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Dallas Arboretum's Black Heritage Celebration Gerard Monsivaiz, John Spriggins, Linda Todd, Regina Montoya, Will McDaniel

The Dallas Arboretum held its second annual Black Heritage Celebration (BHC), presented by Bank of America, on May 14 and 15.  The weekend featured a curated collection of local Black artists, dozens of Black-owned businesses, an “Art of Fashion” show, and a designer and entrepreneurial showcase with panel discussions. Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Bishop Arts Theater Center performed, and Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist entertained the guests.  

The Black Heritage Celebration planning host committee included Linda Todd (chairperson), Marissa Horne, Tiffaney Hunter, Janet Jack, Katrina Keyes, Willow Sanchez, Celia Walker, Maurice West and Z.L. Williams.

This year’s honorary council were LaJuana Barton; Trudy Bourgeois; Dr. Chandra Brown; Neisha Strambler Butler and Rev. Richie Butler; Stephanie and Rev. Bryan Carter; Mahisha Dellinger; Sharron Evans-Jackson; Dr. Arlene J. Ford; LaChon Jacobs; Dean Jones; The Honorable Raquel Jones; April Leonard; Wilton Munnings; Venita and Tim Owens; Christopher P. Reynolds; The Honorable Toni Rose; Rodriqua Ross; Deidre and James Summers; Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.

Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America

Silver: Curls/Beauty By Imagination, ExxonMobil Corporation

Bronze: AT&T; McDonald’s

Friend: Capital One Bank, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Alpha Xi Omega Chapter

Supporting: Dallas Chapter of the Links, Inc.; Debra Hunter Johnson

Patron: Helena L. Banks, Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness; Cynthia Watkins Clanton; Dr. Flaxie Fletcher and Dr. Cristi Fletcher; Dr. Arlene J. Ford; HomeLight; House of Dasha; Law Office of Camille Stearns Miller; Tim and Venita Owens.

Media sponsors: The Dallas Weekly, Texas Metro News and Radio One.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615.

 

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Janak Narayan

Artscape at the Dallas Arboretum, a juried fine art and fine craft show and sale, returns on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Now in its 15th year, Artscape features more than 110 juried artists who will display their unique and one-of-a-kind creations throughout the Jonsson Color Garden and Lakeside Exhibit Area. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days (member early hours begin at 7 a.m.), and entrance is included with paid garden admission. Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online or by calling 214-515-6615 during the week.

Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum president and CEO, said, “It is fitting that it’s our 15th year, and we have artists represented from 15 different states including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and, of course, Texas. Plus, Travel+Leisure just published that our “Texas Flower Festival May be the Most Beautiful Springtime Destination in the U.S. We agree and think the outdoor garden is the perfect backdrop for Artscape and the talented artists showing their creative work.”

Artscape features some new artists and a variety of mediums including metal, 2D and 3D mixed media, painting, ceramics, fiber, glass, drawing/pastel, photography, sculpture, wood and jewelry.

Special thanks to Brett Dyer, M.F.A., B.F.A., Professor at North Lake Campus of Dallas College; Nicole Foran, Chair, Department of Studio Art, University of North Texas; and Jo Hopper who served as the Artscape Jury Committee. The group remarked that this show features some of “the best of the best” of art submitted.

In addition to the art, there is also music, fine wine and craft beer and concessions, which  include El Chifrijo, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, Gil’s Elegant Catering, Greenville Avenue Pizza Co., The Butcher’s Son, Wetzel Pretzel.

To learn more or see a list of artists, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/artscape/

Finally, for children and their families, the Rory Meyers Children’s Garden has planned special events, labs and programs tied into Artscape with the fitting theme, Art-astic. See below for schedule, and for more information, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/gardens-and-pavilions/childrens-adventure-garden/.

Daily Programs

4/25-5/1 STEM Stops 

12:00 p.m. Fibonacci Fun at the Exploration Center Plaza

1:30 p.m. It’s the Pond Life: Live pond investigation at Texas Native Wetlands

3:30 p.m. Symmetrical Sights at the Exploration Center Plaza

Walne Family Discovery Lab 

4/25-5/1 Shiny Shimmer

Exploration Center 

Daily: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

Some birds are attracted to shiny things! In this lab, we will explore reflection and refraction and why birds like shiny objects.

