Dallas, TX—September 6, 2023—With back-to-school activities, holiday gatherings and football season to look forward to, the cooler months are a time of connection and community here in Dallas. The DMA will celebrate this season by connecting Dallasites of all backgrounds and cultures with a slate of programming designed to ensure every member of our community is inspired to have their own journey at the DMA. During multiple Community Days this fall, the DMA will invite guests to experience for FREE two inspiring exhibitions that reflect the diverse communities of Dallas in addition to dynamic programming.
The Museum will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on October 8 with free admission to Abraham Ángel: Between Wonder and Seduction, and access to programs exploring mental health, hope and resilience. On November 18 and 19, the Museum will host a DMA Free Community Weekend: Revelation & Celebration: Black History and Culture in connection with Afro-Atlantic Histories. All visitors will have the opportunity to see Afro-Atlantic Histories, the exhibition that the New Yorker called “visionary,” for FREE during this celebration.
"We look forward to welcoming our community to explore the colorful world of Abraham Ángel and the complex histories and stories of the trans-Atlantic slave trade during the free Community Days at the DMA,” said Agustín Arteaga, The Eugene McDermott Director. “Providing access to art for all is an essential tenet of our institution. We are thankful to our generous donors for empowering us to extend that offering to include two groundbreaking exhibitions that have the ability to broaden perspectives and spark essential conversations about humanity.”
In an effort to offer sensory-friendly art-making opportunities year-round, the DMA is launching Open Studio Sensory Hour. This program, held during the first hour of Open Studio on the first and third Saturday and Sunday of each month, is dedicated to providing a sensory-friendly environment for art making, with a focus on creating a quiet and calming atmosphere. In October the Museum will observe Art Beyond Sight Month, an international initiative to bring the enriching power of art education to those who are blind or partially sighted, with free sensory tours and art kits. Information about all of the DMA’s access programs and resources is available at dma.org.
The Museum’s annual Family Festival is back on November 4, offering a look at the DMA for our youngest art lovers! During this free day of festivities for the whole family, guests can enjoy the autumn weather with outdoor yoga, discover their inner artist with art-making activities, groove along to live tunes and meet and make with local artists. A full schedule for this day of creative family fun will be available in October.
The second half of the 32nd season of Arts & Letters Live is not to be missed! Featuring celebrated and best-selling authors including Lauren Groff, Jesmyn Ward and Zadie Smith, Arts & Letters Live events are the perfect evening out for literature fanatics. Tickets for the remainder of the Arts & Letters Live season are available now at dma.org/ALL.
Guests can plan their journey at dma.org/calendar and learn more about DMA programs at dma.org/programs.
ADULT PROGRAMS
DMA Free Community Day: Abraham Ángel: Between Wonder and Seduction
Sunday, October 8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free; no ticket reservation or event registration required
Visit the DMA on this day to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Admission to Abraham Ángel: Between Wonder and Seduction will be FREE all day. This free Community Day is presented by Arcosa.
Talk: The Myth of Suicide
2 p.m.
Horchow Auditorium
Dr. Peter Thomas, Foundation 45’s Psychologist, will lead a mental health discussion on the myth of suicide in relation to Abraham Ángel’s final work, I Killed Myself for a Traitorous Woman. Foundation 45 is a local nonprofit that serves the Dallas–Fort Worth creative community by providing free top-tier mental health and recovery services while working to destigmatize the conversation around mental health.
Creating Hope: Postcards for Connection
Noon–4 p.m.
Chilton Gallery II
Create a transformative and compassionate postcard with Foundation 45 that aims to promote suicide prevention through art therapy. Guests will be introduced to the Maugard Method, a method used by Abraham Ángel, to create personalized postcards infused with messages of hope, resilience and understanding.
DMA Free Community Weekend: Revelation & Celebration: Black History and Culture
Saturday and Sunday, November 18 and 19, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free; no ticket reservation or event registration required
The DMA will host a two-day celebration for the Black community in connection with the upcoming special exhibition Afro-Atlantic Histories. Enjoy performances, tours, films, art making, food trucks and more! Admission to Afro-Atlantic Histories will be FREE all weekend. The DMA Free Community Weekend: Revelation & Celebration: Black History and Culture is offered in support of Afro-Atlantic Histories and is underwritten by Arlene J. Ford, PhD, and Christopher P. Reynolds, with free special exhibition admission presented by Kimberly-Clark.
Arts & Letters Live
Etaf Rum
Thursday, September 7, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Lauren Groff
Saturday, September 16, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Jonathan Eig
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Ben Fountain
Tuesday, September 26, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Barbara Kingsolver
Wednesday, October 18, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Mary Beard
Tuesday, October 24, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Jesmyn Ward
Sunday, October 29, 7–8 p.m.
