Weekend arts events in Fort Worth - March 27-29

by Josie Singleton of of Eat This Fort Worth

This weekend is all about the arts in Fort Worth.

Friday, March 27 - Arts Goggle; 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Free

Just about every venue on the near Southside opens its doors to feature art, music, food, jewelry, or just general festivity. In addition to the Magnolia street area the festivities extend to Park Place, South Main, Jennings, College, and Pennsylvania. There will be trolleys and pedicabs available to help get you to each venue.

The brochure and schedule can be found on the Fort Worth South Inc. website. FortWorthology also has details. While you’re in the area try out a new restaurant or just revisit an old favorite. Some of my favorites for a quick bite include Spiral Diner, Yucatan Taco Stand, Benito’s, Junsuree Thai, and King Tut. Nonna Tata, Lili’s Bistro, and Scampi’s are great if you’ve got a little bit more time.

Saturday, March 28

Spring Gallery Night 2009; 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Free

Spring Gallery Night is usually a smaller affair than the Fall Gallery night, it’s a good time nonetheless. Wander from gallery to gallery taking in art and rubbing elbows with other art loving Fort Worth folks.

The Fort Worth Art Dealers Association hosts a fall and spring gallery night every year. The members of the association holding gallery night events are listed in the official Spring Gallery Night Brochure. However, it seems that just about any business from an auto repair place to a dance studio becomes a temporary “gallery” during the event.

If you want to hit most of the galleries and/or museums it’s best to start early in the afternoon. Here’s some of my favorite galleries, that you might want to put on your list.

Studio 5 - Studio 5 is the workspace/living space of local artist Jesse Sierra Hernandez. The old storefront building makes a great gallery space. Gallery night features works by Calvin Abucejo, Greg Bahr, Christopher Blay, Natalia Dominguez, Jesse Sierra Hernandez, James Lassen, and Ray Liberio.

Rebecca Low Sculptural Metal Gallery and Studio - The outdoor sculpture mini garden that complements the wide open light filled gallery make this a worthy visit during the daylight hours. Kids would enjoy the whimsical and oversize sculpture pieces. This gallery is way down west Camp Bowie but worth the trek.

Artspace 111 - This old brick warehouse on the outer fringe of downtown serves as the edgy backdrop to an always interesting collection of art. The current show, American Landscapes: Urban/Rural, showcases many artists. Betty Alcorn, Randy Bacon, Daniel Blagg, Dennis Blagg, Nancy Lamb are just a few of the 24 artists shown, check their website for all the others. The exhibition will be in place until April 18th. After you’ve viewed the art don’t miss the chance to sip some cabernet out on their back patio and stroll through the sculpture garden.

Fort Worth Community Arts Center- This is a large space that is always filled with an eclectic and interesting mix of art. Check out Wall Paper by Kelly Moran in Focus Gallery One; Rosemary Meza-DesPlas: Many Shades of Black/Andrew Ortiz: Sin Palabras in Focus Gallery Two; Outside the Glass Box by SiNiCa; Artspace 111: Selections; Exuberance by Jim Beckman and friends; Eye of the Beholder by Wayne Jarvis; Sidelines by Tom Leininger; Maria Kreyn.

Galerias de la Rosa - Artes de la Rosa - Richard Dominguez shows narrative pieces through the comic book art of El Gato Negro. Pieces from his renowned comic book will be shown.

Gallery 414 - What looks like a house in a neighborhood off of 7th street showcases an always dynamic and edgy collection of art. This gallery is the most indie of the bunch and for that reason one of my favorites. The domestic setting gives the place a house party sort of vibe and I love winding my way through the rooms to see what will surprise me next. he current exhibit titled “Material/Object” features the work of Chris Powell, Fred Spaulding, and Nicholas Wood in a group show.

William Campbell Contemporary - This gallery’s 30 years in existence shows in a consistently impressive selection of works. I always save this gallery as my last stop because I’m always blown away by what they show. This spring’s show by John Holt Smit, Opiates and Oculi, looks intoxicating in it’s precise color patterns applied on aluminum panels.

Put a Cork in It - Wine and art is always a winning pairing. Put a Cork in it will be featuring art from Bob Fox, Oil Based Mono-Type Prints, Doug Maples, Photography and River Jewelry. The tasting/art show is Saturday from 3-9pm.

Make an effort to swing by at least a few of these places especially if you’ve never been to one of these galleries before. This is a non-intimidating way to enjoy the galleries. Add your name to sign up lists at the galleries and you’ll receive invites to future events. Admission is free and there are usually wine and snacks at each venue.

Speaking of food, Fred’s and Winslow’s (Review) will also be showing art. La Familia, Sardine's, and Tokyo Cafe also serve up tasty eats depending on what you’re in the mood for.