OmniGlobe 

4/25-5/1 Starry Night

Exploration Center 

Daily  11:30 a.m. OmniOutlook 

Current weather and space events

Puppet Story Time  

4/30-5/1  Marvelous Metamorphosis
The Glade 

10:30 a.m.   

Join Olivia as she discovers that some critters go through metamorphosis!

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615.

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Food and Wine Natalie Dossett, Caroline Gehan, Chef Sharon Van Meter

On a spring day during the height of Dallas Blooms, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held its fifth annual Food & Wine Festival, presented by Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians. Held on March 24th, this food-filled festival showcased more than 30 top local chefs serving their delicious dishes and desserts, along with wines, beers and cocktails. VIP guests attended a special reception at A Tasteful Place and noshed on bites from Chef John Tesar of Knife Dallas, Chef Junior Borges of Meridian, Chef Mark Tungcmittrong of Sushi Rock and Chef Sharon Van Meter of Beckley 1115. Co-chairs were community leaders, Natalie Dossett and Caroline Gehan, and Chef Chair Sharon Van Meter of Beckley 1115.

Special thanks to Food and Wine sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians

Additional Sponsors: GFO Home, Rosewood Ranches Wagyu Beef, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Park Place Dealerships, Gopuff, Amegy Bank.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime festival admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  For more information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

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Robin Norcross, Jim Ryan

Friends of the Arboretum, the membership group that supports the Dallas Arboretum, had its annual dinner during the height of Dallas Blooms on March 23. About 310 guests attended and enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before they enjoyed a lovely dinner with music from a classical trio. Trams gave tours throughout the garden to see the four giant peacock topiaries, part of the Dallas Blooms: Birds in Paradise, presented by Veritex Community Bank. Attendees enjoyed the 500,000 spring flowers, of which 350,000 are tulips.  

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman Jim Ryan welcomed and thanked these special friends who provide important financial gifts and thanked Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians who generously sponsored the dinner. Robin Norcross, Dallas Arboretum contributed revenue committee chair, gave a state of the garden update including a recent accolade from Travel+Leisure that said this “Texas Flower Festival May be the Most Beautiful Springtime Destination in the U.S.”

Norcross also thanked the Friends of the Arboretum committee led by Kay Fulton, chair, and committee members Brianna Brown, Kama Koudelka, Pam Porter, Carla Robinson and Stephanie Walker; and the Caroline Rose Hunt Society, the Dallas Arboretum’s highest membership level, led by Peter Dauterman, chair, along with committee members Robin Carreker, Tucker Enthoven, Patty Dedman Nail and Venise Stuart.

For more information on joining the Friends of the Arboretum, visit dallasarboretum.org or contact Angela Paetzel, Friends Manager, at 214-515-6548 or apaetzel@dallasarboretum.org.

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Friends of the Arboretum Brett and Deirdre Scharffs, Bill and Barbara Benac, Bob Thornton

The Dallas Arboretum hosted the Friends of the Arboretum at its holiday party at the historic DeGolyer House on December 7. More than 275 of this membership group that supports the garden enjoyed cocktails and dinner while seeing The Artistry of the Nativity exhibition. Special thanks to Bank of Texas, event sponsor.

The Artistry of the Nativity, part of Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is open through December 31, 2021. For more information, visit dallasarboretum.org.

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Mary McDermott Cook, Luci Baines Johnson, Jim Ryan

On October 26, the Dallas Arboretum hosted its Great Contributors Dinner honoring Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. Benefiting the garden, the evening began with a cocktail hour in the Entry Plaza with country music of Texas by the Dave Alexander Band, twinkling lights and artfully arranged pumpkins.

 

The evening featured all things Texas as its theme. As guests entered, Carly Carroll sang “The Eyes of Texas Are Upon Us” and invited guests to join her. Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, welcomed the 270 guests and told them that a wonderful evening awaited them.

 

Mary McDermott Cook, whose family has known the Johnson family, spoke next. She said that both she and Luci were blessed with amazing fathers and mothers. As friends, Mary and Luci have traveled together, laughed and cried together. Mary thanked hers and Luci’s parents for allowing them to be able to make an impact in Texas and the U.S.

 

Bill McIntyre, who was a page in Washington D.C., assisting U.S. Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson from Texas.  He got to know the Johnson family through attending church with them and having Sunday dinners at their home. All told, Bill and Luci have known each other for more than six decades.

