Dragon Street is my happy place. Located in the hearts of the Dallas Design District and known for its amalgamation of art galleries, Dragon Street is truly the intersection of art and design. An unassuming avenue of brightly colored facades, Dragon Street showrooms and art galleries house some of the most magical home furnishings and artwork in the city.

Each year, the vendors of Dragon Street join together to produce an affair of the arts to showcase their unique wares to the citizens of Dallas. This Saturday, October 1st, it’s that time again — when Dragon Street will close down to traffic, allowing pedestrians to stroll from shop to shop, enjoying food and drinks while being serenaded by the songs of a live band. Pedicabs will be on hand to transport the events cultured guests up and down the street as shoppers come and go from 5pm to 9pm.

Dragon Street virgins have a wealth of resources at their disposal to make the their first trip a success. Start by downloading this handy map which details the lay of the land. Take note of the cross streets that intersect Dragon. Find parking for Saturday night on Slocum Street then use one of these to cut through and find all the action.

Next, explore the archives of LowerOakLawn.com to whet your appetite for what’s to come. We’ve got some great stuff online but it doesn’t beat experiencing it in person! Finally, scope out a few choice shops in our Directory and make a list of “can’t miss” markers.

As for Dragon Street veterans, well, you know what to do! Looking forward to seeing a great crowd and if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a line!

They say, a bad day in Paris is still better than a good day anywhere else. If you’re in agreement, you won’t want to miss French Fest 2011 at Banks Fine Art. Hosted on October 22 from 12 – 6:00 pm, this free, full-day event promises to be a true European escape, featuring French food, guest lectures, and, of course, French art!

Guest Lecturer Dr. Elizabeth New-Seitz, a self-confessed Francofile and founder of French Affaires, a company celebrating French travel, culture, language, and l’art de vivre, will give a presentation entitled Living Art: A Tour of French Decorative Art Museums in Paris. Also, owner Bob Banks will present highlights from his publication How to Buy Art Wisely. 

Tasty treats will be provided by La Madeleine, Scardello Artisan Cheese and more.

The highlight of the event will be new works on display from French artist Vincent. Born June 19th, 1938, Vincent is a third generation artist who comes from a family of longstanding artistic fame. Vincent’s main inspiration comes from landscapes. He paints with oil on canvas and travels widely in search of sunlit Mediterranean villages and hidden inlets shimmering with turquoise water. Based on his lovely paintings, it’s clear he’s found a few!

Last but not least, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, ten percent of proceeds the day of the vent will go to The Dallas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. French art supporting a local cause? I’m in!

Works pictured:

•  Vincent Saint Jean De Luz Basque, France Framed: 36.25 x 29.25 inches – Oil on Canvas: 21 X 28.5 inches
• Vincent Les Toits de Valdemossa, Mallorca Framed: 20.5 x 25.52 inches - Oil on Canvas: 12 7/8 X 18 1/8 inches

The art galleries of the Dallas Design District may have taken a few months off for summer, but they’re back in full force this month, offering an impressive and creative array of exhibits for your viewing (and buying) pleasure. This Saturday evening, September 10, galleries in the district will open their doors and host artist receptions and exhibit openings featuring a collection of some of my favorite art I’ve seen yet.

The diverse array of talent on display this month makes it hard for me to play favorites, but here are my picks for your Saturday night stroll:

(1) I couldn’t have been more excited when I learned that Chris Judy would be displaying his colorful, contemporary paintings at The Cameron Gallery. After ogling his work online for months I’m excited to see it all hanging in one place! (2) Most of you know I’m a sucker for photography so Conduit Gallery’s 40 Portraits in 40 Years exhibit by Guy Mendes has me giddy with excitement. Featuring four decades of portraits focused on people in the south, this is one I’ll want to allot some serious time for. (3) One of my favorite sculptors, Michael Kalish, returns to Samuel Lynne Galleries with his newest exhibit, Legends & Lone Stars. Created from vintage license plates, tailgates and reclaimed auto parts, his sculptures depict iconic personalities, as well as classic Americana with tributes to symbolic Texas traditions. Now how’s that for Texas pride?! (4) Meet photographer Dan Burkholder at sun to moon gallery, who will host an artist reception featuring the artist himself as well as several new photographic prints, which combine handmade platinum prints with digitally applied archival color pigments.

And that’s not all…the rest of the exhibits are great, so get here early so you can explore them all! The weather promises to be perfect so there are no excuses not to!