Registration required
Erin French
Saturday, November 4, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
David Brooks
Wednesday, November 8, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Zadie Smith
Wednesday, November 15, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Dani Shapiro
Tuesday, November 28, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Arts & Letters Live is a literary and performing arts series that features award-winning authors and performers of regional, national and international acclaim. The series is recognized for its creative multidisciplinary programming—combining literature with visual arts, music and film—and for commissioning new work from musicians, dancers and poets, inspired by works of art in the Museum's collection and special exhibitions.
Museum Murder Mystery: An Artful Game of Clue
Saturday, October 7, 6–9 p.m.
Registration required
Have you ever wanted to play a live game of Clue? Put your detective hat on and solve one of our popular Museum Murder Mysteries.
Make & Take
The Maugard Method
Friday, September 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Art, Activism, and the African Diaspora
Friday, October 27, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Coil Pottery
Friday, November 17, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Sonic Landscapes
Friday, December 15, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Join us for a casual art-making series for adults once a month. Highlighting a work of art in our collection or a special exhibition on view, this program will give you the time, tools and freedom to explore your creativity and gain confidence in your creative abilities. No previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided.
Talk: Symphony of Color and Line: The Life and Legacy of Abraham Ángel
Friday, September 8, 7–8 p.m.
Free; registration required
Join Dr. Mark A. Castro, curator of Between Wonder and Seduction, for a look at the vibrant life of the painter Abraham Ángel. One of Mexico’s first known queer artists, Ángel created just 24 works before his tragic death at the age of 19, yet with them he cemented his status as one of the leading figures in modern Mexican art. Drawing on the artist’s biography, Castro contextualizes Ángel’s paintings in the rapidly changing culture of Mexico City in the 1920s.
Re-presenting Afro-Atlantic Histories
Thursday, October 19, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Free; registration required
Join Afro-Atlantic Histories U.S. tour curator Dr. Kanitra Fletcher, Associate Curator of African American and Afro-Diasporic Art at the National Gallery of Art, for an exhibition overview that draws parallels between the visual cultures of the African Diaspora and takes an in-depth look at works of art, historical experiences and cultural formations of Black people since the 17th century. The talk will be followed by a conversation with Ade Omotosho, the DMA’s Nancy and Tim Hanley Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art.
Annual Rosenberg Fête: Celebrating French Art of the 18th Century
Presented by the Michael L. Rosenberg Foundation
Thursday, November 2, 6–8 p.m.
Free; registration required
Spend an evening in 18th-century France at the Annual Fête celebrating French painting and sculpture from the Michael L. Rosenberg Collection with activities in the galleries and a talk.
This year, Dr. Aaron Wile, Associate Curator of French Paintings at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., presents Enlightened Inspiration: Inventing Genius in the First Age of Celebrity. The talk will focus on François André Vincent’s Portrait of Pierre-Jean-Baptiste Choudard (called Desforges) and explores how the question “What does genius look like?” took on new urgency in the 18th century, during the period when our modern understanding of genius as an individual endowed with exceptional powers of creativity and insight emerged.
Art in Thirty: Gallery Talks
Cristina Echezarreta, Manager of Adult Programs
Tuesday, September 12, 2–2:30 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Lane Banks, local artist
Tuesday, October 17, 2–2:30 p.m.
Free; no registration required
In a hurry? Art in Thirty. Pop into the Museum for a 30-minute journey through the DMA’s galleries. Art in Thirty provides free monthly gallery talks led by DMA staff, local scholars and artists, highlighting unique aspects of the DMA’s collection and exhibitions.
FAMILY, YOUTH AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Family Festival: MAKE!
Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Celebrate the power of creativity and all the ways we "MAKE" in this fun-filled day of free activities for the entire family. Save the date for the first Saturday in November and make it a day at the DMA! Enjoy outdoor yoga, art making and live music and dance performances, and get the chance to meet and make alongside local artists. A complete event schedule will be available in October.
Art Babies
Once Upon a Time
Monday, September 11, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon
Registration required
Glow Baby
Mondays, October 16, November 13, December 11, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon
Registration required
Just for children 0–24 months old and their caregivers. Join us in the galleries for songs and story time, followed by playtime and an opportunity to mingle with other parents and caregivers.
Toddler Art
Around the Farm
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, September 8, 12 and 15, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Beach Day
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, October 10, 13 and 20, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Work & Play
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, November 10, 14 and 17, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Elephants on Parade
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, December 8, 12 and 15, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
For 2 and 3 year olds and a favorite grown-up. We’ll explore works of art in the galleries and then create our own project or engage in sensory play.
Toddler Tuesdays
Snowy Days
Tuesday, December 5, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Enjoy a day of free thematic art-making activities, story times, performances and gallery activities. Toddler Tuesdays are designed for children ages five and under, but all ages are welcome to join the fun.
Arturo’s Art & Me
Walk Like an Egyptian
Thursday and Saturday, September 7 and 9, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
Mermaid Tales
Thursday and Saturday, October 12 and 14, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
On Guard!
