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!

Our next stop was Ceylon et Cie, one of my new Design District favs, where we sipped bellinis and ogled their collection of excitingly eclectic furnishings. An eloquent and fluent Spanish rolled off the tongue of Nile Nussbaumer, daughter of rockstar designer Michelle Nussbaumer, as she requested a drink from a passing waiter and showed off a new line of bejeweled boxes designed by her mother. The dynamic duo filled us in on some of their upcoming projects, including some out of this world tapestry pieces that Nile is working on.

Nile Nussbaumer and Michelle Nussbaumer, Ceylon et Cie

Next up in our adventure was a trip over to Goodchilds where we nibbled on decadent desserts (cake balls, yum!) and learned about their custom faux book reproductions. (Another blog post on that one coming soon!)

The evening would not have been complete with out a quick trip through Anteks where we were welcomed by owner, Jason Lenox. Scardello served up cheese samplings and we took a chance to rest our feet, settling into one of their oh-so comfy leather sofas.

Anteks proprietor Jason Lenox with Matthew Taylor, Melanie Hussey, and Bonnie Jones

Our feet feeling refreshed, we popped into Artizen Fine Arts to check out a cool bee painting spotted by one of our crew, before heading over to Galerie Zuger where we witnessed Gallery Director, Robert Wilborn, making a sale. Spanish artist Alvar signed the back of his painting for the lucky new owners.

Todd Davis and Shari Corkran Young smile as artist Alvar signs their newly purchased painting, Galerie Zuger

Next up was a trip through the new showroom of Shortell Designs to see Stephanie Harrison and Joseph Shortell. An always smiling Stephanie showed my friends the ropes and regaled us with stories of how Shortell is working to help orphans in Mexico. If you haven’t had a chance to meet this cool Dragon Street design team, you must make time to check out their new place.

Stephanie Harrison and Joseph Shortell, Shortell Designs

A quick jot across the street and we popped into Mary Tomas Studio Gallery where I grabbed a quick shot of Mary Tomas and husband, Alberto, before they hurried off to entertain the many guests who filled the showroom. Before leaving, we stopped by to meet Julie Michel, an artist who was showing off her clothing line which features her art printed onto the fabrics. The girls and I fawned over the unique handbags which she and Mary had hand painted for the evening.

Mary Tomas and Alberto Tomas, Mary Tomas Studio Gallery

Julie Michel, Julie Michel Designs at Mary Tomas Studio Gallery

Next up was a visit to Dragon’s newest gallery: Cohn Drennan Contemporary. Cohn and Cathy Drenna were beyond hospitable, offering drinks and bites, and giving us a sneak peek inside their living space, located behind the gallery. We could have stayed and talked all night, but it was getting late and our feet were getting tired. We said our goodbyes and promised to make it out to next Saturday’s exhibit opening, Show tunes for the damned.

Cohn Drennan & Cathy Drennan, Cohn Drennan Contemporary

A quick detour into Waddill Group Architects where we said a quick to hello to Brandy Taylor (Marc Events) and John Hicks (East & Orient), then we were off to The Meddlesome Moth.

Now I’d call that a pretty great evening out in Lower Oak Lawn!

I can’t wait for tomorrow! Not only is it my birthday, November 11, 2010 is also this year’s annual Design on Dragon bash! Just in time for the annual celebration of art, antiques and design, two of my favorite Dallas reads have published helpful guides to help make sure your stroll down Dragon is perfectly planned and executed.

First off, D Home has posted a magnificent guide to Dragon Street Shopping, highlighting some of Dragon’s can’t-miss stops. Pair this with FD Luxe’s Dragon Street Map and you’re sure to have a successful evening.

In addition to top-notch design and fine art, guests will enjoy live entertainment by crooner Ricki Derek. Food will be provided by some of Dallas’s favorites eateries, including Rafa’s Mexican Cantina, Scardello, City Kitchen, Jorge’s, DeLos Vodka, Smoke, Sushi Axiom, Hudson Ferus, and, of course, Margaux’s.

Don’t worry about sporting your cutest heels either, Austin PediCabs will be providing rickshaw rides up and down the street.

Are you a Dragon Street virgin? This event is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet. With shops and galleries up and down Dragon Street open from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, you’ll be able to browse after hours while enjoying sips & bites along the way! But be sure to get there early…with over 30 participating shops, you’re sure to need the full three hours!

Feeling nostalgic? Take a look back at last year’s Design On Dragon recap post: Dallas Art Mavens and Hipsters Unite for Design on Dragon 2009

Today is the first Thursday of each month, signaling that it’s time again for First Thursdays on Dragon Street. Here are some quick FAQs about First Thursdays. More questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try my best to get the answer.

What are First Thursdays on Dragon?
On the first Thursday of each month the shops and art galleries of Dragon Street extend their hours, staying open until 8:00 pm so friends, art enthusiasts, shoppers and patrons can stroll the street and browse. The event is free and open to the public. It is organzied by the Dragon Street Assocation (DSA) which recently launched a new website, DragonStreetDallas.com.

Which galleries and shops are open for First Thursdays?
Since many of the galleries and shops on Dragon are locally owned, the shops that open vary month to month depending on the personal schedules of the staff and owners. Most of the galleries and shops will begin opening regularly for First Thursdays again after daylight savings time begins again. See below for a list of shops that I know will be open tonight. (March 4, 2010)

How do I get to Dragon Street?
To get to Dragon Street simply follow one of these 5 Easy Ways to get to Lower Oak Lawn then turn left onto Dragon Street!

Help make First Thursdays on Dragon a success and encourage more stores and galleries to stay open late by dropping in! Hope to see you out tonight!

Note: I tried my best to contact each of the Dragon Street establishments to ask if they’d be open late tonight. If you know of a store that is participating that I don’t have listed above, shoot me an email and I’ll update this post!

Illustration courtesy of {Alma Graphics}

Ladies night out on Dragon Street. {At Samuel Lynne Galleries on Dragon}

The weather was perfect and art lovers were out in full force for last night’s Design on Dragon affair in the Design District. Hundreds of guests meandered in and out of the galleries and design showrooms on Dragon Street enjoying wine, live music, fine art and each others company.

Dragon street with Reunion Tower lit up in the background.

Dragon Street storefronts served as the perfect frame for the Dallas skyline on what made for a magical evening that truly showcased Dallas’ art scene at its finest.

Check out pictures from Design on Dragon 2009:

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See more pics on Flickr!

The Downtown River Band will play live and Wendy Krispin Catering, Margaux’s, Blue Mesa, and Urbino Pizza will be dishing out fabulous fare. Drinks will be served inside each showroom and gallery.

Guests are asked to bring art supplies to donate to Big Thought, a great non-profit whose mission is to make imagination a part of everyday learning. (Seriously, check out their website. This Dallas-based NPO has got it going on!) Check out their “Wish List” below for ideas:

The forecast for Thursday is clear with temps in the 60s – could there be a better outlook for a fall street fair? Doubtful. So be there or be square!

Design on Dragon is produced and sponsored by Modern Luxury Dallas, Park Place, and the Dragon Street Association.

Photo Courtesy of {ABeams}