	Feeling Color The Cameron Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Opening: July 9 Artist: Chris Judy Chris Judy
	Three Artist Exhibit Craighead Green Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – August 8, 2011 Artists: Heather Gorham, Jay Maggio and Arturo Mallmann Jay Maggio    “Whirlwind”   15″ x 30″   oil on canvas
	steel: Fun with Guns and Pachinko Machines Cohn Drennan Contemporary | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – August 8, 2011 Artists: Margaret Evangeline (New York, NY) and Suguru Hiraide (Wichita Fallas, TX)  Margaret Evangeline, Saint Sebastian, 2010, prismatic powder coating on aluminum and gunshot, 46 x 46 inches
	New Paintings // Forty Years Forty Portraits // Things Change Conduit Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artists: Kirk Hayes, Guy Mendes and Sandra Ono  Guy Mendes, Terri Marie Faragher, Kenton Hills, KY, 1980, silver gelatin print
	New Work Holly Johnson Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artist: Otis Jones Otis Jones
	Atmosphere Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artists: Charles Coldewey, David Hinske, Karen Lastre, Adrienne T. Rosenberg and Mary Tomas Karen Lastre
	Chema Madoz PDNB Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artist: Chema Madoz Chema Madoz, Untitled, 2010
	Legends & Lone Stars Samuel Lynne Galleries | 5:00-9:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artist: Michael Kalish Michael Kalish, “Rockin’ Jimi Hendrix”
	Dan Burkholder: Precious Metals & Pigments Sun to Moon Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artist: Dan Burkholder Dan Burkholder “Tree in April snow, Catskills” Platinum/Palladium on Vellum over Gold Leaf
	Gail Peter Borden: Solo Exhibit Galleri Urbane | 5:30-8:30 pm Showing: September 10 – October 8, 2011 Artist: Gail Peter Borden Gail Peter Borden, Each painting 16×16, over all 64×64

Find the Galleries:
Find the galleries listed above by visiting a 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!

Group shows are the stars of this month’s art exhibit openings in the Dallas Design District. The sheer number of artists on display this month in LOL is mind-boggling! My picks for Saturday night’s art stroll are:

(1) Conduit Gallery’s Wunderkammer group exhibition has definitely peaked my curiosity! Curated by Phillip M. Jones, the show pairs eleven artists from the Lexington, Kentucky art community with seven Dallas artists to create a modern-day Wunderkammer or “Cabinet of Curiosities.” (2) After browsing through Galleri Urbane’s slideshow of work from their First Annual Juried Exhibition, I can’t help but be impressed by the talent that will be on display. From paintings and installations to projected images, this diverse show is a can’t miss. (3) Support emerging abstract artist Joey Brock, a Dallas resident and Texas native, at Craighead Green Gallery. (4) “Dialogue,” a collaborative canvas creation by artists Bill Nimelman and Mary Tomas is sure to get you talking!

Come down to visit this Saturday evening to take in all the new work!

	No Trespassing The Cameron Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Opening: July 9 Artists: Jonathon Kimbrell, Hal Samples, Kevin Lewis Fougerousse Kevin Lewis, Fougerousse
	Three Artist Exhibit Craighead Green Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Joey Brock, Carolyn Zacharias McAdams and Paul Abbott Paul Abbott, FM #11.5.9.A3, photography, 22 x 28 inches
	110 degrees: 2011 Summer Group Exhibition Cohn Drennan Contemporary | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Bonny Leibowitz, Heidi Lingamfelter, Tim Harding, Manuel Miranda, Margaret Withers, Blayre Stiller, Benjamin Terry and Giovanni Valderas Bonny Leibowitz, Suspension, 2011, encaustic wax, silk and oil, 30 x 30inches
	Wonder Room // Natural History Conduit Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 31, 2011 Artists: Wunderkammer Group Exhibit Artists & Lina Tharshing Tharsing, Insidious Shadows
	Trace Evidence Holly Johnson Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 20, 2011 Artist: John Adelman John Adelman, Antalgic, 2009, Mixed Media, 48 x 24 inches
	Dialogue Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Bill Nimelman and Mary Tomas
	Creative Arts Center of Dallas Membership Show Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: July 9 – August 6, 2011 Jurors: Cathy Drennan, Lottie Minick, Mary Tomas
	Blender PDNB Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 21 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Esteban Pastorino Díaz, Thomas Ruff, Chema Madoz, Nic Nicosia, Neil Slavin and Robyn Stacey
	The Eyes of Texas PDNB Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: April 16 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Peter Brown, Keith Carter, Earlie Hudnall Jr., and George Krause Peter Brown, Limon, CO, 2006
	Gallery Artists Samuel Lynne Galleries | 5:00-8:00 pm Artists: Gallery Artists JD Miller, Cosmic River, 60×48, 3-D Oil
	NEXT: First Annual Juried Group Art Exhibition Galleri Urbane | 5:30-8:00 pm Showing: July 9-August 15, 2011 Artists: Sara Frantz, Ricardo Paniagua, Shawn Hall, Claire Houghton, Johan Manschot, Forrest Solis, Souvankham Thammavongsa, Keirston Jacobs and Marion Wessonl Forrest Solis, Best of Show

Find the Galleries:
Find the galleries listed above by visiting a 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!

