Arts Blog

This week's opening of the "Art and Ability" show at the Latino Cultural Center was a huge succe$$.

All the pieces--sculptures to paintings to watercolors to collages--were sold out. The show was brought to the center by The Arc of Dallas, a non-profit that serves Dallas, Collin and Rockwall Counties with a focus on improving life for people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities.

Among the pieces was a Fourth of July favorite: the U.S. flag drawn in a heart shape, rather than the old faithful rectangle. The watercolor was by Jessica Joy Gradle, who wrote this for the exhibit's brochure:

"America offers freedom from discrimination for the handicapped and love for anyone who is different."

Due to popular demand, Don Schol's moving exhibition of combat art, "Vietnam Remembrances," has been extended through July 25 at Photographs Do Not Bend, a gallery in the Design District of Dallas at 1202 Dragon Street. Schol, 67, a professor at the University of North Texas and a graduate of Jesuit High School, the University of Dallas and the University of Texas (where he received a master's degree in philosophy and art), served in Vietnam from October 1967 to April 1968 as a combat artist, helping to document the war for the U.S. Army Office of Military History. The exhibition at Photographs Do Not Bend consists of 16 wood-cut prints that Schol hopes will "grab people, make them think about what they're seeing. I want them to realize ... this could be any war." (Those who wish to buy individual prints can do so for $600 each.) My story on Schol ran on the front page of The Dallas Morning News on Sunday. Those who wish to read it and watch a video of Schol discussing his work can do so by clicking here. For more information, call 214-969-1852 or visit www.pdnbgallery.com.

Photo: Don Schol's wood-cut print Going Home.

Tonight's nasty weather continues to take no prisoners.The latest arts cancellation we've heard about is the Dallas Arboretum's Cool Thursday's concert tonight, which was to have featured the band Dallas Unlimited. The band will be rescheduled to early September, and tickets will be honored at that time. For further info, go here.

The Dallas Museum's Jazz Under the Stars concert has also been canceled.

Vietnam veteran Don Schol's woodblock prints inspired by his own images of war will be on display at Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery until June 20. In this video Schol explains that his metaphors are designed to 'soften the sobering effects of the utter starkness of reality.'

You can find info about the exhibit, "Vietnam Remembrances," here.

Here's the story.

Holy bank robbers! Now I've heard everything: Just got an e-mail announcing a world premiere by the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, and it's one that carries with it a big local angle involving Dallas. The renowned La Jolla Playhouse will stage the world-premiere musical Bonnie & Clyde from Nov. 10 to Dec. 20 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre on the campus of the University of California at San Diego. Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel) will handle the music, Don Black (Sunset Boulevard, Song and Dance) will write the lyrics, Ivan Menchell (The Cemetery Club, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) will write the book and Jeff Calhoun (Deaf West's Big River and Pippin, Grease!) will direct. Do I smell Broadway? The La Jolla Playhouse took Big River to Broadway, as well as The Who's Tommy, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Walk in the Woods, Dracula, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, Jersey Boys and the Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife.

Photo: Actress Faye Dunaway in the movie version of Bonnie and Clyde

For those of you who share a sense of humor with the lawyers in your life...or wonder who the lawyers are in town who can sing and dance..........each year, in June, there's a special theater production by a very special production company- "Bar None". And lawyer coercion is not needed in order to build an audience for this one. BAR NONE is great.

Well, it really is fun. (I may be a playwright, screenplaywriter, mom, grandmother, actor and theater producer in my spare time, but I also work in a law firm.) And Bar None is my exception to the "never watch legal-inspired entertainment because you work in a law firm all day" rule. And NOBODY coerced me to say that.

This year the production, BAR NONE XXIV, is called "Scumbag Billionaire" and premieres on Wednesday, June 17 at the Greer Garson Theatre at SMU and runs through Saturday night, June 20. It's probably close to being sold out by now for many reasons.

We've taken a lot of your feedback and have made several changes to the new GuideLive.com, including adding "GUIDELIVE IT!" sections at the top of each tab (Events, Movies, Restaurants and Performers) to help you search for things that matter most to you.

We encourage all of you artists out there to create your own Performer's page where you can tell people about yourself and your art, as well as link to your own sites. Another benefit of creating a Performer's page is that you can add it to art exhibits and other events where you are featured, so people interested in the event can quickly find out more information about you.