 

About 270 guests enjoyed a delicious Texas White House VIP dinner including a Texas Steakhouse “wedge” salad, a duet of Bastrop Cattle Company Filet Mignon with Chicken Fried Lobster Tail, green beans and baby carrots. Dessert was a Hill Country Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with Bing Cherry Sauce.

 

After dinner, Rena Pederson, author, journalist and one of the most powerful women in the state, according to Texas Monthly, moderated a lively discussion with Luci. Luci’s career incorporates a wide range of business and philanthropic commitments having served as chairman of the board of the LBJ Holding Company. She has had a lifetime commitment to social justice, health care, education and the environment. Her accolades are numerous.  

 

Some takeaways:

Mrs. Jackie Kennedy wrote Lady Bird a letter letting her know how thrilled she was that Luci, then 13 years old, would be able to attend her first State dinner with the Sudanese leaders. Both Luci and her sister, Lynda, attended, but the parents didn’t.

 

Lady Bird had many firsts:

  • She was the first to hold the Bible for her husband’s inauguration.
  • She was the first to have a press secretary, Liz Carpenter.
  • She was the first lady to campaign on her own for LBJ.
  • She was the first to take a Whistle Stop tour through the South where he wasn’t popular.

 

Luci on her mom:

“She married a man she adored every day of her life.”

“She had his best interest at heart.”

“She loved him with all her heart.”

 

Lady Bird was a historian and a journalist along with her good friend, Margaret McDermott. In fact, LBJ gave her a video camera allowing Lady Bird to take videos documenting much of their public life.

 

On Lady Bird’s first date with LBJ, he asked her to marry him.

 

Luci remarked, “We used Margaret McDermott’s and Mary McDermott Cook’s names as verbs. You’ve been ‘Margaret McDermotted.’ You knew when they asked you something, the only answer was ‘yes’ because your horizons would be enriched and your life brightened.”

 

In addition to beautification and conservation, Lady Bird was also involved in the arts, water pollution, Ellis Island, but she was instrumental in getting Head Start started. In 1965, Luci began a lifelong commitment to Head Start, where she worked for 20 years. “Kids, given a chance, will succeed.”

 

When asked to be an honorary chair, her mother instilled in her daughters if they could give the three T’s: time, talent and treasure. If you can, then do it with gusto.

 

At the end of Lady Bird’s life, Luci spent six days a week with her, while a niece spent one day a week. Luci talked about how she valued that time of getting to be with her mom who was often helping her father in her early years.

 

After the entertaining discussion with Luci recounting plenty of stories, Jim Ryan, Shirley and Bill McIntyre and Mary McDermott Cook presented Luci with the Great Contributors Award. Luci remarked, “How honored and grateful I am that I’ve been McDermotted. How grateful I am that you’re part of my family.”

 

Special thanks to the sponsors:

Platinum: Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Shirley and Bill McIntyre; The Eugene McDermott Foundation.

 

Gold: Lisa and Mac Tichenor; Tom and Charlene Norris Family Fund; Holly and Tom Mayer & Cindy and Charles Feld.

 

Silver: Nancy Albertini and Steve Metzger; Marilyn Augur; Kathy Bishop; Joe Buskuhl; Robin and Jim Carreker and Patty and Bobby Nail; Cheryl and Steve Coke (in honor of John Dryden); Alfred and Kathryn Gilman Family Giving Fund; Holly and Phillip Huffines; Caroline L. Hunt; Carolyn and William Kelley; Julie Kosnik; Howard Meyers; Gloria and George Tarpley; Charlotte Test; Anne and Walt Waldie; Joan and Alan Walne; Marilyn and Ben Weber; Carolyn Wittenbraker-Arkay Foundation; Lynda and Mark Wolf.

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Greg and Judy Sosbee

Growing up in a gardening family, Judy Sosbee decided to volunteer at the Dallas Arboretum, along with her husband, Greg, during 2020. The Sosbees, who also like to work in their own garden, love indulging their gardening passion at the Arboretum, especially by working with visitors to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.  This fall, they are also co-chairing Autumn at the Arboretum, which runs September 18 to October 31, 2021.

Judy said, “Growing up, we had a backyard greenhouse with orchids, bromeliads and ferns. However, it was Greg who suggested we ‘sign up’ after I told him that the Dallas Arboretum was looking for volunteers for their Holiday Village last year. We enjoyed it so much, we decided volunteering year-round was a great idea.” Since they started volunteering in November 2020, they have clocked more than 600 hours in less than a year.

