D-ART, a Visual Arts Center for Dallas
the Story.......the Memories.......
Top - Down D-Art 2917 Swiss, Critic's Choice Jurors 1983,
D-Art members, Judy Hearst & Vicky Meek,
Fred & Edith Baker - 1997 Legends Award
D-Art members, Judy Hearst & Vicky Meek,
Fred & Edith Baker - 1997 Legends Award
D-Art, the first visual art center for Dallas opened on Swiss Ave in 1981.
This website is sponsored by artists, patrons and fans of D-Art and will tell the story of the beginning and growth years, the people and traditions that made D-Art a vital part of Dallas art history!
This website is sponsored by artists, patrons and fans of D-Art and will tell the story of the beginning and growth years, the people and traditions that made D-Art a vital part of Dallas art history!
The Story of D-Art's Beginnings
D-Art Visual Art Center began as an idea shared by many enthusiastic people throughout the community. The creation of local art centers was a prevalent idea all over the US during the 1970s. Many artists, patrons and organizations in Dallas envisioned a place to serve as an exhibition, education and resource center for area visual artists. With many laying the ground work, D-Art finally became a reality in an old restored warehouse at 2917 Swiss Ave. Years of work and perseverance would make D-Art an enduring reality for the Dallas community and for visual artists throughout Texas.
The beginning years and those who led the way is the topic of this page.
The beginning years and those who led the way is the topic of this page.
D-Art opens doors 1981 - Founders recognized
Three Dallas women, Judy Smith Hearst, Patricia Meadows and Mary Ward are recognized Founders of D-Art and were honored
at the 1981 ribbon cutting ceremony.
Three D-Art leading ladies were active before meeting one another in leadership roles, planning exhibitions and working with others
for the benefit of the visual arts. Each was aware that Dallas needed a place for artists to have exhibits, classes, programs, and studio spaces. When fate brought them together in Spring 1981, sparks ignited and ideas merged. Funds were raised, volunteers organized and work to remodel an old ware-house began. An official ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of D-Art was held on Nov. 11, 1981, with Dallas Mayor Jack Evans present.
at the 1981 ribbon cutting ceremony.
Three D-Art leading ladies were active before meeting one another in leadership roles, planning exhibitions and working with others
for the benefit of the visual arts. Each was aware that Dallas needed a place for artists to have exhibits, classes, programs, and studio spaces. When fate brought them together in Spring 1981, sparks ignited and ideas merged. Funds were raised, volunteers organized and work to remodel an old ware-house began. An official ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of D-Art was held on Nov. 11, 1981, with Dallas Mayor Jack Evans present.
Mary Ward - D-Art participation 1980-82, Elected Coordinator of the Visual Art Center Project by ACT in 1980. Led meetings and held fundraising events in coordination with Judy Hearst in '80, '81. D-Art Director 1981. Left D-Art in Feb. 1982, moving to Austin, Texas.
Judy Hearst - Upon ACT's reorganization, Judy was elected lst
D-Art Board Pres summer, 1980 and suggested the name D-Art, Coordinated meetings and fundraising dinners, led D-Art building search thru 80s and 81'. Worked with Patricia Meadows to lease old warehouse and helped with hands-on restoration beginning in Aug 1981. Initiated the lst exhibit at D-Art, the Red Horse Flying show brought from City Hall to D-Art in Jan 1982. Served as Board President 1980-82, V Pres 1983, patron and member of D-Art, DVAC and Contemporary 1980 to present. Continuing active supporter of the Dallas arts community.
Patricia Meadows - As President of Artists and Craftsmen, looked for a space for shared exhibits, classes, programs for visual artists in late 70's and 1980. Found old warehouse at 2917 Swiss; sought funding and others to share the space. Met Judy and Mary in Spring '81, joined D-Art Board, arranged funding and lease for Swiss Ave building. With Judy and volunteers helped restore building. lst Program Director of D-Art, coordinated classes, member shows, Business of Art seminars and exhibits, D-Art Board President 1983- , originated Credit's Choice juried shows 1983, the Medici and Collector's programs, served as Director of Exhibitions many years and member of the Board 1981-1998. Continues as member and patron of Contemporary to present.
Mayor Jack Evans recognizes D-Art Founders
Mary Ward, Judy Smith Hearst & Patricia Meadows
November 11,1981 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for D-Art
Mary Ward, Judy Smith Hearst & Patricia Meadows
November 11,1981 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for D-Art
Mary Ward & Judy Hearst at Bare Bones Party 1981
Dinner & Auction - November 1982
Event Chair Kanell Lontos, D-Art President Judy Smith Hearst,
D-Art Programs Director Patricia Meadows
Event Chair Kanell Lontos, D-Art President Judy Smith Hearst,
D-Art Programs Director Patricia Meadows
Early planning and fundraising for D-Art
a non-city funded Art Center
May 11, 1980. Pictured L to R ---------, -----------, ----------,
Judy Hearst, Mary Ward, and __________. A luncheon to
luncheon to make plans for upcoming public meetings to
discuss a Visual Art Center for Dallas
Judy Hearst, Mary Ward, and __________. A luncheon to
luncheon to make plans for upcoming public meetings to
discuss a Visual Art Center for Dallas
Spring, Summer, Fall - 1980 - Judy Hearst and Mary Ward gave a series of Polish Dinner Parties at Judy's home on Thomas Ave in Dallas. The dinners were planned especially for the promotion and planning of a Visual Arts Center for Dallas.
Dinner for Bill Marvel and wife at home of Judy Hearst