Art is huge in the "Big D"

Art Business News, Oct, 2004 by Pam Crumpler

In the time that they have been in South Side, Roger echoes the sentiment of almost everyone in saying that the interaction with other people has been one of the aspects of this life he values the most. He, too, is currently involved with the theater in an initiative involving performance artists. Working with the South Side's theater, which is known as the theater of "Project X," Moore is currently contributing in a mnltisensory project called "Flesh and Stone." Set to open this month, the project involves the projection of his nude images integrated with actors, dancers and musicians.

As previously mentioned, South Side is all about urban renewal, art and community. And while the community within South Side is important, so, too, is the neighboring community surrounding the lofts. Matthew's vision was that the artists would bring kids in from the neighborhood and show them a different world. From this, good begins to spin off beyond the immediate building. Initiatives such as raising funds to purchase prom dresses for inner-city kids and a school-supplies drive, help support the area. Giving back also includes artists being part of the continued renovations in the South Side neighborhood. Additionally, some artists have actually left the building and purchased their own building within the area.

The bottom line is that art--both visual and performance--is an integral part of this community. A matchbook from South Side on Lamar proclaims, "Historic Urban Living." And while it may not be as visible as other Dallas neighborhoods, such as the West Side, Deep Ellum or Uptown, South Side is what it is: a place where artists have helped create a community with the potential of one day being something even more incredible.

For reprints of this article, contact La Tonya Brumitt at 314-824-5504, or e-mail labrumitt@pfpublish.com.

SOURCES

* Crow Collection of Asian Art, www.crowcollection.org

* Dallas Arts Dealers Association (DADA), www.dallasartdealers.org

* Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), www.dallasmuseumofart.org

* Rolando Diaz, www.rodiaz.com: www.euforialive.com

* Matthews Southwest, 972-212-1199, www.matthewssouthwest.com

* Meadows Museum, www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org

* Roger Moore, www.rogermoorephotography.com Hasher Sculpture Gardens, www.nashersculpturecenter.org

South Side on Lamar, www.southsideonlamar.com