The Sosbees grew up in Garland, close to the Dallas Arboretum, and met their senior year of high school. Both attended the University of North Texas. After graduation, Judy worked as a kindergarten teacher in Garland ISD for 34 years. Greg worked in risk management, a job that took him around the globe. During their 50-year marriage, their family has grown to include a son, daughter, their spouses and three grandsons—all of whom live in the Dallas area.

At the Dallas Arboretum, they found their special volunteer area at the Children’s Adventure Garden Information Booth. When tram training became available, Greg took advantage of it and now drives a tram talking to the many visitors from around the globe. Judy said, “As a former kindergarten teacher, I enjoy being in the Exploration Center and working with kids firsthand. We also continue to volunteer together at the children’s information booth on busy weekends, and enjoy conducting volunteer training for the Children’s Garden. We are weekly volunteers who seem to always find an additional day to volunteer when help is needed.”

Judy even remarked that she loves when someone recognizes her and says to her, “You were my child’s kindergarten teacher!”  “It makes me happy to get an update on a former student.” Greg has become reacquainted with a former co-worker who also volunteers in the garden.

Greg added, “With the beautiful fall days we have in Dallas, we have a wonderful time enjoying the fresh air and all the miraculous floral and pumpkin displays. Seeing the delight in guests’ faces and enjoying the time spent with other volunteers is a rewarding experience.”

For those interested in volunteering, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/support/volunteer/, email volunteers@dallasarboretum.org or call 214-515-6561. For the latest Autumn at the Arboretum events and activities, visit dallasarboretum.org or the social media channels.

About Autumn at the Arboretum:

Autumn at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, runs from September 18 to October 30 with a “Bugtopia” theme. The 16th annual fall festival features the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village with 20-foot-tall, decorated pumpkin houses created with more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash from the West Texas town of Floydada, which is nicknamed “the pumpkin capital of Texas.”

Autumn at the Arboretum comes alive with larger-than-life insect topiaries, fascinatingly bugged-out pumpkin houses, a maze for younger visitors and even an 18-foot-long dragonfly. Autumn at the Arboretum features breathtaking colors of fall with 150,000 fall flowers—marigolds, chrysanthemums and more throughout the 66-acre garden.

A few highlights:

  • Local popular bands play live music every weekend afternoon during the festival.
  • Seasonal daily samples highlight in-season plants in A Tasteful Place garden.
  • Insect Encounters tent features daily, hands-on experiences such as live insect demonstrations, nature art, expert chats and more.
  • Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays, presented by Kimberly-Clark, includes face painting, stroller fitness, a petting zoo, Kindermusik, a hay bale maze, a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for purchase and music.
  • On Family Fun Weekend, Oct. 9-10, and on Halloweekend, Oct. 30-31, the festival also includes a petting zoo and face painting for children.
  • Arboretum-led walking tours, harvesting and horticulture demonstrations round out the festival.

Guests can also visit A Tasteful Place, a 3.5-acre food, herb and vegetable garden. Weekly activities include free Monday cooking demonstrations with Dallas College Cooks along with activities throughout the week including cooking, floral and horticulture demonstrations, many of which have the “bugtopia” theme incorporated.

In addition to Reliant as the presenting sponsor, other sponsors include Park Place Dealerships, Texas Instruments, Oncor, Kimberly-Clark, C.C. Young Senior Living, Doyle and Associates, Sidley Austin, Bank of Texas and Rexel USA.

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79 Fish Eating Fish Dominic Benhura Springstone

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will host international renowned stone sculptor, Dominic Benhura, from now to June 27 as part of its Summer of Sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt. Benhura will give daily talks at 2 p.m. at The Marketplace (in the garden), and 25 of his exquisite statues will also be on display and are available to purchase.

 

ZimSculpt features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall. ZimSculpt runs through August 8.

 

Known as one of the leading Zimbabwean stone sculptors, Benhura has been sculpting since he was a young boy, learning the skill from his cousin, master sculptor Tapfuman Gutsa. Benhura sold his first piece when he was 12 years old.

 

According to the ZimSculpt website, “He is in a league of his own…His work is bold and daring, and he captures balance and movement both physically and emotionally. His prime motivation is to explore new ideas, concepts, techniques and methods and to express and communicate powerfully simple ideas. Nature, family and the relationships with his children are his main inspiration for his sculptures.”

