Dallas is no stranger to excellent museums and cultural facilities. For art lovers, the city is a playground of seemingly endless galleries that highlight the best works by local artists. Here are just a few Dallas art galleries worth checking out.
500X Gallery
The state’s oldest artist-run collective, 500X Gallery, was founded by teacher Will Hipps and local painter Richard Childers to provide locals with a gallery free from dealer restrictions. Since 1978, 500X Gallery has been a haven for up-and-coming Dallas artists looking to exhibit their work. The facility has nurtured big-name artists like Nic Nicosia, Frances Bagley, Frank X. Tolbert, and Tom Orr, just to name a few, before they ever hit it big. The gallery also hosts an annual juried show called “Expo,” which surveys work selected by a guest curated from the local Dallas arts community.
Visit the gallery at 500 Exposition Avenue on weekends from noon to 5 p.m.
Conduit Gallery
An unpretentious art gallery that set the stage for Dallas’ Design District, Conduit Gallery includes various works from contemporary artists exploring painting, sculpture, paper, and photography. The gallery’s owner and director, Nancy Whitenack, had no formal art training when she established it in 1984, but it’s become one of the city’s most notable venues.
Discover promising young talent in the Conduit’s project room and view thought-provoking installations throughout the gallery. Whether you’re an art collector or simply appreciate its beauty, the Conduit is a must-see experience. Visit from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Barry Whistler Gallery
Named one of the nation’s top 12 “Top ArtPlaces” by ArtPlaceAmerica.org, the Barry Whistler Gallery has been around since 1985, making it a long-established facility in the community. Since then, the venue has doubled in size to better accommodate its collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures. Notably, 90 percent of the artists represented at the Barry Whistler Gallery have gone on to be featured in permanent collections at prominent state museums, so there’s no better chance for you to score your own piece of emerging Texas talent than right here.
The Barry Whistler Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., although it’s only open by appointment during August.
David Dike Fine Art
To enjoy fine Texas art from the 1920s and 1930s, head to David Dike Fine Arts on Fairmount Street. Since 1986, David Dike Fine Art has been an extensive gallery highlighting early Texas art, mid-century American modern art, and some European art. The gallery also provides fine art appraisals, collections management services, and cataloging.
One of Dallas’s most notable art events is the gallery’s Texas Art Auction. The following auction is scheduled for January 20, 2018, so mark your calendars!
No matter where you turn in Dallas, art galleries are everywhere. From early Texas art to modern interpretations, you don’t have to go far to enjoy these treasures.