If you've been wondering when a seasoned gallery hopper in Dallas hops, it's nights like this Saturday. Sure, there are the daytime gallery walks a few times a year, but those are for newbies. And we want you to feel like you're part of the club. That's why we've compiled a list of what to see and where to see it. Treat yourself to some art this weekend. The best part? All gallery openings are free. And usually there's wine for the drinking.
Design District Openings
Photographs Do Not Bend, 1202 Dragon Street Ste. 103 Summertime: And the Living is Easy is a photographic exploration of iconic summer images. Think fireflies, lifeguards, bathing suits and fireworks.
Circuit 12 Contemporary, 1130 Dragon St. Ste 150 We will find you acting on your best behavior, drinking wine and browsing paintings. Everybody wants to rule the (art) world. Tears for Fears at Circuit 12 Contemporary is not an appearance from the 1980's new wave band (darn!). It's a solo exhibition for the paintings of Joshua Von Ammon. An active member of the local art scene, Von Ammon works as an artist, curator and is a member of the progressive art collective S.C.A.B. His paintings explore vibrant psychological landscapes. See it on display at Circuit 12 (1130 Dragon St. Ste 150) during the opening reception from 6-10 p.m. Saturday.
Cris Worley Fine Arts, 1415 Slocum Ste 104 For an artist "making your mark" means to signal your identity. Picasso's signature is visible in every form he paints. Even lesser known artists have a singular style and this distinctiveness is the theme of Cris Worley's group exhibition, On Your Mark: Opus 1. Stop by from 6-8 p.m. Saturday. Mary Tomas Gallery, 1110 Dragon St. It seems logical that the necessary precision of neurosurgery could similarly transfer to the small details of sculpture. If you're looking for brain specialist with an artistic bent, meet Eric Gioia. His latest endeavors have nothing to do with the cranium, as he has taken up sculpting steel and copper, and creating metal patinas. Opening reception is 6-8 p.m. Saturday.
Conduit Gallery, 1626 C Hi Line Dr. Three artists share the spotlight of the latest exhibition at Conduit. See the paintings of Ellen Berman, the sculpture of Sandra Ono, and a 30-foot long installation from Rosalyn Bodycomb (and compliment her on her freaking awesome name!). The opening reception takes place 6-8 p.m. Saturday.
Red Arrow Contemporary, 1130 Dragon St. Ste 130 If you're someone who avoids competition, words like "winner" or "best" might give you nausea-inducing flashbacks to high school. While Red Arrow doesn't not endorse your childhood memories, it won't shy away from picking a winner. For this new exhibit, one student from each of the local Master of Fine Arts programs is selected to present work alongside peers. Catch a glimpse of local art's future at the opening reception 6-9 p.m. Saturday.
Elsewhere
Oliver Francis Gallery, 209 S. Peak St. Want to see some art outside of the Design District? Take the road less traveled to Oliver Francis Gallery and see if the trip really does make all the difference. Get to know the art of Pedro Velez (recently featured in the Whitney Biennial in New York City) and Michael Wynne, one of Dallas' most important art collectors. Opening is 7-10 p.m. Saturday.
Tunnelvisions, 2625 Main St. A spring storm rolled in to Dallas the final day of Deep Ellum Arts Fest, raining out one of the weekend's more exciting events: Tunnelvisions, the mural painting competition. But Kettle Art refuses to let the rain ruin the party, instead rescheduling it as a stand-alone event from 6-10 p.m. this Saturday. There's a people choice competition taking place on the Facebook page, as you read this, and a panel of judges (full disclosure: I'm one of them) will decide the competition's 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Stop by for the competition, stay for the company.