 

When he became a father, Benhura began sculpting mothers and children interacting, and these are some of his more popular pieces. He said, “These pieces don’t have faces, so they can be from any culture.”

 

Founder of Domnic’s Studio in Harare, Benhura nurtures budding artists, from young children to adults, by mentoring them and providing them work spaces. His sculptures are collected and displayed in gardens and museums around the world including Italy, Belgium, Germany and Zimbabwe. In the U.S., visitors can see his pieces at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Benson Sculpture Garden in Colorado and at the Dallas Children’s Theater. He has done one-man shows and gallery and museums shows internationally.

 

“His hammer and his chisel find the playfulness in stone,” according to TRT World.

 

Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, said, “We are pleased to welcome Dominic and his fine work to the Dallas Arboretum. He’s carved a career in sculpture, and we invite the community to meet him and see his statues.”

 

Visitors may purchase any of the sculptures on display in the garden, as well as the ones created by the onsite artists in The Marketplace, which is located in the Dallas Arboretum’s Pecan Grove. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the sculptures and items in The Marketplace supports the Dallas Arboretum.

 

ZimSculpt is supported in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, The Dallas Mavericks and Texas Telecom Credit Union.

 

Tickets must be pre-purchased online or by calling 214-515-6615. Wearing a face covering is required for all guests 5 years of age while visiting the Dallas Arboretum, unless medically unable to do so.

 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12 and free for Arboretum members and children under two. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $10. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visitwww.dallasarboretum.org.

 

# # #

Videos:

Architectural Digest (Middle East) - article

BBC - 2:35 video

MSN Xinhua News Agency - 2:04 min video

VOA (Voice of America)

VOA (Voice of America) – Reuters article

TRT WORLD (YouTube) - 6 min video 

VOA (Voice Of America) - 1:42 min video (in French)

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Dallas Arboretum Linda Todd, Black Heritage Celebration Chair, Anita Hawkins, Willie Johnson, LeTitia Owens, Janet Jack

To celebrate the Summer of Sculpture exhibition opening with the return of ZimSculpt, a display of Zimbabwean sculpture, the Dallas Arboretum hosts its first ever Black Heritage Celebration on Saturday, May 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The event is free with paid garden admission.

According to Linda Todd, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration committee chair, said, “The Black Heritage Celebration at the Arboretum honors and celebrates diversity by showcasing the work of Black designers, artists, entertainers and vendors as they proudly display, engage with and educate the community of the beauty and inspiration of Black culture.”

She added, “This family friendly day also kicks off the opening weekend of the internationally acclaimed ZimSculpt exhibit that promotes the work of more than 100 Zimbabwean sculptures installed throughout the garden.”

Tying into events surrounding ZimSculpt, the Black Heritage Celebration Day is packed with cooking demonstrations, music, dance and a vendor fair of more than 20 Black-owned businesses showcasing and selling their handiwork.

Schedule:

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Black Owned Businesses Vendor Fair: Visitors are welcome to shop and support these businesses, many of which are small businesses. Vendors include jewelry, clothing, food and more. See below for a complete vendor list.*  (A Tasteful Place, Entry Plaza and Paseo de Flores)

9:30 a.m.–Noon – Various performances by local groups including St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Carter High School Alumni Chorus and Dallas Black Dance Theatre ENCORE (Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn and DeGolyer Pergola)

Noon – Cooking Demonstration with local teen sensation, Kevin the Pie Dude, demonstrating how to make a Key Lime pie. He also sells pies; quantities limited. (A Tasteful Place)

1 p.m. – Crown Jewel Fashion Experience showcases Black designers under the direction of Anita Hawkins, hosted by LeTitia Owens along with Willie Johnson, model fashion guru. (Jonsson Color Garden) 

2-4 p.m. – Don Diego Band plays jazz and R&B (Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn)

*Vendors:

