Art Walk EAST Doubles Up for its Second Year of Showcasing Dallas Art, Music

Dallas, get ready to stretch your legs, because Art Walk EAST is back for its second year, and it just might be the best excuse you’ll find to turn a Saturday into a full-blown creative adventure.

On Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., East Dallas becomes your playground as the East Dallas Arts District rolls out a jam-packed, 16-stop celebration that promises art for everyone: serious collectors, casual gawkers, kids with sticky fingers and anyone who thinks weekends are for exploring.

A Neighborhood Canvas

The concept is simple: take one part neighborhood block party, add a ton of art (over 80 artists), mix in live music, tasty bites, hands-on activities and double it all from last year.

“Our number one mission is showcasing artists or creatives in East Dallas,” says Andrea Lamarsaude, owner of Art on Main and the president of the East Dallas Arts District. “That’s what we’re all about.”

Lamarsaude’s enthusiasm isn’t just talk. She’s a Dallas native with more family roots in the area than you’ll find on a Texas pecan tree, and her hope for the event is straightforward.

“I’m just proud that we are now able to have an official nonprofit devoted to the creative part of East Dallas… and bringing those artists and creatives to the community in a way that they can appreciate what they have in East Dallas,” she says.

If you attended last year’s walk, you can expect even more this year. Though the idea of art is often synonymous with visual art, Dallas’ art scene also flexes a robust music muscle. Last year’s inaugural Art Walk featured a handful of musicians. This year? More bands, more instruments and more chances to tap your feet between studio visits.

“We even added a board member whose sole responsibility is the music, because we want to showcase not just visual artists, but musical artists, performing artists — any type of creative that’s in East Dallas,” Lamarsaude says.

Choose Your Own Creative Adventure

The itinerary features 16 venues, each with a distinct character. The official map is online and available in print — perfect for planning a linear tour or just winging it. Hit up Art on Main for a multimedia immersion and a food truck, browse coworking spaces that moonlight as pop-up galleries, and check out East Dallas Vintage, where digging through retro treasures is matched by live music acts on the patio. You’ll meet local musicians like Remy Reilly and Sean Foster on a cozy, backyard stage.

Even the public library is getting a temporary art upgrade. The Lakewood Branch Library is transforming into a pop-up exhibition hosted by Professor Keith Williams, who teaches art at the Richland Campus of the Dallas Community College District, and his students.

The walk also includes artist home studios — you can see the mysterious nooks where Beverly Gadient creates her fused glass pieces or where Erica Pepper decides which color comes next. Meet makers face-to-face, ask oddball questions and explore their creative processes to see exactly how the art gets made.

If you ask Lamarsaude to pick a favorite artist, don’t expect a straight answer.

“Gosh, it’s hard to just pick one,” she says.

This year’s lineup features an array of media like sculpture, mixed media, painting, ceramics, jewelry and more.

And it’s not all look-but-don’t-touch. Want to make your own mark? Paint, scribble or doodle on the community canvas at Art on Main. Dive into printmaking on clay with Katrina Rasmussen if you don’t mind getting your hands a little messy. If you’re in the mood for something mystical, get your tarot cards read by Meggie Abendschein. Maybe you’ll find out if you’re about to meet your new favorite artist.

A Feast for the Senses

Worried about working up an appetite? Fear not — Easy Slider will serve up burgers and fries at Art on Main, while the neighboring restaurant offers all-day happy hour for badge-flashing art walkers. Need coffee or a snack? Pause at Garden Cafe, Killer Joe Coffee or grab a glass at Times Ten Cellars. Because this is Dallas, and even an art walk doesn’t work if you’re running on empty.

How to Join the Walk

Here’s the best part: Art Walk EAST is free, although donations are welcome through the website. All you have to bring is curiosity and maybe a bit of stamina. It’s a day to meet the minds behind the paint, swap stories, snap selfies in front of murals, browse jewelry stands, and maybe even bring something home for your living room wall.

Whatever your level of art knowledge, be it seasoned collector, new-in-town, toddler-chasing parents or someone who can’t remember the last time you did something just for fun, your weekend options quite literally just got a lot more colorful. For more information, visit eastdallasartsdistrict.org.