Dallas, TX—May 8, 2023—Dallasites of all ages are invited to beat the heat this summer at the Dallas Museum of Art! The DMA is offering up brand-new ways to chill out on hot Texas days alongside the coolest artistic discoveries in town.
Kicking off on May 12, the DMA Cafe patio will offer drinks and light bites for purchase along with complimentary lawn games and music during the Museum’s late hours with Fridays al Fresco. What's more perfect than vino before Van Gogh? Fridays al Fresco guests can raise a glass to the weekend or enjoy apps after art during this all-new patio series! Special on-site promotional offers for DMA memberships and special exhibitions will also be offered to patio guests.
In addition to our DMA Cafe patio series, the DMA is also excited to begin offering a pop-up Concourse bar experience prior to selected programming. Ticketholders for Arts & Letters Live: Bonnie Garmus are invited to enjoy refreshments, including a glass of wine or soft drink, ahead of this riveting conversation with the New York Times’ best-selling author of Lessons in Chemistry.
“The expansion of the DMA’s offerings to include more relaxed, community-oriented experiences like Fridays al Fresco and satellite bars is part of an overall shift in how we think about our guests’ journeys at the Museum,” comments Brad Pritchett, Chief Experience Officer. “Our guests visit for a multitude of reasons—some come to learn and others are looking for a moment of quiet reflection, but many just want to have a fun evening out with friends! Our goal is to step outside the bounds of what a museum is ‘supposed to be’ and create experiences that keep our guests excited about engaging with art and coming back for more.”
The DMA will celebrate national Pride Month in June alongside its neighbors in the heart of the city during the annual Dallas Arts District Pride Block Party! For this art-filled celebration of love and community, the DMA will host a Late Night event highlighting how the LGBTQ+ community has shaped the landscape of the arts throughout history. Block Party attendees will investigate the human form in a “sketch for your life” art-making activity, see performances from the fiercest drag queens in DFW, be gagged by a unique display of dance and performance during the Kiki Ball, and so much more to be announced! Pop of Art is closing out its 2023 season this summer with a look at the Museum’s collection through two cult classic films: Monty Python and the Holy Grail and The Matrix, while Arts & Letters Live will continue its 32nd season with opportunities to hear from some of the biggest names in contemporary literature. The Museum is looking forward to hosting such authors as Ann Napolitano, Geraldine Brooks, Colson Whitehead and Victoria Christopher Murray for lively and inspiring conversations this season.
“The DMA is committed to providing programming that touches every corner of our community,” says Agustín Arteaga, The Eugene McDermott Director. “Programs like the Pride Block Party and Pop of Art offer unique perspectives on our historic collection that pave the way for new dialogues on the role that art plays in our individual and shared experiences.”
Families with budding art lovers home from school for the summer can embark on journeys of all kinds with the Museum’s summer family programming. Children ages 4 to 15 will explore the DMA galleries, make new friends and, most importantly, create during Summer Art Camps! From June to August, Summer Art Camps have activities for every creative kid. Kids can become masters of materials with the Mix It Up session, make personalized accessories in the Wearable Art camp or experience art with their five senses during the Sense-ational Art session. The DMA is also seeking to amplify young voices in the arts through its Teen Advisory Council (TAC), a group of dynamic high school–age leaders who shape the direction of how the Museum engages teens and youth audiences. Applications for the next generation of TAC members will open to DFW-based students ages 14 to 19 on July 31.
Visitors can plan their journey at dma.org/calendar and learn more about DMA programs at dma.org/programs.
Late Night
Pride Block Party
Friday, June 16, 6–11:30 p.m.
Free; registration required
Join us for our annual Pride celebration! Visit the Dallas Arts District page to see the full schedule of events happening at the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Museum of Asian Art and throughout the Arts District.
Arts & Letters Live
Abraham Vergese
Tuesday, May 9, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Bonnie Garmus in conversation with Krys Boyd, KERA
Saturday, May 13, 7:30–9 p.m.
In-person tickets are SOLD OUT for this event. Virtual tickets are still available for purchase.
Pop-up bar open 4:15–7:15 p.m.
