But the South Dallas Cultural Center and it’s continued commitment to “Black Culture. Celebrated.” deserves a round applause.
On any given weekend, the true South Dallas gem is packed with visitors from the southern sector and far north burbs alike. The multidisciplinary space has room for music recitals, studio recordings, spoken word performances and artist showcases.
Oak Cliff native and mixed-media artist Demarcus McGaughey’s solo show, Kindred, is now open at the SDCC gallery through Feb. 22. His 68-piece collection of contemporary portraits walks viewers through his family roots, going back more than five generations.
Works by Demarcus McGaughey, from left to right: "Momma Precious," 2024; "Little Rascal," 2023; "Early Sunday Morning," 2023.
Kian Hervey
Each piece in Kindred tells a story about members of the artist's family. A comforting style of collage, vintage photography and colorful backdrops connects each piece. Some of the most striking works reflect personal pride in athletic, academic and personal success. Behind some portraits are excerpts from religious hymns, evoking themes of spirituality and dedicated faith.
Kindred opened at the South Dallas Cultural Center earlier this month, only to be met with frigid temps and snowy weather. When patrons and fans could finally make the opening reception on Jan. 17, every spot in the cultural center’s parking lot was full.
“I thought coming late would bypass the traffic, but that was my fault for not recognizing what was going on,” says installation artist Tyra Johnson. “I’ve been here a lot, and there’s always something going on.”
More Things to See and Do at the South Dallas Cultural Center
Outside the Arthello Beck gallery where Kindred is housed, a nonprofit music education program was about to kick off. Down the hall, author Resmond Richardson hosted a book launch event supported by artist Anthony Mikkelson and saxophonist Dezmond Mitchell.Every nook and cranny of the center aims to elevate Dallas' southern sector and its creative community, while also preserving the history of the area.
“I grew up in South Dallas and we need great places to showcase/highlight our art,” Richardson said before reading excerpts from his second book, Moving Mirrors, to a packed room of 50 guests.
“Growing up in the hood, it’s not always a huge standing ovation for creative people; only if you can play sports,” he added. “Not too many people know about the cultural center and the greatness it offers.”
Johnson, a fellow Dallas native, agreed. While ruminating on McGaughey’s work and the large, diverse crowd of people of various ages, abilities and races, she challenged future SDCC visitors to think of Dallas beyond their personal bubbles.
“Dallas — especially South Dallas — is underappreciated in terms of artists,” Johnson said. “We have so much here that people don’t recognize … I show up when I can because I see how we, our creative communities, make Dallas better.”
The South Dallas Cultural Center is one of 15 facilities scheduled to receive building repairs and improvements through Proposition E, a $1.25 billion capital bond program approved by Dallas voters in 2024.
Prop E includes a $72.2 million provision for cultural and performing art centers, with the SDCC scheduled to receive almost 3% of funding for a new roof, gallery flooring, exterior repairs, updated bathrooms and a black-box performance space.
“Visiting the South Dallas Cultural Center is more than just a trip to a gallery … it’s a way to support cultural preservation and celebrate voices that are often underrepresented,” Salami says. “It’s about recognizing the significance of these stories, experiences, and creative expressions.”
Kindred Closing Reception and Artist Talk, takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.The cultural center is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday.
