World-class amenities and infrastructure make Dallas a prime destination for hosting a wide range of events. And this attracts participants and attendees from around the world. But it’s the people–the planners and patrons, the artists and innovators that truly define the city’s unique vibe. Protecting and preserving our city’s treasures depends on the support of its people behind the scenes.
We offer just a glimpse of some of the activities and opportunities going on this spring. And we pay tribute to the SAVVY people that make it all happen.
Shoes tell the story women’s labor activism, the fight for suffrage, and the sexual revolution.
Founded by Holocaust survivors, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is a sacred place for remembrance. It serves as a home documenting both horrific and noble moments in history. Advancing human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference is its mission.
“Walk This Way” Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes is now on exhibit at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. It explores the vital role women played in history through nearly 200 years of shoes. The collection, on display through July 14, 2024, spans boudoir shoes and Suffragist boots to Yankee fan girl pumps and Ferragamo Madonna sandals. Meet Valerie Paley, Walk this Way exhibition curator, and Edward Maeder, author of the exhibition’s catalogue and founding director of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto at a special event on Tuesday March 19 at 7 pm at the museum. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Dallasites in the Path of Totality for Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024
The total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada –
and there will not be another for 20 years – until 2044.
Dallas will be one of the prime locations to witness this celestial spectacle. The city will experience a period of complete darkness for 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Darkness begins at 1:40 pm.
And one of the venues where you can watch it locally is The Cotton Bowl in Dallas’ Fair Park. The “Sun, Moon, and You” event is free with advance tickets. Scientists and astronomers will be taking the stage along with space explorer characters from the PBS show “Ready, Jet, Go.”
Or, you can choose to make a trip to the Texas Hill Country for five full days of celebration. There, the Texas Eclipse Festival at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, TX is expected to draw a huge crowd. Learn more about the event and the passionate people spearheading it.
Cities in the Path of Totality:
Dallas, TX; Idabel, OK; Little Rock, AR; Polar Bluff, MO; Paducah, KY; Carbondale, IL; Evansville, IN; Cleveland, OH; Erie, PA; Buffalo, NY; Burlington, VT; Lancaster, NH; and Caribou, ME.
Dr. Jeffrey Bennett is the creator of the Totality app and author of seven award-winning science books for children including Totality! An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science.
David Baron is an eclipse science writer, expert, and eclipse chaser.
David has a TED Talk on Eclipse Chasing that has been viewed more than 2 million times.
Meet the Umbraphiles (people who chase eclipses)
The Dallas Arboretum is excited to partner with astronomer, teacher and author Dr. Jeffrey Bennett. Along with members of the garden education department of the Dallas Arboretum Bennett is visiting area schools to get students, teachers and families excited about the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Dr. Bennett received his B.A. in Biophysics from the University of California at San Diego and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He specializes in mathematics and science education, writing for and speaking to audiences ranging from elementary school children to college faculty.
David Baron has witnessed eight total solar eclipses across the globe—from South America to Europe, Australia to Indonesia. David is the author of AMERICAN ECLIPSE: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World (Liveright; February 13, 2024). This book about the total solar eclipse of 1878, won the American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award. And it is now being adapted into a musical by the Tony-nominated composer/lyricist Michael John LaChiusa.
Eat a Jersey Mike’s Sub March 27 for WOKC!
March is Jersey Mike’s Subs Month of Giving. Nationwide, Jersey Mike’s franchisees will donate a portion of their proceeds to support their favorite nonprofits. In the DFW area, on March 27, the Day of Giving, DFW franchisees will donate ALL of their proceeds, not just net earnings, to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.
10 million grant from Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) for a New Law Enforcement Training Center at UNT Dallas.
It took years of planning and collaboration between The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) and the City of Dallas. The grant from CFT’s W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund will significantly advance the design and construction process of the new police academy and represents the largest philanthropic contribution to UNT Dallas in the university’s history. In addition to CFT’s $10 million grant, the state legislature committed $20 million to the project in the 2023 legislative session, and the City of Dallas plans to include $50 million for the training center in this year’s bond package that will be voted on by Dallas citizens.
SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT ZOO TO DO FUNDRAISER:
Saturday November 2, 2024
TCU Fans Should Thank The Dallas Zoo!
A significant 57% of the zoo’s investment last year was allocated to direct action in conservation projects. 2023 achievements include releasing nearly 200 Texas horned lizards into their natural habitat and removing 13,000 pounds of trash from parks, streets, and wetlands across Texas.
The Dallas Zoo works with 40 organizations in 23 countries to support conservation efforts and save animals from extinction. Last year, the local zoo dedicated over $1.1 million to conservation action.
The Dallas Park System is one of the largest municipal park systems in the nation
410 parks totaling over 21,109 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland include 18,994 park land acres. 1,124 surface acres of water. 7 lakes and 33 ponds.
The Turtle Creek Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and enhancing the 90-acre corridor that serves as Dallas’s front yard, renowned for the scenic beauty of Turtle Creek. Its Azalea Luncheon fundraiser is happening on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Harlan Crow Library. Tickets can be purchased online at www.Turtlecreekassociation.org
Sabina Carr, the new president and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum says: “I have a deep love for stories and history, which is why I studied English literature at SMU. Public gardens give me a chance to tell their special stories to key constituents so we can build stronger, healthier communities.“
Dallas Blooms is open through April 8, at the Arboretum. It features 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs, thousands of azaleas, hundreds of Japanese cherry trees and the all new living backdrops of sprawling plant walls. Read our recent post about this city treasure and the hard work of its Women’s Council and volunteers.
Dallas Area Is Now Home to TWO Ritz-Carlton Hotels!
The former Four Seasons Resort at Las Colinas for nearly 38 years transferred to The Ritz-Carlton brand in January after $55 million in renovations.
“Our commitment is to deliver The Ritz-Carlton’s exceptional service in a destination that truly distinguishes itself,” commented Tod Morrow, General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas. “We are eager to introduce our guests, whether local or visitors, to innovative offerings and distinctive experiences that forge lasting memories.”
Vote YES for Dallas Treasures!
This May, Dallas residents will vote on a $1.25 billion bond package for city infrastructure needs. The package includes $77.2 million for cultural
facilities–one of the largest allocations in decades. Recipients will use the money for repairs, maintenance and updates.
A Love for the Loom
The Meadows Museum, SMU opens its 2024 spring and summer exhibition with the works of Spain’s celebrated textile artist and her exquisite tapestries. Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Teresa Lanceta runs Feb. 18-June 16, 2024.
Drawing upon her Ph.D. in art history and extensive travels throughout Spain and Morocco to study diverse weaving traditions, artist Teresa Lanceta engages with the history of fabrics and domestic labor while also questioning the boundary between “art” and “craft.”
“Weaving is a (hypnotic) technique based onthe repetition of the same movement, theresults of which are not immediately perceived. Weaving captivated me in a way that is radical and absolute—beyond results and consequences. In exchange, it has helped me delve into unitary time, into that which survives in measured times,” says Lanceta.
READ OUR RECENT POST ABOUT MUSIC EDUCATION AND THE IMPORTANT WORK OF THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE
The Dallas International Film Festival
is April 26 – May 2, 2024
DIFF TAKING PICTURES podcast host James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas International Film Festival, takes deep dives into movies with the people making them.