Thursday and Saturday, November 9 and 11, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
I Got the Rhythm
Thursday and Saturday, December 7 and 9, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
For a 3–5 year old and a favorite grown-up. Adults and young children listen to a story, look at works of art and play hands-on games in the Museum galleries before creating an original work of art in the studio.
Family Workshop
Plant Power
Saturday, September 9, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
Treasure Hunt
Saturday, October 14, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
All Mixed Up
Saturday, November 11, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
Rhythms of Life
Saturday, December 9, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
For children ages 6–12 and their favorite grown-ups. Explore the galleries, engage in artful conversations and try hands-on games as a family before creating a work of art in the studio.
Art History Conversations
Colonial Americas
Friday, September 8, 6–7 p.m.
Free; registration required
Native North American Art
Saturday, September 23, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Free; registration required
Arts of Asia
Saturday, October 28, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Free; registration required
Later Europe and the Americas
Saturday, November 11, 11:30–12:30 p.m.
Free; registration required
Latin American Art
Friday, December 8, 6–7 p.m.
Free; registration required
Art History Conversations are free experiences for teens to learn more about art history using the DMA’s collection as a launching point. Presented by Curatorial and Education staff as well as community guest speakers.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Sensory Day at the Dallas Zoo
Sunday, September 24, 8–11 a.m.
Registration required
Sensory Days are a collaboration between local arts and culture organizations to provide sensory-friendly programming. In September families will have the opportunity to explore fun interactives and explore the Dallas Zoo without the noise, crowds and stimulation of a typical day. Please visit dallaszoo.com to reserve your tickets.
Open Studio
First and third Saturdays and Sundays, noon–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Feeling creative? Stop by on the first and third Saturday and Sunday of each month for a hands-on art-making experience. Whether you love to draw, paint, sculpt or glue, we’ve got a project for you! Art projects change each month, offering new materials, techniques and inspiration for playing and creating. All ages are welcome to create and all materials are provided. Supplies are limited. Materials are first come, first served.
Open Studio Sensory Hour
First and third Saturdays and Sundays, noon–1 p.m.
Free; no registration required
The first hour of Open Studio will be dedicated to providing a sensory-friendly environment for art making, with a focus on creating a quiet and calming atmosphere.
Pop-Up Art Spot
Saturdays, 1–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Looking for a hands-on experience in the DMA galleries? Visit the Pop-Up Art Spot for creative writing, playing and sketching activities inspired by nearby works of art. All ages welcome.
Color Vision Deficiency Awareness Table
Selected Saturdays and Sundays through 2023, noon–3 p.m.:
September 9, 10, 23 and 24
October 14, 15, 28 and 29
November 11 and 12
December 9 and 10
Free; no registration required
Learn more about Color Vision Deficiency (CVD), more commonly known as “color blindness,” and try out our new EnChroma® color-correcting glasses. These glasses enhance hues for individuals with red-green type CVD, allowing them to experience the entire color spectrum.
Art Beyond Sight Month
All October
Art Beyond Sight Month Sensory Tours
Saturdays, October 7 and 21, 1–2 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Space is limited.
In honor of Art Beyond Sight Month, join us to explore the five senses in the DMA’s collection. This 30-minute tour will feature gallery games, a small art-making project and lots of tactile materials. All ages are welcome.
Art Beyond Sight Month Art Kits
Saturdays and Sundays, October 7, 8, 21 and 22, noon–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
While supplies last
Stop by Open Studio and receive a FREE Art Kit for an at-home art activity to celebrate Art Beyond Sight Month. Supplies are limited and cannot be reserved.
Art Beyond Sight Month Open Studio
Saturdays and Sundays, October 7, 8, 21 and 22, noon–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Whether you love to draw, paint, sculpt or glue, we've got a project for you! In honor of Art Beyond Sight Month, October’s activities will explore the five senses. All materials are provided. The first hour of Open Studio will be dedicated to providing a sensory-friendly environment for art making, with a focus on creating a quiet and calming atmosphere.
Art Beyond Sight Month Open Studio Sensory Hour
Saturdays and Sundays, October 7, 8, 21 and 22, noon–4 p.m.
Free; no registration required
The first hour of Open Studio will be dedicated to providing a sensory-friendly environment for art making, with a focus on creating a quiet and calming atmosphere. Brown noise will be played to help with focus and sensory-friendly sounds.
Meaningful Moments
Dates vary by location
Free; registration required
Join us at the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art for Meaningful Moments art workshops. Crafted in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, this program provides a nurturing environment for individuals in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or memory loss, as well as their care partners. Come and experience a harmonious fusion of social interaction, artistic engagement and mindful activities, guided by our dedicated and trained Museum staff.
Dates and times vary by location. Please contact us at MeaningfulDFW@gmail.com for more information or to register. Note that spaces are limited and if we are not able to accommodate your request, you will be added to a waiting list.