Just remember to search the Performers section first, because you might already be in there, in which case you can click "Report an error with this listing" and claim it to gain control over it.

Give us a shout or leave comments below if you run across any other concerns regarding the new GuideLive.com.

Take at look at the new GuideLive.com. The Dallas Morning News is upgrading its signature entertainment portal this week with a state-of-the-art, “go, see and do” utility you won’t want to leave home without.

From now on, when you type in GuideLive.com or click on “Things to do” you will discover, front and center, a simple search box that can find the event, movie, venue, restaurant or performer just right for you. It understands words you would normally use, so when you’re looking for something tomorrow, just type “tomorrow.” Then in one place, you’ll get our critics’ ratings and reviews, user reviews from across the Internet, often an option to purchase tickets, directions and nearby attractions, too.

We’ve got more things to do than ever at your fingertips. Look for sporting events, community and church events, art exhibitions – and if you don’t see an event you’re hosting, please add it!

You can still find all the coverage that our Guide staff provides about the arts and entertainment in our Entertainment channel on dallasnews.com (and linked from each relevant GuideLive.com listing). And we’ve finally added a comment box below each article, plus a way to share it or e-mail it to your friends.

Visit the new GuideLive.com!

Hubby and I had a fabulous time at the Dallas Museum of Art's "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs" exhibit tonight -- we got there around midnight, and had gone through the exhibit at a leisurely pace and were out the doors by 1:30. It was crowded with lots of other last-minuters; the lines at midnight at the Harwood Street Tut entrance stretched from Woodall Rodgers to Flora Street. Honestly, I think if more museums would do this sort of night-owl event at least once during every major exhibit, they'd clean up.

You've still got about 16 hours to see the show -- the last ticketholders will be let in at 5:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and it's well worth whatever waiting you might endure. I especially loved the smaller pieces -- perfume bottles, a "cosmetic container in the shape of a duck" and the multiple examples of shabti, described as funerary figurines who performed labor in the afterlife. I would like to request a shabti now, please. And I would like to not have to wait until the afterlife.

There was a lot of good-natured bumping and kidding-around among the attendees; my husband, Jim, remarked that the figure of Tjuya "has Dallas hair" and I heard a couple of people dispute the notion that "Ptah was the chief god of Memphis." Apparently the ancient Egyptians had not heard of a certain rock 'n' roll King.

I was especially impressed with how easy it was to actually see the pieces and read the remarks with each one, despite the crowds. Instead of just one little card on the wall that everyone has to crowd in and squint at to read, this exhibit features glass cases with the inscriptions repeated (in large enough print to read) at the top and on all sides -- making it much easier for more people to learn about what they're seeing.

It's spectacular. Go. Go now. Go here, or call 214-922-1803.

Photo by Joy Tipping: The crowd at around 12:15 outside the Tut entrance. That's my husband waving to me to stop taking pictures and get a move on.

If the streets in your neighborhood seemed sad and empty tonight, it may have been because everyone you know was at the Dallas Museum of Art. What with the Late Night series (including authors Kathleen Kent and Cristina Henríquez as part of the Arts & Letters Live series) and this being the last weekend of the "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs" exhibit, the DMA was stuffed to the gills.

It was great to see so many people ... in a museum ... on a Friday night, including Paris DuPre, 9 (left in photo) and her sis Natalie, 8, who'd dressed up for their date with the Boy King. They were accompanied by mom Ramona, little bro Jake, 6 (who passed on the eyeliner), Ramona's cousin, Jarod Meehan, and about a zillion other folks patiently waiting in line. The girls were giddy with excitement. Yes, let me repeat that: Little girls. Giddy. With excitement. Over a museum exhibit. I believe there may be hope for our culture, after all.

