When it comes to art in Dallas, the first place that comes to mind for most people is the Arts District. With the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center and The Crow Collection of Asian Art all within walking distance, it’s easy to understand the excitement. However, an oft-overlooked arts scene is secretly thriving within the Design District. Just north of Downtown, and across from the World Trade Center and Dallas Market Center, the Design District was once where industry professionals went to source their interior design elements. But that was decades ago — the district has been open to the public for years now, and with that came a revitalization of the area.
The nondescript network of warehouses was suddenly disrupted by sleek apartments, consumer-friendly showrooms, restaurants and, of course, art galleries. While interior design and furniture studios are sprinkled throughout the area, art tends to take up residence on Dragon Street. Leading the pack in both space and acclaim is Samuel Lynne Galleries.
Samuel Lynne Galleries is a staggering, 11,000-square-foot complex with four contemporary galleries and a 40-seat HD theater. In addition to hosting its own exhibitions, the unique space makes it prime real estate for events, including runway shows. The galleries are filled with works by local and recognized artists that come together for a cohesive experience in modern art. There are about six exhibitions each year, and currently featured artists are Boris Chetkov, JD Miller, Lea Fisher, Philip J. Romano, Tom Holland and sculptor Juanluis Gonzalez, who created a towering, rollercoaster-like work in reclaimed steel called “Revolution.”
Another staple of the district is the Craighead Green Gallery. Opened in 1992, the gallery’s reputation is known throughout the Southwest, particularly for its dedication to Texas artists. Submissions are now under way for the highly competitive New Texas Talent competition, which is celebrating its twentieth year. The juried competition affords rising artists opportunities to be represented by galleries as well as inclusion in upcoming exhibitions. Gallery owners Kenneth Craighead and Steve Green are amongst the 2013 jurors. If you have the opportunity to visit Craighead Green this spring, don’t miss the exhibition featuring painter and sculptor Heather Gorham, mixed media artist Danna Ruth Harvey and abstract painter Joey Brock.
Opening only six months ago, Gallerie Noir is one of the latest additions to the district. Interior designer-turned-gallerist Melissa Enriquez has created a comprehensive space that combines photography, art installations, sculpture, paintings and what she describes as “historically modern” furniture. A new exhibition that opened on May 20 features works by Los Angeles artist Eric Cleaver White and photographs by Tatiana Gerusova. White’s paintings reveal his predilection for distressed texture and iconic images. Gerusova’s photography is firmly rooted in fashion with entrancing captures of expertly executed styling. Her work was also featured in Vogue Italia.
