This week, the Dallas Art Fair returns to Fashion Industry Gallery for its 14th edition. The annual event kicks off with a press and VIP preview, followed by a Champagne Soiree on April 21. The following day, the fair opens to the general public until April 24. But, F.I.G. is not the only place where you can engage with art this week. A roster of official and unofficial events pop up around town. All of the events are free, unless otherwise noted.
Design District Art Night
Apr. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. | Design District
Bring a group of friends for an evening in the Design District. Nearly every art gallery in the neighborhood will be open to the public, in celebration of the Dallas Art Fair. Start the night with a quick bite from one of the participating food trucks in front of Erin Cluley gallery before a night of gallery hopping. You can pop by Conduit Gallery, Peter Augustus, Site 131, Dallas Contemporary, and more. Map it out and find more information here.
Deep Ellum Wine Walk: Art in the City
Apr. 21, 6 – 9 p.m. | 2650 Main St.
Once a month, the shops in Deep Ellum open up their doors, as part of a neighborhood wine walk. This month, explore the neighborhood’s murals and art with a specialty wine glass created by artist Jeff Skele. The monthly wine walk starts at Kettle Art Gallery and progresses through the cultural arts district. Wine glasses cost $20. Buy tickets.
Perrotin Pop-Up and Book Signing with Artist Josh Sperling
Apr. 22, 5 – 7 p.m. | The Joule
The international art gallery Perrotin will host a collaborative special event with New York-based artist Josh Sperling in the lobby of The Joule. Before Sperling’s book signing at 5 p.m., the gallery will adorn the hotel in feathered bear sculptures from Italian artist Paola Pivi as well as works by Colombian artist Iván Argote and Mexican artist Gabriel Rico. At 5 p.m., Sperling will sign copies of The ABC to XYZ of Josh Sperling (Volume A) and RxART Coloring Book – Between the Lines – Volume 8 (feat. Josh Sperling). Proceeds from the book will benefit arts nonprofit RxArt.
Event 001: Jane Dashley and Tramaine Townsend
Apr. 22, 7 – 10 p.m. | Tractorbeam
Attend the launch of Tractorbeam’s new cultural event series with an exhibition of new works from Jane Dashley and screening of SALLAD, Tramaine Townsend’s last film. The night begins at 7 p.m., and the film will screen at 8:30 p.m.
Where There are Mountains to Move, Xxavier Edward Carter
April 21, 4 p.m. | Henry C. Beck Jr. Park, 1807 Ross Avenue
One of the hardest working artists in Dallas is Xxavier Edward Carter. He’s carved out a name for himself as a multidisciplinary artist, working in video, publication, installation, and performance. As part of the fair, Carter will perform a piece based on the myth of Sisyphus. Head to Henry C. Beck Jr. Park (1807 Ross Ave.) and look for a man in a suit moving rocks. His work will also be in the fair at Erin Cluley Gallery.
Open Hours at The Warehouse
April 23, 24 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 14105 Inwood Road
If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside one of the most important art collections in Dallas, pop by the open hours at The Warehouse, which houses the collection of Cindy and Howard Rachofsky. The current exhibitions are Sound as Sculpture, Tender Objects: Emotion and Sensation after Minimalism, and Who We Are: Figurative Work from The Rachofsky Collection.
You’ll need to register for a time slot, but registration is free. thewarehousedallas.org. 14105 Inwood Rd.
Video Art Nights
Apr. 22, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. | Pegasus Plaza
The Dallas Art Fair edition of AURORA’s weekly video art series features a mixture of local and Ukrainian artists. The night will open with live music by Izk Davis and the Bandan Koro Experience. Then, transition into part one of the art series. Jeff Gibbons, Sky Hopinka, and Camel Collective will be the featured entertainment. Lilia Kudelia, Janeil Engelstad, and affiliated artists with Make Art with Purpose close out the series with assorted videos from Ukrainian artists.
The Roaring 20’s: Growth of Arts in Dallas
Apr. 23, 12 p.m. | Nasher Sculpture Center
Learn about the current state of the art market in Dallas. Billy Fong, editor-in-chief of PaperCity Dallas-Fort Worth; Jeremy Strick, director of the Nasher Sculpture Center; Cris Worley, owner of Cris Worley Fine Arts; and William Hathaway, the sales director at Night Gallery in Los Angeles, will discuss the impact of last year’s regional population growth on the city’s arts industry. RSVP.
The Power Station
April 23, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | 3816 Commerce St.
One of the more interesting art spaces in Dallas sits on the outskirts of Deep Ellum. Saturday would be a good opportunity to explore it during the open hours of an exhibit featuring the work of New York-based artist, Hadi Fallahpisheh. powerstationdallas.com
Various Small Fires Texas
April 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | 1511 Commerce St.
Various Small Fires, one of the hippest galleries in Los Angeles, opens a new location in Dallas this month. As a nod to the space’s new home, the inaugural exhibition will take place in two parts and feature a collection of artists with ties to Texas, including Daniel Rios Rodriguez, Ryan Trecartin, and Jeff Zilm. The featured works intend to offer a different perspective to global visitors who equate the state with recent legislative actions to limit immigration, trans rights, and reproductive healthcare. The downtown gallery opens its doors to the public with an opening reception Friday, but will have open hours throughout the week.