If you want to get in on the ta-ta to Tut, here's how. The DMA is staying open around the clock till the last ticketed entries at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

PHOTO by Joy Tipping

From reporter Michael Granberry: Achmed the Dead Terrorist and his "master," the wildly talented comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, will now play American Airlines Center on Friday night instead of Saturday night, because of the Dallas Mavericks needing the arena on Saturday. So, Dunham will take the stage at 8 p.m. Friday, 24 hours earlier than expected. A graduate of Richardson High School and Baylor University, Dunham has gotten so big that he is now selling out arena shows. His popularity is due, of course, to his frequent appearances on Comedy Central (where he's about to have his own show) and to hundreds of millions of hits on YouTube, where Achmed ("I kill you!") has become a major star. My favorite line from Dunham's recent European tour (yes, he and Achmed have even toured Europe): Achmed expressed frustration in Sweden because when he said, "I kill you!," the Swedes thought he was saying "Ikea."

Photo: Achmed the Dead Terrorist, left, and Jeff Dunham

Fort Worth's Artes de la Rosa is cancelling its annual Cinco de Mayo Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.. They are still planning all other May events at the Rose Marine Theater including Latin Express on Friday, May 22. Call them at 817-624-8333 if you have questions.

Jo Ann Holt of the Dallas Summer Musicals says she just talked to Michael Jenkins (who went to New York today for the opening of 9 to 5 - I saw him at the Majestic last night!). The DSM has no plans to cancel regular performances. But some school groups have canceled plans to attend Rent next week, and they are giving the schools full refunds.

Kimberly Richard says Theatre Three has no shows of its own up right now. The Nibroc Trilogy transfers to their basement tonight, but she has heard of no plans to change its schedule

From the Dallas Theater Center's Jake Cigainero: Dallas Theater Center hasn't experienced any absentee ticket buyers or loss in ticket sales due to the H1N1 flu virus situation. We fully intend to continue on with the regular performance schedule of Sarah, Plain and Tall through May 24 as long as we are able to do so in a safe and healthy environment. DTC will closely monitor the situation and comply with any city recommendations in the interest of public health.

This weekend's performance of As Thousands Cheer and all upcoming programming at the Irving Arts Center will continue as scheduled. The galleries and Sculpture Garden remain open for normal hours. Patrons are advised to use precautionary measures such as washing hands regularly, and covering nose and mouth when they cough and/or sneeze. For more information visit www.irvingartscenter.com

Arts writer and film historian Donald Bogle will speak Saturday, May 16, at a "Writer's Roundtable Breakfast" sponsored by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. He'll talk about the status of African-Americans in film, television and theater, from battling stereotypes to achieving acclaim as major performers.

The event will take place at 10 a.m. in Room T314 of the Dallas Convention Center theater complex, Canton at Akard streets. For more information and tickets ($15 for breakfast and discussion), call 214-743-2400.

This just announced: The Smothers Brothers are going to bring their particular brand of humor to Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Tom and Dick, famous in the '60s for the line (!) "Mom always loved you best," and later for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on TV. In 2008, they celebrated 50 years of performing together. Now, the legends have their own brand of wine.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

(Photo from smothersbrothers.com)

Condoleezza Rice, Hilary Swank, David Frost and Frank Langella are among the marquee names featured in the 2009-2010 Brinker International Forum, officials for the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts announced Thursday.
Offering a program that it says "explores the impact of arts and culture on contemporary society," the center will also feature in its new season a panel discussion on the creative process with Bob Balaban, Peter Guber and Brett Ratner, moderated by Campbell Brown of CNN. In addition, its partnership with National Geographic Live! will bring to the stage Lisa Ling and photographer Paul Nicklen.
With the opening of the center in October, the Brinker International Forum will move into its permanent home in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor and Secretary for State under President George W. Bush, will speak on Oct. 22, followed by Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank (Nov. 9), photographer Paul Nicklen (Dec. 7), television reporter Lisa Ling (Jan. 6, 2010) and the panel discussion on the creative process on Feb. 26, 2010.
For fans of the Broadway play and movie Frost/Nixon, actor Frank Langella (who portrayed Richard Nixon in both) will share the stage with TV personality David Frost, whose exclusive interviews with Nixon inspired both the play and movie.
Season subscriptions go on sale on at 10 a.m. April 24. Info: Call 214-880-0202 or visit www.dallasperformingarts.org.

Photo: Hilary Swank

500X Gallery on Exposition Avenue is calling on local artists to submit drawing-based works. Meaning anything that involves drawing materials, processes and/or concepts is eligible.

It's only $25 per entry, and you can submit up to five to be displayed in the annual community art exhibit May 9-31. Drop off works at the gallery Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Get all the instructions and requirements here.