Summer is prime time movie watching season as studios release their latest blockbusters and crowds take refuge from the scorching summer sun in cool, air conditioned theaters. For those seeking a bit more culture in their summer cinematic excursions, join Samuel Lynne Galleries for their 3^rd annual Summer Film Night series.

The gallery, which is dedicated to igniting minds, fueling creativity, and providing inspiration, has selected three features films and documentaries that impart a greater understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art through film.

The three Thursday evening showings will take place in the gallery’s cozy HD Theater, and incorporate discussions led by gallery co-owner, JD Miller. Patrons are invited to enjoy wine provided by Eatzi’s and popcorn by Uptown Popcorn.

The series kicks off this Thursday, June 9^th with The Rape of Europa, a film that uses an interview format to tell the story of Nazi pillaging during WWII. Eyewitnesses, historians, and newsreel footage tells the story of young art historians and curators who worked to save the art through the evacuation of pieces and strategic mapping of air strikes, and the eventual return of the art to families of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Go ahead and save the date for the debut of Pollock on July 14^th and Le mystère Picasso (Mystery of Picasso), which will be screened on August 11^th.

Admission to the film screenings is $10 with proceeds benefiting Hunger Busters. Pre-paid reservations are required & seating is limited. To reserve a spot, contact info@SamuelLynne.com.

The galleries of the Dallas Design District are kicking off summer this Saturday with a sizzling set of new exhibits! From the lively colors on display at Holly Johnson and The Cameron Gallery to the animal-inspired art at Galleri Urbane and Mary Tomas Studio Gallery, we’ve got a line up that’s sure to please! Check out my pics for the evening’s must-dos:

(1) I am “Extremely Unlikely” to miss Galleri Urbane’s new exhibit by Texas artist Emilie Duval whose colorful and creative new show stages paintings of wild animals associated with sculptures of moose heads trapped behind layers of ribbons! (2) Say cheese! Get your picture taken by photographer George Krause who will will be at PDNB Gallery to photograph visitors utilizing his unique, mirrored-box portrait style. Appointments can be made with the gallery for sittings on Saturday 11 am – 5 pm. During the opening reception from 5-8 pm, visitors will be selected randomly. (3) Conduit Gallery is taking things larger than life with Annabel Daou’s America, a monumental drawing assembled from 20 sheets of paper that creates a 7-foot by 13-foot composition. (4) If you’ve never done it before, don’t miss artist J.D. Miller painting live at Samuel Lynne Galleries. The show starts at 7:30.

Find exhibit information, times and more after the jump.

	FULL EXPOSURE: The Heart of The Feminine  The Cameron Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: May 21 -? Artists: Carolyn Schlam Carolyn Schlam
	Three Artist Exhibit  Craighead Green Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Artists: Marci Harnden, Ursula O’Farrell, and Michelle O’Michael Ursula O’Farrell, Letting Go, 48″ x 60″, oil on panel
	Slice  Con Drennan Contemporary | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: May 21 – July 2, 2011 Artists: Cande Aguilar, Michael Blair, Jesus de la Rosa, Jorge Puron Cande Aguilar, Clone Zone
	America // Recent Works  Conduit Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 21 – July 2, 2011 Artists: Annabel Daou and Annabel Daou Annabel Daou, America, detail, graphite on paper, 88×150″
	Nymphaeum  Holly Johnson Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 21 – July 2, 2011 Artist: Kim Squaglia Kim Squaglia, Subpop, 2009 Oil, acrylic, and resin on panel 48 x 48″
	Every Doubt That Holds You Here  Marty Walker Gallery | 6:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 17 – June 11, 2011 Artists: Ted Kinkaid Iceberg 616, 2010, digital photograph printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, edition of 10, 12 x 16 inches
	Instinct  Mary Tomas Studio Gallery | 6:00-9:00 pm Showing: May 21 – June 25, 2011 Artists: Blanche Evans, Jack Evans, Nancy Leigh Hillis, Erin Hinz, Mallory Jarrell, Erika Pochybova-Johnson, James W. johnson, Phil Lichtenhan, Catherine Shuman Miller
	Blender  PDNB Gallery | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 21 – August 6, 2011 Artists: Esteban Pastorino Díaz, Thomas Ruff, Chema Madoz, Nic Nicosia, Neil Slavin and Robyn Stacey Esteban Pastorino Díaz, Las Ventas #2, 2006
	JD Miller Live  Samuel Lynne Galleries | 6:30pm – 9pm Artist: J.D. Miller Come and witness a special LIVE painting performance by the Reflectionist artist as he demonstrates his signature 3-D Oil technique.
	Extremely Unlikely  Galleri Urbane | 5:00-8:00 pm Showing: May 21 – June 21, 2011 Artist: Emilie Duval Emilie Duval, Thread of Ambiguity, 2010, 16x16x9″

Find the Galleries:
Find the art galleries listed above by visiting the Google map.

