10/15
Chances are, in the last 12 months, you've visited the Nasher Sculpture Center, the two-acre sculpture garden at 2001 Flora St. that celebrates its first birthday this weekend. But we bet that those visits weren't as odd as ours. Last time we walked through the Arts District, a gaggle of khaki-clad students began herding into the center. Being cheap bastards, we dove into the herd in hopes of snagging a free ticket as a member of the "class." Despite our spiked faux-hawk and purple pants, we somehow blended in and saved 10 dollars. If you're as cheap as we are, you'll be happy to know that Nasher's anniversary weekend has lots of freebies, including free entry before noon both days. And Saturday and Sunday's extended hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. should allow enough time to enjoy the celebration's extras. Both days offer yoga, sketching groups, children's classes and guided tours of the center's new fall collection. Saturday features Latin music and tapas in the evening, and, on Sunday, the center will host a chamber music performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Call 214-242-5100. --Sam Machkovech
Name That Tune
10/15
Have you no decency? If you do, show it by attending the Artists Against AIDS silent art auction on October 16, benefiting the Tarrant Country AIDS Network. Honorary chair and Broadway star Tommy Tune even contributes a painting. The auction--with food, music and an open bar--takes place at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1309 Montgomery St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25. The preview reception on October 15 is $100. Call 817-923-2800 or visit www.fwcac.com. --Mary Monigold
Migration Celebration
10/16
Texans split almost equally when arguing Dallas vs. Austin, and, in many aspects, the choice is tough. For example, Austin's boozy Sixth Street is on par with Dallas' music-filled Deep Ellum, and UT's successful college football team just about matches the legacy of the NFL's Cowboys. Even the obscure stuff matches evenly, such as Austin's annual bat migrations vs. the Butterfly Flutterby on Saturday at Grapevine's Liberty Park, 200 S. Main St. Some folks prefer seeing thousands of bats fly over Austin every year, but for those who don't like hairy, stinky, guano-dropping critters, the event offers gardening seminars, parades and, most important, a release of more than 500 colorful butterfly breeds into the skies. The free event starts at 10 a.m. Call 817-410-3185. --Sam Machkovech
Be Our Guest
10/16
If you've ever ridden your bike around White Rock Lake, you've no doubt noticed the weekend artists painting landscapes and still lifes on their windblown easels. These weekend artists are just the tip of the paintbrush when it comes to the myriad talent hidden away in the East Dallas neighborhood. You'd be surprised at how many spare rooms, garages and backyard sheds are actually full-blown studios. Local artisans have joined together for the 12th annual White Rock Lake Artists' Tour to show off their works. Much more than just old lady arts-and-crafts, the tour features sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and fiber arts courtesy of 43 artists who've boldly opened their studios (and homes) to the art-hungry public. It takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at various locations around White Rock Lake. Visit www.dallasartsrevue.com for a map of participating studios. Admission is free. --Jay Webb