Texas Ballet Theater announced Thursday its plans to present The Fly Ball, which it's calling "the largest single fundraising event of the year." It's booked for Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. In past years, ballet officials said, The Fly Ball was hosted by Phazar Aerocorp at Meacham International Airport, with guests flying in "from far-away locations." The ballet company says this year's event will be "the first major event" since the grand opening of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, where the theme will be French in nature: "La Vie En Rose." Honorary chair is recording artist Lyle Lovett. The Fly Ball begins at 7:30 p.m. on April 18 with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction featuring more than 75 items, including jewelry, gift packages and other items. The live auction features big ticket items including a Chanel J12 watch, a replica Louis Vuitton trunk, a fabulous Italian dinner catered by Chef Alessio Franceschetti, and a trip to Rancho La Puerta spa in California. The evening's entertainment, according to Texas Ballet Theater, will be "highlighted by sleight-of-hand magicians, mimes and casino-style gambling with all proceeds benefiting the ballet. Guests are also invited to dance to the music of 'The Wonders' and 'Johnny Reno and the Lounge Kings.' " Individual tickets are priced at $350 per person. Priority underwriting table sponsorships range from $5,000 to $100,000. Info: Call 817-763-0207, ext. 107, or visit this Web site.

Photo: A scene from Texas Ballet Theater's recent performance of Cleopatra

The state-wide juried New Texas Talent exhibition is now accepting submissions from new and emerging artists to be featured in a July 25-Sept. 5 show at Craighead-Green Gallery. Submission deadline is May 29 and selected participants will be notified by June 22.

Continue reading for all the rules and procedures from the press release.

Teatro Dallas will offer acting classes for adults (no age limit) and teens (16 and older) starting next Monday, April 13, and running through April 29. The classes are from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and cost $200 for the nine-class session.

At the close of the workshop, students will present their scenes to family and friends.

Classes are conducted in English and Spanish, and led by Cora Cardona, artistic director for Teatro Dallas.

To reserve a spot or for more info, call 214-689-6492 or go here.

That fabulous, once-in-a-lifetime concert I told you about a few weeks ago -- the Dave Brubeck Quartet at the University of North Texas, playing with the UNT Orchestra, Grand Chorus and One O'Clock Lab Band on Feb. 26 -- is now available on CD and DVD. The Feb. 27 performance, with the Dave Brubeck Quartet only, is also available. CDs cost $10, DVDs are $15.

You can pick them up at the UNT College of Music office on campus (using a credit card, cash or check), or you can mail a check to have them shipped (add $3 for shipping costs). To order by mail, specify shipping address, which concert (Feb. 26 or 27) and whether you want the CD (audio only) or DVD (audio & video), and mail your check to: UNT School of Music Office, 1155 Union Circle #311367, Denton, TX 76201.

For anyone headed to a Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performance this weekend, be sure to bring along some foods to donate. The orchestra is participating in Orchestras Feeding America, the first national food drive by America's symphony orchestras. Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Pick-up times are 6:30-8pm today and Saturday, and 12:30-2pm Sunday in Bass Performance Hall's lobby. Curbside drop-off is also available on Fourth Street underneath the angels in front of Bass Hall. For info on what types of food can be accepted, visit www.fwsymphony.org.

First of all, the Nasher Sculpture Center deserves a ton of credit for its Nasher Salon Lecture Series, which has given us conversations with John Updike, Larry McMurtry, Jeff Koons and Wolfgang Puck. Last night's guest was among the best ever. Art Garfunkel showed up wearing a navy blue shirt (untucked, of course) and honest-faded jeans. He sat at a table adorned with Evian water and a white flower and began to talk. Not sing, talk. He did so beautifully, aided in no small part by my former Morning News colleague Jerome Weeks, who did a terrific job navigating the conversation. The beauty of the program -- for which the Nasher and external affairs director Jane Offenbach deserve many kudos -- is that it is a conversation and not an interview. We learned that Garfunkel grew up in Queens, N.Y., as the son of Jewish parents who themselves harmonized beautifully on such songs as "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin Along." He discovered his own exquisite voice at age 5, when he stumbled upon "this gift here, in my throat." (Please click below to read on!)

