Cultured Cells

The graphic style used by comic book illustrators has long been seen as something of a poor man’s art form, but few mediums give us such a timely glimpse into our culture. The ultra-violent, vivid and kinetic imagery is a pretty telling barometer of our life and times. After 9-11,…

It Goes Deeper Than Late Fees

For survivors of Argentina’s state-sponsored massacre and kidnappings in the 1970s and 1980s, the Dirty War hasn’t ended. The military coup, which began in 1976, resulted in the disappearances of more than 10,000 citizens, many of which are still missing today. Families in Argentina have spent decades trying to locate…

Two, If By See

The two-artist display at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art is an opportunity to contrast works from a self-taught artist and those of one who has studied the masters. From what we can tell, the more academic artist seems to have the looser, more playful approach while the self-taught…

Bikers Unite

It happens every spring so consistently that we could mark it on our calendar: We seriously consider trading in our lifestyle of being caged in a gas-guzzling car for the open-air thrills, the drastically reduced petroleum consumption and the traffic-weaving efficiency of a motorcycle. Watters Creek, at Bethany Drive and…

The Conspirator: Redford Helms Another Dull History Lesson.

Set in the months after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, The Conspirator follows the consequences of the fatal shot at Ford’s Theater—specifically, the trial of Mary Surratt, Catholic, 42, and the owner of a Washington, D.C., boarding house, who was presented before a military tribunal as the den mother in the…

Miral: Style, but Little Substance in Schnabel’s Palestine Plea.

A U.N. premiere! A Vanessa Redgrave cameo! Zionist hoodlums! Distributors the Weinstein Co. and director Julian Schnabel overcome their well-documented aversion to media attention to address the Israel-Palestine question, pleading peace, compromise and the creation of a self-governing Palestinian state. While Jewish advocacy groups swarm to Schnabel’s bait, it bears…

Stories of the East

Considering the vast size and extensive history of China, it’s understandable if you’re one of the many people who harbor misconceptions about the ancient nation. But, whether you wish to truly master Chinese studies, or merely wish to gain some knowledge beyond the proffering of fortune cookies, you don’t want…

Gotta Love Leo

For most of us, Leonard Bernstein’s name is uttered only when we’re drunk and listening to “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” Not only is it the only intelligible phrase in the song, but it’s also a fun name to shout to…

Getting Earthy In the O.C.

If you want to be an Oak Cliff biko, you can’t buy any old bicycle. It’s got to be cool–a fixie or cruiser if possible. Also, no helmets–no matter what city code says. Whimsical hats are the only acceptable headgear. And if you ever want to be welcome at Oddfellows…

Fighting, Dramatically

The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS might be known for their auctions of artfully remixed denim jackets, but their upcoming spring fundraising event is about more than just fashion. Dubbed “Dramatically Different,” the night features cocktails, dancing and homages to art, music, dance and, of course, design. Since 1984, DIFFA/Dallas…

Live It Up In the Fort

Now that the weather is finally permitting, we can once again head out of the gallery and to the streets to get our art and culture fix. And nothing says fine art like watching Chinese acrobats while stuffing yourself with funnel cake. Like the year before, hundreds of juried artists…

Look! He’s Going SOLO!

Dallas/Fort Worth has heralded some very interesting attractions in recent years: various UFC bouts, the NBA All-Star Game, and most recently, Super Bowl XLV. And now the metroplex will be playing proud host to the 2011 World Sport Stacking Championships. Now for those of you, much like myself, who have…

Lapping Up the Cotton Bowl

The weather is finally warming up, which isn’t just good news for us humans. Sure, we love to spend time outside, but pups all over the Metroplex have been waiting for this weather for months. That’s why the Friends of Fair Park are opening the Cotton Bowl’s gates for the…

The Babies Will Thank You Later

If you like a good walk and care about healthy kiddos, you should definitely join the March of Dimes annual March for Babies on Saturday at White Rock Lake’s Norbuck Park. The 5-mile walk supports lifesaving research and programs (including professional education, prenatal wellness programs and research grants) that save…

Please Do, Do, Do the DADA

Walking Dallas is not something for the faint of heart. Remember the video of that poor woman from Austin who tried to cross the street in the Knox/Henderson area a few weeks back? Bless her heart; she thought that a crosswalk would protect her from the onslaught of texting Uptowners,…

A Party for Your Buds

The 420 party and concert is gonna be sweet as an Island Skunk, even if it turns out to be a Trainwreck. All your best buds will be there—Granddaddy Purp, the White Widow and the Chemdog. Jack Herer might show, and count on a strong showing from the Kush family…

Strap Up and Head Out

Known for bringing to town one of the world’s largest collections of guitars and other instruments, the 34th Annual Dallas International Guitar Festival descends upon Dallas Market Hall (2200 Stemmons Freeway) Friday through Sunday. Bringing musicians, fans, collectors and celebrities together from across the globe, there is no better place…

A Full Spectrum of Hope

Cancer is something usually perceived in dark, gloomy colors because well, it’s a dark, gloomy time in the lives of those affected by it. But the Children’s Cancer Fund (CFF) focuses on hope for a cure, in a colorful, joyous way. Its annual runway show and luncheon features celebrities from…

For Laughs, Get Madigan

When Lewis Black calls you “the funniest woman in America,” it can be seen as a gift and a curse. Female comics get a bad rap sometimes, but Kathleen Madigan has spent over 20 years transcending all of the potential backlash usually thrust upon female comics, and she’s done it…

Fashionably Eco-Friendly

It’s nearly impossible to avoid anything organic. Not only is pretty much every type of food available in its organic form, but clothes are also transforming their original stitch to the sustainable thread. If you haven’t experienced this new trend yet, no worries, Texas Discovery Gardens presents its Third Annual…

Golden Opportunity

Fifty is a pretty special number. It’s the golden anniversary that says, if you’ve made it this long, well, you’ve really got a good thing going. Theatre Three is kicking off its 50th season, and its first stop on the celebration train is a luncheon with special guest Morgan Fairchild…