ArtLoveMagic makes its mark in creating a healthy, thriving art scene in Dallas

by Laura Seewoester

ArtLoveMagic is an organization that offers support to the Dallas art scene by connecting people, challenging artists and bridging the gap between artist and spectators. Their shows involve music, poetry and spoken word performances amongst an exhibit where art not only hangs on the wall but is also being created as patrons watch. Everywhere you turn someone is in the midst of the creative process, be it painting, throwing pottery or singing.

Part of the driving force behind ArtLoveMagic is to help new artists gain experience and preparation to become professionals. Additionally, they aim to “tear down the wall between a creator and the spectator.” Every event is live and collaborative, offering new artists a chance to meet with seasoned veterans and giving art lovers and spectators a chance to view the creative process at work.

“ArtLoveMagic is a dream of lifting local art through interactive participatory experiences that are inspired and creative that intentionally mix all kinds of different art forms together,” says co-creator Michael Lagocki.

The History

The organization started about two years ago when David Rodriguez (painter), Michael Lagocki (poet and cartoonist) and Justin Nygren (photography, music, lover of people) shared both their love of art and a frustration with the scene. They all noticed there was a bit of a gap between unestablished artists and the ability to get a show booked. They each knew talented people with little opportunity to move forward with it, so they decided to fill the gap themselves and create a space for artists to work, play and get connected. It started with featuring artists they knew, expanded by word of mouth and Voila! ArtLoveMagic was born.

Their first show was at Janette Kennedy Gallery in the South Side on Lamar and it was an immediate success. The first show drew a large crowd, over 300, that seemingly came out of nowhere. It was such a success that the gallery actually asked them before the end of the night if they would come back. The first year consisted mainly of large shows, with about 200-600 people coming through each event. This past year, ArtLoveMagic has toned some of their events down, hitting area coffee shops and catering to smaller crowds.

Today and Now

If you are an artist in the area interested in getting your name out there, these are the people to get in touch with. Every show, in addition to a celebration of art and creation, operates almost as a networking function. A new artist gets to meet and by default be mentored by artists already “making it,” not to mention hang their work next to that of more experienced artists. Their goal is to make connections and create relationships. ArtLoveMagic also welcomes new artists, that's sort of their bread and butter. They pride themselves on being approachable and easy to work with. ArtLoveMagic is here for you, and happy to help.

ArtLoveMagic also works to help each individual artist grow. “We try and stretch our artists from where they are at and get them to experience new things, whether it's working live in front of audiences or collaborating with other artists in different mediums,” says Rodriguez.

They also coordinate shows with organizations that impact Dallas, such as libraries, schools, etc. so artists can not only express themselves, but make a greater impact in the process.

Next Up

Rodriguez, Lagocki and Nygren have created this wonderful space and atmosphere that perpetuates art and its creation, but they aren't finished. ArtLoveMagic will, in their hopes, remain unpredictable, ever changing and experimental. So what's in store for '09? Definitely not “more of the same.” To start, they are hosting another series at Saxby's in North Dallas (for all you out there stuck in Addison, it's right around the corner). They want to start exploring involving actors, film and dance and basically any art form they have not yet experimented with.

ArtLoveMagic will also receive their 501C3 nonprofit status, so they will be looking for donors and putting all money back towards the community. They are also looking to work with and support larger causes, everything from environmental causes to smaller more personal organizations that help people. They are shooting for the stars to make ArtLoveMagic great for artists and great for the community and the world.

They are also looking to branch out to other city's, first to Fort Worth as well as to other cities that have approached them about possibly replicating the model. They are hoping to eventually help launch other organizations like theirs and then step away so the people can make it their own.

“We love Dallas,” Nygren says. “I personally am very passionate about seeing Dallas have a vibrant art culture that matches Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, because we're here. The people are here, the heart is here but for some reason it just hasn't connected, something hasn't clicked. In a very small way we are making very intentional steps to increase the health of the scene.”

If you're interested in attending one of their shows, sign up for the email burst on their site. Their last show for the year was Nov. 22, but don't worry. They are gonna hit the ground running in 2009 with another show at Janette Kennedy at the end of January.