Photo: Art Garfunkel

Zahi Hawass is a rock star. Well, not exactly, but he might as well be. He strode to the stage of McFarlin Auditorium at Southern Methodist University last night but not before being warmly introduced -- by Laura Bush, the former first lady, making her first public appearance in Dallas since she and her husband left the White House. For about 90 minutes, Hawass regaled visitors with epic tales from the Egyptian underground -- literally. This is a guy who spends a lot of time burrowing deep under pyramids and into various other tunnels in search of rare treasures, such as those currently on view in "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," which runs through May 17 at the Dallas Museum of Art. He staged an elaborate PowerPoint -- "It was 300 feet underground!" he would say, or 400, or nearly 500 -- and each time, he showed an unearthed treasure that caused the near-capacity crowd to "ooh" and "ahh." (He's actually hoping to one day unearth the tomb of Cleopatra.)

Photo: Former first lady Laura Bush tours the Tut exhibit in Dallas with Zahi Hawass

Here's a follow-up to Scott Cantrell's post on local orchestras participating in a food drive, which is timed to the release of the movie The Soloist, about a cellist who becomes homeless.

From the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's press and publications manager:
"The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra kicked off its food drive on Friday night and several boxes of food have already been collected. ... FWSO musicians will perform and collect food items at the Fort Worth Central Market this Sunday from 12-4:30 p.m. and the Orchestra will continue to collect food donations April 3, 4 and 5 at Bass Performance Hall."

Get more details at www.fwsymphony.org.

Photo courtesy of FWSO's Trish Ciaravino

The Richardson/North Dallas theater company that closed in February with two productions left on its schedule has received a helping hand from across town.
"The Richardson Theatre Centre decided since Labyrinth lost its space and had no place at the moment to finish their season, to extend an invitation to complete their season with us," wrote Rachael Lindley, RTC artistic director.
The RTC also "will be honoring Labyrinth season tickets," Lindley said.

Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean will bring their six-week, 30-city tour to Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie on Saturday, May 2.

This time, the guys will be Unwigged and Unplugged, performing music from heavy metal band Spinal Tap and folk music from A Mighty Wind, among other selections. It could be considered a 25th anniversary celebration of This Is Spinal Tap. Guest, Shearer and McKean, considered a legendary trio of comedians and musical artists, will be performing their alter ego-music as themselves for the first time. No wigs, no amps, no electric instruments. Let's see if they can hit "maximum volume" in an acoustic setting.

Tickets go on sale Friday through Ticketmaster.

(Photo of (left to right) Shearer, McKean and Guest by Suzanne Tenner/Warner Bros. Pictures)

The Museum of Nature & Science is hosting a birthday party for Dr. Seuss (who would have been 105 on March 2) along with the first birthday of its remodeled Children's Museum Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. And since admission is free, we blogged about all the fun details here in Dollar Wise.

We're happy to report that Slappy's Puppet Playhouse, the only puppet theater we know with real-life clowns behind the scenes, will stay put at Galleria Dallas at least until the end of the year.

Slappy's had to move from its five-year home on the third floor, near the Play Place, to make room for a clothing store earlier this year. But now that their temporary spot on the second floor has been assured through December, they're back to planning kids birthday parties and shows again.

Their marionette show, Sleeping Beauty, continues through March 29, followed by Charlotte's Web April 4-June 21 and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz June 27 - Sept. 7. Their Funhouse Follies variety show continues through Sept. 6. And they'll be offering a circus camp June 15-19 and July 6-10.

We know it's still winter, but you've got to plan ahead for summer. And the free second annual summer showcase presented by Dallas Afterschool Network should help both for and non-profit caregivers do just that by offering live entertainment that showcase out-of-school options.

It all takes place Friday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live performances from 10 a.m. to noon at the Embarcadero Building in Fair Park, 1229 Admiral Nimitz Circle in Dallas. Enter Fair Park at Gate 3 along Washington Ave.

In the Beginning has been extended through Feb. 22 at the Dallas Theater Center. Check out Lawson Taitte's review of the show. And get a backstage view at the Theater Center's blog about the show.

After five years of delighting kids and parents with clowning and puppetry, birthday parties and unique gifts, Slappy's Puppet Playhouse is moving on down from the third flower of Galleria Dallas to the second floor after its Sunday shows.