Avery’s Savory Popcorn – Gourmet popcorn

Bishop Arts Theatre Center

The Butter Fairy – Baked Goods 

Cajukiku – Cajun Japanese fusion food

Dawn Franklin Designs – Jewelry 

Design By Society – African-made baskets

Energy Gardens Living Décor – Plants/Terrariums

Froot Kraves – Lemonade

The Good Water – Fruit infused water

Granny’s Scratch Kitchen – Baked goods  

Gyasi Designs – Handcrafted Ghana-inspired bracelets

Honie’s Jewels – Jewelry

ITS Cookies – Cookies

Jamaica Cabana – Jamaican food

Just Good Cajun – Cajun food

KCs Experience - Food

Konjo Beauty – Face masks and beauty  

Milestone Ladies Boutique – Clothing

New Growth Plants – House plants

Parkland Health and Hospital System

Paul Quinn College

The Patio Chic – Lifestyle and patio designer

Pie Crush Bakery – Mini pies

Recipe Oak Cliff – Food

Savhera – Essential oils and jewelry that support human trafficking victims

Antoinette Whittington-Stanton - Mary Kay products

Yatab Mandazi – African beignets

A special thanks to the Black Heritage Committee Members: Linda Todd, Chairperson, Annette Anderson, Dr. Joan Hill, Dr. Jennifer Hills, Ed.D., Marissa Horne, Janet Jack, Katrina Keyes, Willow Sanchez, Kimberly Singleton, Celia Walker, Maurice West.

Honorary Council: Arun Agarwal, Crystal Alexander, Barbara Barbee, Lew Blackburn, Paula Blackmon, Stephanie Calhoun, Calvert Collins-Bratton, Lane Conner, Cherron Covington, Zenetta Drew, The Hon. Dr. Elba Garcia, Gwen and Art George, The Hon. Helen Giddings, Valerie Harris, Maria Hasbany, Anita Hawkins, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, Michael Horne, Darren James, Debra Hunter Johnson, Tammy Johnson, The Hon. Ron Kirk and Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Jeff Kitner, J.J. Koch, Donovan Lewis, Terrence Maiden, Dr. Susan McElroy, Adam Medrano, Sherri Mixon, Fonya Naomi Mondell, Cynthia Nevels, Tara L. Paige, DeMetris Sampson, Amanda Schulz, Bo Slaughter, Frances Smith-Dean, Robb Stewart, Danielle Taylor, Michelle Thomas, Jade Tinner, Clarice Tinsley, Taylor Toynes, Lorena Tule-Romain, Akwete Tyehimba, Patrick Washington, Cheryl Wattley, Carol West, The Hon. Royce West, Dr. Charles and Mitzi Willis, Daniel Wood.

Sponsors: Helena L. Banks, Capital One, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce,  Dallas Weekly, Dr. Cristi Fletcher and Dr. Flaxie Fletcher, DeMetris Sampson, The Dallas Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Dallas Links STEAM Academy, Mary Kay Global Design Studio, Texas Metro News, VisitDallas.

About ZimSculpt:

Running from May 1 to August 8 at the Dallas Arboretum as the Summer of Sculpture exhibition, ZimSculpt, features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.

ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors. Therefore, as part of the exhibit, guests are welcome to watch artists and sculptors Passmore Mupindiko and Brighton Layson demonstrate their artistry daily as they carve statues with chisels, hammers, files and sandpaper.

Visitors may purchase any of the sculptures on display in the garden, as well as the ones created by the onsite artists in The Marketplace, which is located in the Dallas Arboretum’s Pecan Grove. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the sculptures and items in The Marketplace supports the Dallas Arboretum.

ZimSculpt is supported in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

Tickets must be pre-purchased online or by calling 214-515-6615. Wearing a face covering is required for all guests 5 years of age while visiting the Dallas Arboretum, unless medically unable to do so.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. Parking is $10. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

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Jim and Robin Carreker

Friends of the Arboretum, the membership group that supports the Dallas Arboretum, had its annual dinner during the height of Dallas Blooms on March 24. About 250 guests attended and enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Tram drivers gave tours throughout the garden to see the Japanese cherry trees and the 500,000 spring flowers—tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more—that were in full bloom in every color palette.

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman Jim Ryan welcomed and thanked these special friends who provide important financial gifts, especially during last year. Dallas Arboretum Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand gave an update on the state of the garden letting them know that the snow formed a blanket over the spring flowers actually protecting them from the freeze, though tulips do like the cold weather! Then guests had a delicious dinner in one of three places—Rosine Hall, A Tasteful Place and the DeGolyer House—while they visited with one another.

For more information on joining the Friends of the Arboretum, visit dallasarboretum.org or contact Angela Paetzel, Friends Manager, at 214-515-6548 or apaetzel@dallasarboretum.org.