Visiting the art galleries and museums of Dallas is a must for both the tourist and the long-time resident. Dallas contains a wealth of historical artwork and recent local talent. Especially remarkable is the Dallas painter artwork. A person need not be an artist themselves nor highly educated in the arts to be able to appreciate the fine art that Dallas has to offer.
Local artist, Esther Ritz, explains how to best enjoy the Dallas painter collections. She suggests that people make a point of “going to galleries and museums and other venues and really taking in what they are seeing. Better to spend 15 minutes with 3 or 4 paintings than the entire gallery. Allow yourself to fully experience the work. Trust your feelings about it.”
Three of the most popular Dallas museums are located downtown. The most well-known museum is the Dallas Museum of Art, or DMA. This huge museum houses over 23,000 art treasures from around the world, along with exciting travelling exhibits. The permanent collection includes artwork from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Islands. The staff is friendly and helpful and can answer any questions you may have. There is also a museum gift shop and two restaurants.
Right next to the DMA is the Nasher, a sculpture museum. It features a large outdoor display area with many magnificent pieces. There is a small indoor gallery as well. At the Nasher are works by Rodin and also by Picasso, including Picasso’s 'Fleurs dans un vase'. This museum really must be viewed on a fine day.
The MADI Museum of geometric and fine art is a great place to see more modern artwork. The MADI movement began in 1034 and continues to modern times. The artwork is colourful, can have moving parts, and can be three-dimensional. MADI is intended to be fun. MADI is unlike many other art forms in that it is not intended to have a deeper meaning or to be representative or cryptic. The purpose of MADI is to engage the eye, bringing pleasurable sensations to the brain.
Some fantastic art galleries are located in the Bishops Art District. Several must-sees are the Mighty Fine Art Gallery and the Decorazion. At most art galleries, you can also purchase the artists’ work. The Bishops Art District is a trendy area with many interesting and unique shops and restaurants as well. Esther Ritz notes, “My studio is in the Bishop Arts District which people might not think of at first.” This Dallas painter’s gallery contains her own colourful abstract works of art, created using oil paints.
Finally, more Dallas painter collections can be seen by going to visit the artist’s private galleries. These viewings are usually by appointment only. Esther Ritz suggests “Another idea is to go to the web site of Dallas Arts Revue to see what is going on. Or email local artists for a studio visit! Most would love it.”