It seems its current space is being taken over by Forever 21, the chain clothing retailer. Slappy's, owned and managed by real-life husband and wife clowns Tiffany 'Slappy' Riley and Dick Monday (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey vets, creators of the New York Goofs and therapeutic clowns at Children's Medical Center Dallas), will start carting puppets and props to Suite 2230, next to Tony & Guy's on the second level, where they want everyone to know the closest parking is the Blue Parking.

The new space, which is temporary for three months while a permanent space is in negotiation, will open Feb. 14 with Slappy's Funhouse Follies variety show, Sleeping Beauty and the Snoring Prince marionette show, birthday parties and store, plus a free Showtime Saturdays Valentine variety show back up on the third floor near the old space at 11:30 a.m. So for Valentine's Day, young fans may want to stop by and show them a little love...

Commuters rushing home on Dallas North Tollway should have taken a detour Friday evening and stopped by Fashion Industry Gallery on Ross Avenue. That's where the first Dallas Art Fair is going on ... and would until 6 Friday evening, before being open for the weekend. Lots of hip-looking folks sipping champagne, and they were just part of the show. There was tons of art, all kinds of art, which is how developer John Sughrue and art dealer Chris Byrne, the co-founders, must have wanted it. They hope to create an international art destination similar to London's Frieze Art Fair or Art Basel in Switzerland. Thirty-five galleries from 12 cities are strutting their stuff. And Dallas artist David Bates is among those whose work is the most memorable. Bates' show on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina at Dunn and Brown Contemporary was one of the best of 2008. Everyone's taste is different, of course, so here's a few random impressions from a guy who buys most of his art at Z Gallerie. (Please click below to read on.)

Image: A David Bates portrait, inspired by Hurricane Katrina

A Sunday event called Reflections on Holocaust and Genocide has a new location and time. It will be held Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane (it was previously scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Dallas Holocaust Museum).

The event will feature a keynote speech by historian and author Bryan Mark Rigg, prayers, a partial screening of a documentary, and the display of a piece of public artwork. It focuses on remembrance and peaceful co-existence, and it is being presented by the Foundation for Pluralism, the Dallas Holocaust Museum, the Memnosyne Foundation, the Dallas Peace Center and the World Muslim Congress.

Seating is limited; register by e-mailing ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com. 214-325-1916.

Artist Don Tremain, whose new exhibition, "Sea Spaces: A Photographic Exploration of Cruise Ships," runs through Jan. 30 at the 14th Street Gallery in downtown Plano, will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 24) to talk about his work. The gallery is located at 1412 14th Street in Plano. Info: 972-633-3822 or visit www.14thstreetgallery.com. Tremain's talk begins at 6 p.m.

Photo: From "Sea Spaces: A Photographic Exploration of Cruise Ships"

The spirit of Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th U.S. president has touched the lives of many, including the world of art. So, Barry Whistler Gallery in Dallas has decided to stage a new exhibition, "Inaugural 09," which showcases 12 artists from Texas to Berlin, Los Angeles to New York. All new works will be displayed in what the gallery labels "a celebration of our fresh start." They include paintings by Dallas artists Kirsten Macy, John Pomara, Lorraine Tady and John Wilcox and "express an emotional amalgamation of excitement and anxiety." Dallas photographer Allison V. Smith offers up some new photographs of Marfa, Texas, while Robert Wilhite of Los Angeles shows his most recent interpretation of tactile nuclear weaponry with a "to-scale artistic model of the toy-sized, one-man Davy Crockett bomb." The gallery, at 2909-B Canton Street, is hosting an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28. Info: Call 214-939-0242 or visit www.barrywhistlergallery.com.

Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama dancing with President Barack Obama

The newest addition to the Irving Arts Center is Star Flower, which local officials describe as "a monumental sculpture" by American artist James Surls, whose work now adorns the city's Sculpture Garden reflecting pool. Star Flower is one of three permanent sculptures commissioned by the Arts Center since the development of the Sculpture Garden in 1995 -- a garden designed specifically to promote Texas artists. Surls was awarded the Living Legend Award from the Dallas Contemporary Art Center in 1993, Texas Artist of the Year in 1991 and a National Endowment of the Arts fellowship in 1979. "The Irving Arts Center has had its eye on Star Flower for nearly 14 years," says Richard Huff, executive director of the Irving Arts Center. The Arts Center will host an artist meet-and-greet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, followed by a dedication and reception for Surls and Star Flower from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Sculpture Garden. The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Boulevard in Irving. Info: 972-252-7558 or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

Photo: Star Flower by sculptor James Surls

The Feb. 2 "Piano Now" concert in the Cliburn at the Modern series, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.

