They say it takes a village to raise a child. In the case of “The Dallas Art Scene”, the scene is the child and our beloved ArtLoveMagic has cultivated the village. Art + Love = Magic. This has become a truly great formula for success. I have had the pleasure of attending many ArtLoveMagic events and have enjoyed them all. Still, “Underground” was the best yet. It is one thing to go to an Art Museum or attend a traveling art exhibit, to gaze upon great works of art. But, to have a group to count on for providing a platform and a network of venues to let our very own Dallas artists shine and grow is a much more personal experience. More than being able to observe the works these artists have created, we also have the chance to witness art in creation and converse with those very same individuals who birthed these creations and performed these talents.
As I approached the entrance to the “Underground” event, I could feel the energy of the numerous attendees flooding out. The smiles, the mesh of conversations, the music and the smell of love and appreciation that surged around like electricity from a Tesla Coil. I was charged from head to toe the moment I crossed the threshold. Taking a deep breath as I accepted my first greeting, with a smile, I set out to absorb all the night had to offer with my camera in tow.
Almost immediately I was wading through the crowd like it was a packed concert. I still can’t think of a better crowd to wade through. Friendly faces all sharing this great experience. As I made my way into the first area, the bright colors jumped out from the walls and tables around me. I then noticed vibrant hand-made dolls hanging from the ceiling, seemingly dancing over our heads. There were canvases of every size decorating the snow white walls, Western themes, portraits, comics, abstracts and on and on. Briefly lost in a canvas, I could hear spoken word calling from the far corner, signaling me to continue on. At every glance I could see a friend here, a stranger there. Such diverse people converged into this community of art and music lovers. All walks of life mingling like a field of wild flowers.
With the emcee’s putting the mic’s to work, and all the art to view, it took me a while to make my way around the first area. It was so easy to get lost in every piece I passed. Can I get an “Amen” for that?
When I stepped into the gallery glass doorway, I could see that I had just discovered a whole second world awaiting me. I walked through, stepped up to the rail and gazed over the mass of people from one end to the other, thinking to myself, is this real? I was so much more then impressed. Thrilled that so many people came out to support this fantastic event, I waved and signaled to familiar faces like I was on a parade float. Then I decided it was time to make my way down the stairs and dive into this sea of creativity and community.
While Melody Memory jammed out for the onlookers I could tell that I was just one of the many lost in this “Underground” world created for us. Children, teens and adults were pushed and pulled in every direction wanting to take it all in. Yoda with his saber, a piece I was lucky enough to watch unfold at “The Night H4 Saved Christmas”. The Slick Rick piece, with its majestic Hip Hop depiction demanded my attention many times. Tennis shoes with impressive detailed artistic work live in the making. It was impossible to ignore the great comic art catching eyes in front of the beverage line. A mini neon world nestled under the bridge. And how often do we get to see T-shirt pressing right before our eyes? Hand-made jewelry, body painting, metal made flowers, the masked man putting his imagination to canvas for our viewing pleasure. The list truly goes on and on.
A couple hundred pictures later we neared the latter end of the show. The Rec Shop BBoys began to rally for an amazing display of footwork, body movement and gymnastic worthy agility and maneuvering. I am still in awe at how those guys do what they do. Truly a thrill to watch and photograph, though at the time I was thinking I should have brought my video camera. They had the audience in awe and at full attention. And to add to the utter awesomeness, artist painted a live piece front row of the dance circle. Brushing and spattering paint in cadence with the beats and rhythm’s that inspired the dancers. What a great mesh of talent and skills. Under one roof as one family, the way it should be.
An event like this could be talked about and written about for days weeks and months to come. I am blessed to be just one of the many persons who were a part of this phenomenal show. I swore I wouldn’t name any names as each person is as important as the next. I thank each and every artist, emcee, poet, musician, dancer, photographer, coordinator, sponsor, writer, volunteer and spectator for helping this to be all that it was. If this is a vision of the future for the “Dallas Scene”, then the future is bright and I need to find my shades. I believe in the Art, I carry the Love and I definitely feel the Magic. I hope that “The Underground” was as great for each of you as it was for me. Let’s keep this movement alive, moving and growing. For we are witness to a great idea becoming a true reality. And that is what Magic is. Peace and Infinite Blessings.
I had the time of my life. Thank you for documenting this super special night. MUCH LOVE FLOW <3