Big-Time Givers

You don't have to understand art to dig it, especially with a venue as cool and hip as the Nasher Sculpture Center. This month, the Nasher turns 5 years old, and to mark the occasion, the curators are throwing a celebratory exhibition called The Story of the Nasher Collection: A Tribute to Raymond and Patsy Nasher, which will widen the spotlight from the actual works of art to a peek behind their creation and selection. In other words, it's like having a backstage pass. Nasher Sculpture Center founders Raymond and Patsy Nasher amassed an eclectic, enviable collection of art that includes modern and contemporary sculpture ranging in date from the 19th century through today. The Nashers were buddies with famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Harry Moore, and their collection includes pieces created by these luminaries, as well as work from Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Raymond Duchamp-Villon and others. The exhibit is at once informative and personal, digging into the stories of the Nashers' relationships with the artists through photographs, video and audio. This installation also includes works previously unseen by the public. The Story of the Nasher Collection is on display at the Nasher Sculpture Center, located downtown in the Arts District, through January 4, 2009. Tickets are $5 to $12. Call 214-242-5100 or visit nashersculpturecenter.org.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Sept. 20. Continues through Jan. 4, 2008