Season ticket holder can receive a refund or ticket exchange for another Cliburn Concerts performance. Individual ticket holders may request a refund. For refunds of exchanges, call Central Ticket Office at 817-335-9000.

Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for Denis Leary's show at Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie. The comedian/actor/spokesman will appear at Nokia on April 9.

Nokia also announced today that Cedric the Entertainer will perform there on March 14. Those tickets go on sale Jan. 16 at 10 a.m.

(Photo by DARLA KHARZEI)

An open-to-the-public memorial for Douglas Balentine, co-founder of Fort Worth's Hip Pocket Theatre (with Diane and Johnny Simons), will be held Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Arts Fifth Avenue. The multimedia tribute will feature video, excerpts from Hip Pocket productions, slide shows, and plenty of chances to share memories.

Michael Granberry selects the top 10 happenings of the Dallas-Fort Worth art scene in 2008. What do you think? Any of your favorites left out? Share your thoughts below.

You haven't lived till you've seen three -- erm, zaftig -- guys in skimpy Santa suits and stiletto boots singing "Santa Baby." I had that pleasure Sunday afternoon at the Uptown Theater in downtown Grand Prairie, at the wonderfully perverse Christmas show put on by the 3 Redneck Tenors. Any show put on by these guys is an object lesson in incongruity -- here you have three buffoony country types, complete with mullets and a Christmas tree topped with a festive bug-zapper, but when they open their mouths to sing, WHOA! Suddenly, it's angels we're hearing on high.

The show was spectacular, but it was also great to see the newly renovated Uptown Theater, an old movie theater that has been gloriously repurposed as a multispace performing and visual arts venue. It's only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, just off of Interstate 30 (take the Belt Line exit south, turn right on Main Street, and you're nearly there).

It's too late to see the Rednecks this year, but you can still enjoy the Uptown ambiance: Asleep at the Wheel will perform there New Year's Eve, and they have a wonderful season planned for 2009. Get all the details here.

The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-Less-Q Nutcracker has been extended through Dec. 28. The show, presented by MBS Productions, is about what happens when the Beulaville Baptist Book Club's fundraising production of The Nutcracker ends up being performed by a burlesque troupe.

Not a lot of notice here, but...the Museum of Nature & Science is giving kids a chance to get a picture taken with the "star" of The Tale of Despereaux in the Science Building lobby today after the children's parade from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. and from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Yes, we know the star is an animated mouse, but we're sure they'll think of something.

The event is free and there will be free movie material giveaways (posters, T-shirts, face masks, mouse ears). Of course, if you want to stick around and explore the museum, normal admission fees apply.

As an incentive to join the museum, members can register through Sunday for a free family four-pack "sneak preview" ticket drawing on Dec. 13 (110 four-packs will be given away).

And if your kids haven't read Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux in anticipation of the big screen film, get thee to a bookstore or a library! This is a wonderful, Newbery Medal winning tale about an unlikely hero with big ears and an even bigger heart who believes that he is the one can save the fair Princess Pea.

On Wednesday, the Dallas Museum of Art is offering tickets to its "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" exhibition for $19.22 for the first 100 visitors (normal adult prices are $32.50 Friday-Sunday and holidays, $27.50 on other days).

There are also some other discounted dates and times, check them out after the jump.

Not much time left to see this Mel Brooks musical:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Young Frankenstein is closing after nearly 500 Broadway performances. The decision was announced Sunday by producer Robert F.X. Sillerman. The Mel Brooks cinematic monster spoof will have played a little over a year when it closes Jan. 4. That's a much shorter engagement than his previous stage effort, The Producers. That musical ran for six years and more than 2,500 performances. Young Frankenstein stars Roger Bart as the title character. Bart has been with the musical since it opened in November 2007 at the Hilton Theatre. It was the most anticipated Broadway musical of last season.

