Through groupings of works that span centuries and global cultures, Rooted shows how people both shape and adapt to a changing environment, traverse the planet, and rely on the land for nourishment and sustenance. The exhibition features more than 50 works, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, decorative arts, prints, and clothing, as well as interactive opportunities for visitors to create and respond. Rooted was developed by the DMA’s Education and Interpretation staff with input from community members, artists, and local organizations.
The exhibition debuts Poisoned by Zip Code, an installation by C3 Featured Artist Ari Brielle that centers on South Dallas resident Marsha Jackson and her fight for environmental justice in the Floral Farms neighborhood.
We thank the following leaders for their contributions in developing the exhibition:
- Sara Cardona, Teatro Dallas
- Susana Cruz, Chicana in Nature
- Joseph Darwin, BridgeBuilders
- Victoria Farrell Ortiz, Dallas Mexican American Historical League
- Marsha Jackson, Southern Sector Rising
- Lizzie MacWillie, buildingcommunityWORKSHOP
- Heather McNair, BikeDFW
- Janette Monear, Texas Trees Foundation
- Molly Plummer, The Trust for Public Land
- Mara Richards Bim, Cry Havoc Theater Company
- Trinity Park Conservancy
- Jill VanGorden
- Scout Woodward, Texas Discovery Gardens
- Lynn Wright, Community Member
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February 2020-October 2021
Inspired by the diversity of Dallas, this installation of works in the Center for Creative Connections (C3) traced the migration of people, objects, and ideas in art across times and cultures. Composed of works from the DMA’s collection, My|gration highlighted the contributions of artists who immigrated to the United States, examined how the movement of people is expressed through art, and illuminated ways cross-cultural connections inform artistic production.
Together, changes to immigration policy and the recognition that nearly a quarter of all Dallas residents were born in a different country inspired My|gration. The exhibition was developed by the DMA’s Education department with input from Museum visitors, local artists, and community organizations.
January 2019-December 2019
In 2019 Beyond Binaries brought together a selection of works that examine the ways the subjects, symbolism, and production of art communicate ideas about gender. Some works move beyond the binary of masculine and feminine; others present divergent views and beliefs about gender. Visitors were invited to explore unexpected connections between works of art from various communities and time periods, make connections between words and images on an interactive magnet board, or investigate ways decorative objects convey ideas about identity by designing their own chair.
June 2017–December 2018
Beginning 2017, the Center for Creative Connections brought together works of art from the DMA’s Decorative Arts and Design, American, Contemporary, European, and Latin American Art collections in three categories related to the theme of Art of Communication. Specific works related to individual focus points: Communication through Portraiture, Communication through Design, and Communication through Narrative.
In 2018, a selection of objects spanning six centuries and five continents to introduce some of the ways visual art conveys information. The Center for Creative Connections (C3) explored how we derive meaning from portraiture and wearable objects through activities and interactives. Visitors could view artworks from the Museum's collection, draw and describe a personal object that’s meaningful to them, or fill in the blanks to create their own gallery label.
January 2013–June 2017
Between 2013 and 2017, the Center for Creative Connections stepped away from a themed exhibition and served as a participatory space where creativity and experimentation were both our methods for developing activities and our goals for visitor experiences. During this time we highlighted works of art from the Museum's permanent collection and created relevant gallery activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Read the Gallery Spotlights below to learn about some of these activities and read examples of visitor responses.
C3 Interactive Gallery Spotlight_Whats In A Name.pdf
C3 Interactive Gallery Spotlight_Drawing to Look.pdf
C3 Interactive Gallery Spotlight_A Web of Wisdom.pdf
September 25, 2010–Fall 2012
We take up space. We move in space. We encounter space. Closed spaces and open spaces, full spaces and empty spaces—these can affect us differently, both physically and emotionally. These same reactions can be a part of our experiences with the space of a work or art.
Artists change space. Just as artists make choices about how they use color, lines, and shapes, they also make choices about how they use space. As you move through this exhibition and view works of art from varying physical distances and perspectives, think about how the artists use space and give you a way into their art. Reflect on your responses to the spaces you encounter in art, as well as those you encounter in your everyday life.
Monitor Wall Visitor Photo Submissions:
TEXAS SPACE - On view in C3 September 2010–February 2011
DESIGNED SPACE - On view in C3 March–September 2011
FILLED SPACE - On view in C3 October 2011–March 2012
PEACEFUL SPACE - On view in C3 April–October 2012
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE SPACE - On View in C3 November 2012–January 2013
July 27–September 24, 2010
During the summer of 2010, the Center for Creative Connections moved into the Museum’s fourth-floor Tower Gallery as construction began on a new exhibition, Encountering Space. To continue to serve visitors and the community, artist Jill Foley was brought in to create a dynamic installation for the Center’s temporary "home away from home.”
Jill Foley is a Dallas-based artist who creates large-scale imaginary-type spaces to host her puppet-like figural sculptures and her paintings and drawings. She has used recycled cardboard to create naturalistic forms and makeshift home furnishings to surround visitors in an active living space. Foley wanted to create an inviting space like that of a living room that reflects the personality of C3. She was also inspired by the DMA's collections and the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection period rooms on Level 3. Throughout the summer, Foley and the C3 staff hosted participatory programs, happenings, and performances in the gallery. Visitors created artwork to contribute to the space, reflecting the involvement of the community.
May 3, 2008–July 25, 2010
What do the materials of works of art mean to artists? What do the materials of works of art mean to you? Materials & Meanings, the inaugural exhibition of eight works of art selected from the Museum’s encyclopedic collection, focused on the materials from which a work of art is made and on the meanings associated with those materials to both the artist and the viewer.
Materials can have powerful meanings for the artist who selects and manipulates them as part of the creative process. You bring your own experiences with materials when you look at a work of art. The works of art in this exhibition were from different cultures and time periods, but all are made from materials that suggest meanings to the artist and perhaps to you.