easy to peruse and people watch at the same time. Impressively (but not surprisingly), many of the silent auction items were already decorated with “sold” tags.

I quickly spotted several familiar Design District faces, one of which was Monte Martin (pictured below) who I recently met up with at his Dragon street digs. Monte explained that his company, Martin & Martin Design is an underwriter for the event and  provided the installation and lighting services. His crew will also play a fun role in the live auction…but more details on that Monday!

Another, highlight of the evening was getting to meet Allyjayne, the winner of the Wish!ful Thinking Photography Contest. We chatted about photography, blogging and even found a few mutual friends! (It really is a small world!)

As the winner, Allyjane received two tickets to PEEK! She brought her boyfriend, Chris as her plus one and I got a cute shot of the couple enjoying the event.

Unfortunately I was too busy gabbing with friends to snap any more photos. I promise to be a more diligent reporter at Wish! this Saturday!

See pictures from PEEK! on Flickr.

The Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 821-2522
www.dallascontemporary.org