Brooke Shields -- yes, Pretty Baby, Suddenly Susan and all, but also ... appalled by Johnny Drama's ardor on Entourage -- is the reliever at Tuesday's Brinker International Forum on Tuesday at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Big Bob is not amused here.

There was a whole lot of snorting going on during DFW Pug Rescue's annual Pug-o-ween fundraiser on Sunday. Hundreds of pugs dressed in costumes ranging from Morticia Addams to a hot air balloon to a pug version of Liberace (with a tiny piano and chandelier).

Are you planning to dress your dog up for Halloween? Do you know of any great dog-related celebrations coming up? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Oh dear, the Late Nights series at the DMA always has so much activity to choose from that it makes my head spin (in a good way). Oct. 17's installment has a King Tut theme (hmmm I wonder why) and includes a happy hour, Middle Eastern jazz, belly dancing, Egyptian games, open mike poetry, an outdoor Mummy Movie Marathon, a Mummies, Mysteries and Magic lecture, free Starbucks drinks and tons more for the kids and grown folks alike. If you've been wanting to check out the Late Night series, this is the one try. Get details here.

The city of Dallas is raising the parking rate at the Arts District parking garage to $10, according to an e-mail from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The change is effective Wednesday, Oct.1. So, plan accordingly.

This year, Big Tex has some unusual company at the State Fair of Texas-- Anubis, the jackal-headed guardian of the dead.

A statue of Anubis, about half the size of the huge cowboy, will be near the fair's entrance, while Big Tex will retain his place of honor in Big Tex Circle (the pictures, like the one at left by staff photographer Nathan Hunsinger, show today's media event, where the two were displayed together for photo ops). Other Tut-related fair attractions will include a butter sculpture of the boy king, and Egyptian-inspired sand sculptures.

Of course, it's all being done to promote the State Fair of Texas, which begins Friday, and the "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" exhibit, which opens Oct. 3 at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Who knew that the guy behind Romano's Macaroni Grill, Cozymel's (one of my favorites), EatZi's, Nick & Sam's and other big name restaurants is an artist, too? Apparently enough to team up with Dallas-based artist JD Miller to open Samuell Lynne Galleries, one of the latest additions to the Dragon Street gallery strip.

In an August article for the Dallas Business Journal, Phil Romano boldly pronounced, "This is the gallery that's going to make Dallas famous." Hmm, really? More famous than Santa Fe or New York?

Check out the grand opening tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you go, come back and tell us what you think.

(File photo 2007: Phil Romano at the original EatZi's on Oak Lawn Avenue)

Forget the sparring political parties for a moment and put in a vote for Dr. Seuss. Oh My Godard Gallery (don't you love the name?) is hosting a Family Day Event at The Shops at Willow Bend Saturday from 2-4 p.m. in concert with its "Vote for Dr. Seuss" art exhibit that focuses on the political and environmental art work of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss' real name) in its gallery.

WFAA anchor Jeff Brady will read Dr. Seuss stories, kids will get a chance to do their own artwork with teachers from J's Art Studio and those old enough will be able to register to vote as part of a Rock the Vote table in the gallery. It's all free and the exhibit continues through Oct. 5 during normal mall hours.

Our weather blog is reporting that this concert is moving from the steps of Dallas City Hall to the Palladium Ballroom. Check out the jump below for details.

The All About Uptown Festival, originally scheduled for this Saturday, has been postponed due to concerns about the weather. It'll be on Sept. 27 during the same hours and in the same place it was originally scheduled for, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fairmount Street between McKinney Avenue and Howell Street.

Over on the Eats blog, Kim Pierce and Joyce Saenz Harris bring news that the Dallas Zoo has postponed its Zoo To Do Hullabaloo benefit. The event was originally just moved inside, but the zoo reconsidered and postponed it. Say the PR folks: "We originally had a rain plan in place that would have allowed us to hold the party indoors, but given the severity of the current forecasts along with everyone's strong desire to hold the gala at the Zoo, we felt that it would be best to postpone the event." A new date for the event should be announced soon.

We're starting to have some postponements trickle in for events scheduled for this weekend. Worries about possible inclement weather have caused the Wylie Championship Rodeo to be put off until Oct. 24-25, and WaterFest on Lake Lewisville has shifted to Sept. 27. Check back for updates.