R. F. Kuang
Thursday, May 18, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Ann Napolitano
Tuesday, June 6, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Peace Adzo Medie
Tuesday, June 13, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Geraldine Brooks in conversation with Rabbi Debra Robbins at Temple Emanu-El
Tuesday, June 20, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Tess Gunty in conversation with Ben Fountain
Wednesday, July 12, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Thursday, July 20, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Colson Whitehead
Tuesday, July 25, 7:30–9 p.m.
Registration required
Alice Hoffman
Wednesday, August 16, 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.
Pop of Art
Knights Who Say “Ni”
Friday, May 12, 5–9 p.m.
Registration required
Free Your Mind
Friday, June 9, 5–9 p.m.
Registration required
Join us for the final Pop of Art events of the 2023 season as we take a unique and unexpected look at the Museum’s collection with a pop culture twist.
Museum Murder Mystery: An Artful Game of Clue
Saturday, May 20, 8–9:30 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. This event is almost sold out—tickets are going fast!
Make & Take
Zen Painting
Friday, May 19, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Architectural Sketching
Friday, June 23, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Figure Drawing
Friday, July 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Registration required
Beaded Necklaces
Friday, August 25, 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.
Art in Thirty
Dr. Roslyn Walker, Senior Curator of the Arts of Africa, the Americas and the Pacific
Tuesday, May 16, 2–2:30 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Anabelle Gambert-Jouan, The Lillian and James H. Clark Curator of European Art
Tuesday, June 13, 2–2:30 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Dr. Jacqueline Chao, The Cecil and Ida Green Curator of Asian Art
Tuesday, July 11, 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
Summer Art Camps
Monday, June 5–Friday, August 4, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.
Registration required
Ready, set, MAKE! Summer Art Camps have something for every creative kid. Spend a week in the Museum exploring the galleries, making new friends, working in the studio and creating amazing art in weeklong camps for children ages 4–15.
Summer Family Fun
Tuesdays–Saturdays, June 6–August 4
Free; no registration required
Enjoy a new experience each day! Make family connections and memories with works of art as you enjoy story times, guided interactive tours and drop-in art making. FREE and fun for all ages!
Art Babies
Little Birds
Monday, June 12, 10–11 a.m., 11 a.m.–noon and noon–1 p.m.
Registration required
Once Upon a Time
Saturday, June 3 and Monday, August 14, 10–11 a.m., 11 a.m.–noon and noon–1 p.m.
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
Space Cadets
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, May 12, 16 and 19, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Monkey Business
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, June 2, 6 and 9, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Flower Child
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, July 7, 11 and 14, 11 a.m.–noon
Registration required
Hooray for Hats!
Selected Tuesdays and Fridays, August 8, 11 and 18, 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.
Arturo’s Art & Me
All About Japan
Thursday and Saturday, May 11 and 13, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
Knight Owls
Thursday and Saturday, June 1 and 10, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
A Morning with Monet
Thursday and Saturday, July 6 and 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration required
Big and Small
Thursday and Saturday, August 10 and 12, 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 Workshops
It’s Greek to Me!
Saturday, May 13, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
Into the Dragon’s Den
Saturday, June 10, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
A Mystery Is Afoot!
Saturday, July 8, 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration required
In the Studio
Saturday, August 12, 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.
Teen Advisory Council
Applications are available July 31–September 1.
The DMA Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a group of dynamic high school–age leaders who shape the direction of how the Museum engages teens and youth audiences. The TAC directs all aspects of our annual Teen Night and Teen Renaissance student art exhibition and lends their insights on DMA initiatives. Council members commit to a year of service and meet twice a month on Thursday evenings to work on projects. DFW-based teens between the ages of 14 and 19 who have an interest in art, culture, community engagement and museum work are invited to apply.
Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 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: Art Kit
Saturdays and Sundays, June 3 and 4, 17 and 18, July 1 and 2, 15 and 16, August 5 and 6, 19 and 20, noon–3 p.m.
Free; no registration required
Drop by the Museum to pick up a free art kit with supplies and instructions to complete an art project at home. While supplies last. Materials are first come, first served.
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.