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

Tomorrow promises to be a lively evening in the Dallas Design District as Dallas Contemporary opens their doors for PEEK, a hip party that gives guests a sneak preview of the pieces that will be auctioned off Saturday at WISH, the organization’s annual art auction.

Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you peruse the art and listen to the musical stylings of DJ Jennifer Miller.

Another special part of the evening comes courtesy of Thai artist Surasi Kusolwong who has taken up residence in the old factory space at Dallas Contemporary. Kusolwong will debut his one-evening-only performance extravaganza during the PEEK celebration, creating an atmosphere within the gallery of a Thai street market. Goods will be sold to guests for $1 a piece…everything from handmade pillows, and sexy shoes to plastic toys, hats, t-shirts….and more! Kusolwong will have models assisting him during his performance and he will also be playing his own selection of music.

Be sure to bring plenty of $1 bills for the street market! (Seriously.)

Dallas Contemporary is offering up a special deal for LOL readers. Call (214) 821-2522 and mention Lower Oak Lawn for $30 PEEK tickets. That’s 50% off the regular ticket price of $60!

Tomorrow, Banks Fine Art will kick off their celebration of Mother’s Day with a new exhibit featuring work from owner, Bob Banks’s own mother, Marcia Banks. The show, entitled “Marcia Banks: A Retrospective View,” which showcases her lively and whimsical acrylics, will be on display through Saturday, June 4th.

Marcia Banks is a fashion illustrator turned fine artist whose breadth of works has graced the catalogs of Montgomery Ward, among others, and whose art has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Art.

Tomorrow’s artist reception, hosted from 5 to 7 pm will feature a book signing and meet and greet with the artist who will be discussing her life and career in the art world.

Banks Fine Art
1313 Slocum Street, Suite 103
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 352-1811
www.banksfineart.com

To wrap up green week I wanted to feature a nature-inspired exhibit that is opening soon at Sun to Moon Gallery in the Dallas Design District.

To celebrate the release of photographer Scot Miller’s fourth book, My First Summer in the Sierra: 100th Anniversary Illustrated Edition, Sun to Moon Gallery has created an exhibition of stunning, large-format color photographic prints. Scot will be at the gallery signing books on April 30 and May 7 and the public is invited.

The book’s foreword is by Dayton Duncan and Kens Burns, the award-winning filmmakers who collaborated on the PBS documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” The book features John Muir’s complete text from 1911 and is illustrated with seventy-two of Miller’s stunning photographs, taken over a 12-year period, showcasing the dramatic landscape of the High Sierra. Twenty-five images of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada have been selected for this exhibition and partial proceeds benefit Yosemite Conservancy.

A video trailer for the book is pretty cool and it can be viewed on YouTube.

Keep reading after the jumb to learn more about the special events going on surrounding the exhibit.

Special Events

Artist’s Reception and book signing
Saturday, April 30, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Photographer Scot Miller will be at Sun to Moon Gallery to sign his new book My First Summer in the Sierra: 100th Anniversary Illustrated Edition. The public is invited to meet the photographer and purchase books and limited edition photographic prints.

Book signing & documentary screening with Scot Miller
Saturday, May 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Photographer Scot Miller will be at Sun to Moon Gallery to sign the book My First Summer in the Sierra and present “Illustrating John Muir’s Sierra,” a short documentary about the book and making of the photographs for the book. The general public is invited to meet the photographer, view the documentary and purchase books and limited editions photographic prints.

Dragon Street might be known for its art but this month Pettigrew at Decorative Center Dallas is going gallery, showcasing artwork from Dallas-based painter, Jim Colley. Colley’s new exhibit, Streams of the Trinity, includes works evocative of Dallas’ beloved tributaries to the Trinity River…Turtle Creek, Elm Fork, White Rock Lake and the Trinity itself.

Colley works with oils, watercolors, and several other mediums, but his true passion is for watercolors which are reflected in this exhibit. The exhibition will be on display through May 31, 2011.

To learn more about Jim Colley, please visit his website www.jamescolleyart.com or visit the Pettigrew blog.

Pettigrew Associates
1617 Hi Line Dr, Suite 310
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 747-2232
www.pettigrew-usa.com